JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, ELECTRIC LADYLAND 1968 UK TRACK DOUBLE TRUE 1st PRESS

JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, ELECTRIC LADYLAND 1968 UK TRACK DOUBLE TRUE 1st PRESS

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During this time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet.

Before we go any further, it's important to dispel the myth that the earliest first press sleeves of Electric Ladyland had the track-listing text in blue print and larger photos of Mitch and Noel, which has somehow become accepted as fact according to many Ebay sellers. These sleeves are most definitely not the earliest first issues. They were actually a printing error which occurred some time after the initial release. For an enlightened view please check out the information at:
https://recordmecca.com/news/jimi-hendrixs-electric-ladyland-final-word-first-pressings-blue-type-hype/

Now that I've got that out of the way!

On offer here is an exceptional copy of the iconic double album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience titled "Electric Ladyland", Catalogue Number 613008/09. It's a 1968 UK stereo first pressing on the Track Record label, with an Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. fully-laminated gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct plain white poly-lined inner sleeves.

This wonderful copy has all of the features of a true first press copy released on 16th October 1968:
*The sleeve track-listing printed in white text and small pictures of Mitch and Noel inside the opening gatefold
*Upside down catalogue numbers and no "2 Record Set" text on the record labels
*The earliest corrected matrix numbers
*The original soundscape mix

The record matrix numbers and mother stampers are:

Side A: 61300##[8] A//1    1   3    ?

Side D: 61300##[8] B//1     1    5   9?
Side B: 61300[#9 A#] //1    1   6     9
Side C: [613009 B] ######## A//1    1    ?   9
Letters and numbers in square brackets are hand etched not stamped.

The infamous naked ladies sleeve is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with just light signs of wear and some creases to the laminate. The front and back covers are unmarked and the opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is in excellent shape. It's a very presentable example of this most iconic of covers with no significant issues.

The solidly-pressed records retain their original deep mirror-like shine and rotate evenly on the turntable. Visually both records are in EX condition with only a few cosmetic sleeve-removal type surface marks, in addition to what I believe to be a few rub type surface marks from wayward spindle placement on Sides B and C. These are only evident under bright light and are purely superficial, having no impact whatsoever on the audio playback. The matt black Track labels are unmarked with only a modest number of short spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear to the spindle holes. It is clear that the records have not been played very many times. All 4 sides play excellently throughout with no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The sound quality is truly sensational - very powerful and dynamic with lots of wonderful guitar effects. There are no loud pops, repeat ticks or anything else to spoil the listening experience. It really is a top-playing copy which will be difficult to improve upon.
 

The original matching "British Patent No..." white poly-lined inner sleeves are in very nice condition with no splits ot tears.

Overall this is a magnificent and complete first press copy of Hendrix's masterwork which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 linear-tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-30 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £10.50

Worldwide - £13.50