PINK FLOYD, DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, MINT-1973 UK HARVEST
£
180
$
239
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Description
From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional MINT- example of the iconic studio album by PINK FLOYD titled “THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON”, Catalogue Number SHVL 804. This is an ORIGINAL 1973 UK STEREO PRESSING on the HARVEST RECORD LABEL, with a stunning 1st issue DARK BLUE GARROD & LOFTHOUSE LTD. gatefold sleeve. Complete with the original 2 fold-out posters, 2 stickers and the correct black poly-lined inner sleeve. [The sleeve is the earliest possible 1st issue which is dark blue in colour and factory sealed on the left side. The matrix numbers are very early SHVL 804 A-3 and SHVL 804 B-2. The blue outline triangle labels have "THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD…" text around the tops which is a feature of the solid blue triangle A-2/B-2 pressings. It is widely believed that A-3/B-3 are the 2nd press matrix numbers. Virtually all of these A-3/B-3 pressings have the later "EMI RECORDS LTD..." text around the tops of the record labels. The A-3/B-2 copy offered for auction here is therefore quite a rarity - especially in true MINT- condition].
The sleeve is in EX+ condition with barely any wear and no creasing. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid and perfect. There is just a touch of ringwear on the back cover but this is minimal.
The vinyl is in MINT- condition. It’s a nice mid-weight pressing with a tapered rim edge. I have owned this record from new and can confirm that it has only received a few careful plays. The labels show no obvious spindle traces and there is no wear to the spindle hole. The sound quality of this A-3/B-2 pressing is simply sensational - very powerful, vibrant and crystal clear. Both sides play stone cold MINT throughout. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. Lead-in and linking grooves play with near silence and the quiet passages are completely free of unwanted surface sound. Even the delicate heartbeat sounds at the start and the end of the album play with virtually zero background residual surface sound. I think that it will be just about impossible to find another A-3/B-2 copy of this standard.
The 2 first issue fold-out posters are both in unmarked EX+ condition.
The 2 first issue stickers are also in unmarked EX+ condition (these have "PERMANENT" printed on the reverse).
The black poly-lined inner sleeve is also in unmarked EX+ condition. This has the "PATENT Nos…" and "MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN" text in grey print at the bottom.
Overall this is a magnificent and complete A-3/B-2 copy of Pink Floyd's iconic masterpiece with unsurpassable audio playback.
GRADINGS
The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are 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 which do not sound, and barely any discernable 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.
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 - £9.95
Worldwide - £13.30
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