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 a lovely 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 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 are:

Side A: 61300##[8] A//1

Side D: 61300##[8] B//1
Side B: 61300[#9 A#] //1 
Side C: [613009 B] ######## A//1 
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 wear, a few minor creases near the edges and some storage wear to the left side bottom edge. The front and back covers are unmarked and the opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is solid with just a short wear mark near the bottom (see close-up photo). Overall it's a very presentable example of this most iconic of covers with no significant issues.

The solidly-pressed records rotate evenly on the turntable. Sides A, B and D are in VG+ condition with just a few superficial sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks evident when angled against bright light. Side C I would grade as being VG, as there is a more noticeable rub type surface mark (see close-up photo), in addition to a short, light stylus scratch at the start of Track 3, and a stylus wear mark between Tracks 2 and 3 which causes a single second of audio interference. The sleeve-removal/rub type marks referred to above are purely superficial and do not have any impact on the audio playback (including the one shown in the second to last photo). The matt black Track labels are unmarked with just spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle holes. Both records play excellently with very little lessening in sound quality and a minimum of unwanted noise. The short stylus scratch referred to above causes a soft tick for a few revolutions from the start of Track 3 (it is genuinely soft and not intrusive). The sound quality is truly sensational - very powerful and dynamic with lots of wonderful guitar effects. Please don't be put off by the minor defects described above. It really is a very nice copy which plays to a very high standard.
 

The "British Patent No..." white poly-lined inner sleeves have some creases and age discoloration but no splits or tears.

Overall this is a lovely 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 - £14.50