PINK FLOYD "PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN" TOP 1st UK MONO

	£		511
	$		677

On sale here is a hugely early UK  pressing of Pink Floyds 1967 debut album "The piper at the gates of dawn". 

This album is the original very first pressing in glorious mono. This is a very different mix to the later issued stereo version and there are some strong differences between the two. Pressed on a real heavyweight slab of vinyl, this has the blue and black Colmbia "magic notes" labels.

Most importantly, this has the very first matrix numbers. This also has the very first mothers, "1" to both sides. Also this has very early single figure stampers. These are "M" or "H" to side 1. I honestly cannot tell, even with a magnifying glass, which letter it is. My gut feeling is it will be "H", but whichever, it is a mighty early pressing. The stamper on side 2 is "L". That puts this album somewhere around the 2000th to come off the press. This can only enhance the beautiful sound quality.

This is a more detailed description of its parts:-

The cover is the original front laminated Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd one. This is date coded "6709" (September 1967). There is NO storage wear to any edges or spine (which is perfectly readable). The top right front corner has 3 or 4 light creases to the laminate. These do not show through inside the cover. They are very light. The extreme tips of the 2 leading corners have some minimal colour loss. The rear flipback is in great shape. The flipbacks are fully intact. The large grey area is the cleanest I have seen. This is so prone to getting very dirty. Has the "File under pop" credit, top right. Quite the best cover overall I have come across. I grade the cover a comfortable excellent. (EX).

The inner sleeve is the company advertising original one. This advertises 16 other albums of the era on each side. These include "Both sides of hermans hermits" and the like. This is in fantastic condition, without any edge or seam damage. The only faults are some very light age discolouration and a little wrinkle at the bottom. A superb example and confidently graded as excellent. (EX).

The labels and vinyl visually are in superb condition. Both labels show a handful of spindle marks, indicating little use in its 44 year life. The spindle marks seem to show that side 1 was played more often. The vinyl has a rich deep lustre. It is a sensational looking piece. There is only 1 mark that is worthy of note. This is on side 1, about halfway through the side. This is very light and has no depth. It is just a superficial light line and makes NO difference at all to the audio quality. On a purely visual basis, the vinyl grades (easily) as excellent plus. (EX+).

Audio performance is absolute top drawer. There is really nothing of note. This is a really well cared for album and it shows. There is hardly any background noise at all. I have NEVER heard a copy of "Piper" play as well as this one. All the depth and power of the mono recording is there to be enjoyed. The clarity and fidelity is very top end. I find it hard to believe a better playing copy exists. I have no hesitation in grading the sound quality as excellent plus (EX+).

This is one extremely rare album to find in this kind of condition. I heartily recommend it as one that would grace ANY collection. Don't miss this rare chance.

I have estimated the cost for overseas postage at £13, to include "signed for" delivery. (please note that due to the expected sale price this may reach, I highly recommend paying for insurance, which would be extra). This will vary by country of destination, so is going to be accuratly found after the sale. The estimated cost is a maximum figure. Postage within mainland UK is estimated at £2.75 (insurance extra). If the actual cost is less I will (as I always have done) refund every penny over the true cost. I do not profit on postage.