PINK FLOYD Dark Side of the Moon - RARE UK 1st Press LP

	£		511
	$		677

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options.

Artist or Band: PINK FLOYD

Album Title: The Dark Side of the Moon.

Producer(s): Pink Floyd.

Engineer(s): Alan Parsons.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Speak to Me; Breathe in the Air; On the Run; Time; The Great Gig in the Sky.

Side 2: Money; Us and Them; Any Colour You Like; Brain Damage; Eclipse.

Label/Format: Harvest – the elusive and very rare first issue format with the pale blue triangle with white edges. (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: Both very clean, fresh and attractive. Spindle marks are around moderate but quite fine so they hardly show with normal viewing but do under angled light. This copy was owned from new by just the one person who clearly played the record several times (but show didn’t, let’s be honest). But the big difference is, this was played very carefully on top quality equipment so the record still offers sublime sound that no other pressing on the planet has ever matched or beaten. Several ‘audiophile’ pressings have been made in the States and Japan, but for me, there is, and will never be any better way to experience this massive progressive masterpiece than on a UK first pressing.

Cat Number: SHVL 804.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 142 grams. these genuine first issues are heavier than most-all subsequent issues, although the first ‘second’ pressings are often very close.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity & What’s Included: The album itself is common, and that’s simply being honest. This album has sold in excess of 15,0000,000 copies (and rising all the time), by any standards a phenomenal number – hasten to add quickly, not all this vast number would have been on vinyl and this is worldwide figure, so not all UK copies either. The very first pressing with the solid pale blue triangle label is very scarce only available for a relatively short time before the label design changed to the more familiar dark blue format. The first pressings before massive mass-production were cleaner and offer the best available sound quality, that if not subjected to harsh treating, heavy tracking records players from yesteryear. Can I may it very clear, this record has been played a number of times but VERY carefully, hence the playing surfaces, now fast approaching forty, have little more than ultra fine and faint surface marks that few records will ever avoid if they have been handled and enjoyed. Now the only slight reservation I have about this super copy is the cover: it is a known fact the first issues are supposed to have the less black cover that has a slightly blue-black tinge rather than intense black. Also the left edge should be factory closed and folded, not cut. Well this cover fits the bill bar that edge that has been machine trimmed but IS closed. The colour and general look looks right to me and the only owner said it was the cover that came with the record. Now we all know abnomalies do happen and not everything is as straightforward as text books or ‘experts’ state. Covers got used and reprinted but still some included first format records and even vice-versa. I an NOT definitively saying this cover is correct for what is certainly a first issue record (that cannot be disputed of course as the label is unique). I can only take the word of the owner and I simply explain what is here in front of me. Hand on heart, I have not, and never would swap any cover without informing on the listing – indeed if I wanted to swap the cover, I would have chosen a near mint replacement, not one that has a little wear and blemishing. With the higher mother and stamper codes, this is not the earliest of the ‘first pressings’, so I am wondering if the cover may have been a later style type that simply came with thisi copy. Whatever, I am simply offering this complete package EXACTLY as I bought it from the owner who said he purchased it from new – and of that fact, I have few doubts. So make your own choice regarding this cover that is fully explained further down. This includes the two correct ‘Permanent’ backed stickers, two matt posters and the polylined inner black inner with the double pale blue patent numbers are seen in close-up. The cover has aged a little but little else has and the record give a STUNNING performance with barely anything unwanted. Arguably the greatest progressive album ever made and it totally blew me away. I played this at a time when at home alone with my only neighbour at work, so it could be played at higher volume and enjoyed, given full concentration whilst doing nothing else by listening. These come along all too infrequently in near top playing conditions, most ruined by overuse and abuse on less than worthy equipment. Still for me, the ultimate audiophile test piece and even today, still used to test the very best high fidelity equipment. A contender for the greatest album of all time, the sales figures do not lie and this masterwork refuses to age. The only question you have to ask yourself is: ‘is my system up to the ultimate challenge?’.

Original Year of Release: March 1973

Matrix Nos: SHVL 804 A-2 / SHVL 804 B-2

Stamper Codes: 2 OD / 2 H

Musicians: Dave Gilmour – Roger Waters – Roger Wright – Nick Mason. Guest Vocalists/Voices: Barry St John, Dick Parry, Doris Troy, Claire Torry, Liza Stuke, Lesley Duncan.

Brief Artist & Album Info: Along with King Crimson’s masterful debut, this must rank as the greatest ‘Progressive Rock’ album ever issued. When seen on the very first label style as a recognised ‘first pressing’, you know you are looking at something extra special. Only one in many thousands will be a pale blue original. Any interested collector will know all about this album I feel certain with little or no introductions needed. A monumental issue that sold in massive numbers worldwide, and even today, this legendary record is still used as a reference test for hi-fi systems. The sound and production is definitive and will make any worthy system really excel with incredible details and dynamics. I play a copy of this album on average 4 to 5 times a year from different sources and I never tire of hearing again. This album really did bring Pink Floyd even more to the public’s attention and sales of their past and future albums were assured thereafter. I would imagine the majority of rock vinyl collectors will have a copy of this one but those who do need the almost legendary pale blue label first issue, well this is worthy of consideration. A very fine, solid copy, the format for the cover is the only real issue, I am pretty sure it’s authentic for this copy, but it does NOT have the folded left edge as many experts suggest it should, but it is factory closed. For any younger collector who wants to discover what vinyl has to offer, this too would be a wonderful place to start. This has long remained, and will always will be, one of my personal favourite albums ever – a true landmark recording in the history of rock music and first issues are really extra special.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: High for all the obvious reasons.

Cover Grade and Format: VERY GOOD: an unlaminated gatefold format with matt finish, this has the left edge closed but machine cut, hence showing a white edge. PLEASE be aware of this detail. It includes the original large sticker on the front and (to me) appears lighter than later ones that were a much deeper black. Does this have the blue tinge or hue to the paler, more deep grey-black? well possibly, unless you do direct comparisons it’s a little hard to say for sure. This example was printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. The inside has the early reference to cassette and cartridge availability, both now defunct formats, the cartridges especially.

Cover Front: The front for this somewhat unforgiving cover has only light traces of rubbing but does have a moderate press mark near the bottom left corner area, but this scuff type mark has NOT removed any ink so it has only modest visibility. Light and fine surface marks are seen more under light but this has barely any creases at all and the sticker is in superb condition and has never been removed or picked at, hence the circle rim is crisp and ultra sharp. Without doubt, this cover is old but I cannot state definitively it came with the rest of the contents, but if I had to be on it and could prove it, I would feel quite confident it did – and I do not doubt the original owner’s honesty either. You decide.

Cover Back: The back has only light rubbing around the thick record’s rim, mostly near top and bottom but short of full-blown ringwear. So many are very badly affects by that, but this has only the very beginnings of. Again any overall rubbing is light and any creasing few and very light. A few marks seen under light and overall, both sides are very respectable.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Little to fault here and both faces look really nice with any blemishes minor.

Top Edges: Barely rubbed and both very neat.

Bottom Edges: Very light rubbing near the right corner area, little else.

Right Edge(s), and Type: The back opening edge is very neat, crisp and sharp. The front edge is sealed in manufacture but has been machine cut with a white edge showing. Most ‘experts’ say this should be folded under and for sure I have seen a few of these too. So I state again, according to the text books and ‘experts’, this is not correct for this first issue record. But I have stated my case above, you decide for yourself. It’s neat overall with just the odd small burr on the front.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight, uncompressed and square, both right edges meet up fairly closely together and parallel. No text was printed on this spine and all the artwork is pretty much unworn and looks lovely – any rubbing very faint indeed. It’s unusual to find this cover spine with such little wear or damage, this too will be hard to find much better.

Corners: Light tip rubs or mild fades is the least that can be expected realistically on a cover that has clearly been handled and ‘used’. That said, any wear is mild indeed and very fine shape is retained.

Cover Summary: A very solid excellent example of this famous cover. Perfect examples may exist but are very hard to find. A very good example that is highly respectable, whether it’s right or not for this record, well I am still uncertain. It looks right but I will let any interested collector decide – the only issue I feel is that front edge. I am simply stating what is front of me, I can do no more. Conditionwise, not the highly discerning, but many collectors will be more than happy with it – the rest of the set more than compensates for any modest wear and uncertainty.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(+): the matt black, soft paper inner retains it’s polylining which remains solid and very clear as seen through two near pristine crisp, neat circle windows. It has record impression but barely any creasing and all edges secure. No wooliness, again this often gets that and no tears bigger than a tiny nick. It has the two pale blue patent numbers of: 1126655 and 1072844. Even under a magnifying glass, these are not crystal clear, but these are my best interpretation. Overall this fragile inner sleeve is in super condition and really does look attractive.

The Posters: MINT(-): not sure where the minus is really, but I rarely state anything is ‘perfect’. Both unmounted and quite possibly hardly even unfolded until I checked and photographed them. They have a matt finish with very white and clean backs with no toning, splits or tears. The folds as crisp as when made and finding them much better will prove incredibly difficult. Although these came with all copies, so many were wall-mounted, torn and discarded, not so many available copies include all four inserts these days.

The Stickers: MINT & EXCELLENT(+): one has some fine crease the bottom edge (the paler one). These have the ‘Permanent’ text and ‘Crack Back’ patented lined backs as seen on my photograph. Both are clean and the backing fully intact. These have not been peeled or used and the fronts are both clean and fresh. The mild creasing caused probaly by getting caught in the cover fold, again this is so common on these.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT: even though the moderate spindle marks may indicate several plays, this classic first format record still merits an excellent grading. Any surface marks are very faint indeed and it has NO penetrating scratches or marks. Not bad at all for such a popular album and one pressed so early with that famous blue triangle label. A very fine visual copy that is very clean, shiny, intense black and quite heavily pressed with a more substantial pressing weight than most subsequent examples. Remember, this was issued at the time of the great oil shortage where recycled and thin vinyl was more the norm. So first issues are beyond special and these early copies, like so many other albums, have that little bit of extra sound fidelity the connoisseurs so enjoy and desire. Visually a super record that should please many, if not most collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This astonishing piece of vinyl history gives a stunning account of itself and remains one of the most exciting 40 odd minutes ever cut to a long-playing record. The only light surface sound noted (very briefly) was (somewhat predictably I guess) at the very start as the heartbeat fades in. This being minor and brief and then high fidelity nirvana. Absolute silence is probably almost unrealistic on a such a popular album where most were played to distruction on often less that worthy equipment. The heartbeat intro and outro are ultra difficult and most will have some minor (or not so minor) surface sound, clicks or crackle. This has a little mild but brief surface sound near the very beginning of side one but quite honestly most will have – thereafter, this record plays beautifully with little else unwanted. When played at volume, that heartbeat when at it’s loudest can actually rattle the windows and even the house foundations. It has incredible deep sound and resonance that is simply not quite present on the CD versions. There are NO groovewear distortions and most plays very quietly indeed. A highly complex recording with immense dynamics and details, stunning stereo imagery and pure quality music that will really sort out the less than worthy systems. A record also highly intolerant of needle abuse or overplaying on heavy armed turntables, clearly this copy has avoided that. Just looking at the record’s complex groove patterns will tell any ‘vinyl-reader’ this is a phenomenal recording and those jagged grooves can and do easily damage if not treated with utmost respect. Hence any used copy played on a quality system is essential and getting them is not quite so easy as you may think. When acquired, modern, lightweight and ultra-fine stylii cause little to no wear to records and quite honestly, its pretty difficult to even think about wearing out any record these days (unless played about ten times a day for a year). I am more than familiar with the sound of this album and know most all of the notes in my head already. Its a roller-coaster ride of mega-fidelity sound and pure musical genius. Blistering peaks of high and low frequency sound, technical perfection, excitement and sheer wonderful entertainment. An album that opened many eyes and ears and introduced many to the earlier Pink Floyd catalogue and progressive rock in general. It helped stimulate the sales of better quality hi-fi systems too – and yes this got me hooked VERY fast. In my teenage years and into my twenties, I did not spend my spare money on cars, I bought and upgraded my stereo systems up to a full active Linn and Naim setup that cost me a vast sum. Albums like this made it all worthwhile and the sheer drama and details embedded into a first issue of this groundbreaking masterwork are beyond words – just listen for yourself. This is a splendid looking record that I feel very sure will thrill many but ‘silence’ from a vinyl copy is a near impossible ask – but this gives an outstanding account of itself. If clinical silence is mandatory, well the CD version will give you that but only the vinyl still gives that definitive and sonic accuracy of the original mastertape. Indeed this record takes you into the recording studio itself and offers the definitive sound the band wanted it too. With the complete package on offer, it’s a fine all-round example that should please most collectors and music lovers – my only minor reservation is the cover the rest is superb – any doubts, do not bid – you decide.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.