NEIL YOUNG, AFTER THE GOLDRUSH, 1970 UK RSLP*1st PRESS*

	£		26
	$		34

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a superb example of the iconic album by NEIL YOUNG titled “AFTER THE GOLDRUSH”, Catalogue Number RSLP 6383. This is a 1970 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the REPRISE RECORD LABEL, with the EARLIEST A1/B1 MATRIX NUMBERS, 1st ISSUE MacNEILL PRESS SLEEVE, and complete with the LARGE FOLD-OUT LYRIC INSERT. The labels carry the text “A Warner Bros. Records U.S.A. Recording” which only genuine 1st issue labels have.

The un-laminated thick card gatefold sleeve, printed and made by MacNeill Press Ltd., London, is in EXCELLENT CONDITION. The sleeve is still nice and rigid and shows very little loss of condition. The front and back covers are unmarked. There are just a few tiny creases near the edges. The opening gatefold spread is near perfect. The top and bottom edges show light rubbing from storage. The opening edges are in excellent shape with only very light signs of use. The corners are still fairly square with just a little rubbing evident at the tips. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. There are no rips, stickers or writing. Overall, a very well preserved 1st issue sleeve!

The record is very solidly pressed – a beautiful Reprise 1st press heavyweight! It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable.

The matrix numbers and stampers are:

Side 1:  RSLP 6383 A1 - *H      K      1

Side 2:  RSLP 6383 B1 - *H      M(or W)   1

Visually there are just very light surface marks evident under bright light (mostly from taking the record in and out of the inner sleeves). These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. There is just one tiny stylus mark on Track 2 of Side 1 which causes 3 clicks. Visually, I would grade Side 1 as EX- and Side 2 as EX. The BEAUTIFUL TAN STEAMBOAT REPRISE LABELS are unmarked apart from a few spindle traces near the centres. This copy has definitely not been overplayed.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant Stereo recording. The 1st press mix is quite different to that of later pressings and sounds sensational played at loud volume. Later pressings lack the impact of the 1st press originals. The amazing sounds that emanate from these 1st Press grooves are very special – and this is a top-playing copy!! Both sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR and no discernable deterioration in sound quality. Several of the tracks have quiet introductions and passages which can easily be spoiled by excessive surface sound. Not on this copy – all play beautifully, with very low levels of unwanted noise (just occasional light surface sound which is never intrusive). A better playing copy may be very difficult to find!!

The large fold-out LYRIC INSERT is in EXCELLENT CONDITION. It has the correct RSLP number in the bottom right corner, which confirms the 1st issue status.

Complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve, which has square-cut opening edges. This is in very good condition with no splits or tears, just light creasing and minor age discoloration. “U.K. Patent No…” and “Foreign Patents Pending” are printed in blue text at the bottom (confirming a correct 1st issue sleeve).

COMPLETE FIRST PRESSINGS OF AFTER THE GOLDRUSH WITH A SLEEVE OF THIS QUALITY AND NEAR PERFECT PLAYBACK ARE IMPOSSIBLY HARD TO FIND - DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.