Low-Number Original UK MONO Beatles White Album LP

$

133

It’s a pleasure to offer this fine example of the much-sought-after MONO original U.K. pressing of the Beatles’ legendary “White Album”, Apple PMC 7067/8. The set includes the top-opening gatefold sleeve, which bears the very low number 23240; both black inners; the poster; and a near-complete set of photos.

The G&L top-opener sleeve is quite nice, ranging from VG to VG+ condition. Like virtually all these original sleeves, it has taken on a slight yellow tint, but is better than many I’ve encountered. There are a few light creases and the occasional spot in the laminate, which has also lifted slightly around the embossed lettering but is otherwise tight on the major surfaces. The extra-low No. 0023240 impression has faded somewhat, but is far more clear than it appears in the photos. The back face is completely blank (no mono or stereo text in the corner). There is a minor disc impression to both front and back.

The laminate has peeled from the spine along about 2/3 of its length and the corresponding subsurface shows wear; the text is partially visible under the laminate segment that remains. The inside surfaces have yellowed to the same minor degree as the outer faces, with just a little brown-spotting in the spine crease. Flipbacks are clean and solid. The opening edges are really very nice, straight and sharp with very minimal feathering and/or thumb wear.

The poster is slightly rumpled in spots and is separating along some of the creases for a few inches; but otherwise it’s in excellent shape with bright colors and very little yellowing. Three of the four large UK-format Beatle portraits are present (JL has gone walkabout); Paul and George are in excellent condition; Ringo has two tears which are cellotaped on the back.

Both black inners are present, in remarkably good condition in terms of creases, tears, and folds. There is some opening-edge feathering and splits along the other edges, but these are nonetheless pretty nice overall compared to many with which I’ve dealt. (The discs are in separate poly sleeves.)

The discs are 1st pressings on thick, heavy vinyl with the classically beautiful dark green Apple labels. Both are tagged with the “Sold in the U.K...” text and *without* “An EMI Recording”. There is no writing on either, although minor spindle marks can be seen under bright light. Some spindle hole wear is evident. Side 3 is embossed with the KT tax code; disc 1 is not. Visually under raking light, the surfaces appear a bit spotty with a few scuffs, but they certainly do not appear scratched up. They could probably do with a proper cleaning (I only did a cursory one). A critical play-grade with a Stanton 681 cartridge & headphones: Disc 1 has just a little background crackle, but no skips or even major pops. Clear, rich, delightful sound throughout! VG+ overall. Side 3 is likewise but for a brief, strangely worn groove in “Mother Nature’s Son”; Side 4 varies from VG+ to NM, with a few audible scuffs in Honey Pie, occasional light transient noises elsewhere and some unusual distortion in “Good Night”.

There you have it - a very low-numbered copy of an increasingly rare version of a classic LP, complete except for JL’s photo and easily in VG+ overall condition. Please e-mail if you have any questions. I prefer domestic payment by PayPal but also accept check, cash or M.O.; international payment by PayPal or USD M.O. only. Checks require 10 days to clear. Winning bidder to pay domestic shipping to be determined at end of auction; I ship USPS Priority unless requested otherwise (typically $5.85 to around $7.00). International shipping to be determined. Insurance extra if desired. PLEASE NOTE: The LP will be packed well to survive shipping, but insurance is nonetheless recommended as I cannot be responsible for damage during shipment. I reserve the right to re-sell if payment is not received within 10 days of end of auction, and to reject bids from members with less than 10 feedbacks and any significant negative feedback. Thanks for bidding!