Ummagumma

This stunning mega early pressing does not have the EMI logos and it also has the misspelling of 'Gand' on the S4 label which has a rare single stamper.  The audio, as detailed below, plays to a superb standard.

SHDW 1/2 // A-1 / B-2 / A-1 / B-3 // MG 2 / MH 4 / MP 2 / A 1

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (majority is Mint-)

The audio on S2 is Near Mint

The audio on S3 is Mint- (majority is Mint)

The audio on S4 is Mint- (majority is Mint / 'Part 2' of track 2 is Ex+)

The laminated gatefold is Ex+

The labels are Near Mint

The inner sleeves are Ex

Visual grading

This is the 'cleanest' version of this double LP I have seen for years.  They both still have a fantastic glossy sheen and there are no scratches at all.  In fact I can only detect one small hairline on S3 but apart from that they are visually stunning as is the audio!  There is not that much spindle wear.  Whilst they have been played each vinyl has been so incredibly well preserved down the years thus explaining how they have retained their superb clarity and depth.  They also have mega clean labels and run out grooves.

Play grading  

'Astronomy Domine' has only minimal static on the quiet intro.  This is a rarity for the first few grooves to play so clearly on a record of this age.  From that point on the audio is superb and there was not a single click or pop.  The clarity is stunning and the quiet sections play with impeccable quality.  The long instrumental in the mid section is a case in point.  So quiet and yet it plays superbly and is Mint- for certain.  It plays with fantastic quality to the end with no distortion and just no interference whatsoever.  Wow what a version!  The super quiet intro on 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene' is another example of an album so beautifully preserved.  I could not believe the clarity and it basically plays 'as new'!  It is exceptional and there is no intrusive 'background' of any kind. Audio does not get any clearer than this!  It continues in the same fashion and again there is no distortion on the top end which is impressive when you consider the decibel level in many sections.  The quiet end section has two dull clicks but apart from that plays very clearly with barely any static.

'Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun' on S2 has a little static on the intro and a couple of light clicks.  Thereafter the music plays very clearly but there is some light static here and there, no loud clicks or pops though.  As it builds the depth and power of the music is stunning and there is no interference.  It plays incredibly well.  The following mega quiet section plays with wonderful quality and only a little static towards the end.  A very impressive version overall when you consider how quiet it is.  'A Saucerful Of Secrets' plays with very clear audio from the first groove and with very little static.  You always expect some 'background' on vinyl that is nearly 50 years of age, that is a given with this medium, but it is minimal here.  This opening section plays with great clarity for the vast majority, just a couple of light clicks.  The passage leading up to the drums is stunning and if anything then gets better, the clarity and power is absolutely breathtaking!  I am pleased to say this fantastic quality does not diminish and to the very end the audio is quite simply astounding.  There is nothing intrusive and the 'vocal' ending is perfect.  Just turn it up, you can really immerse yourself in the music, and it seems like you are there!  There is just no distortion, totally amazing!  I have never heard a cleaner, more powerful version.  

The intro on 'Part 1' of 'Sysyphus' plays very clearly with only a minimal amount of light static in the background here and there.  The first piano piece plays in impeccable style and dare I say is as good 'as new'.  The clarity is astonishing and there is no intrusive interference at all.  I have no hesitation in grading 'Part 2' as Mint the audio is immaculate.  'Part 3' is almost equal to that high standard, almost!  It is so quiet and yet there is only a mild hint of 'background' static and easily grades as Near Mint in my opinion.  No clicks or pops anywhere!  'Part 4' begins in impressive style with hardly any distortion on the first loud 'note'.  Following that there is one static sound and the clarity from then on is stunning.  Even the super loud middle section plays with no obvious distortion, a rarity when you consider the high pitched decibel level!  It plays without fault to the end.  The delicate 'Grantchester Meadows' just has to be heard to be believed!  The mega quiet intro is without the 'cleanest' I have ever heard with no 'background' at all - has this vinyl ever been played?!  The birdsong and bees 'play' with perfect precision!  As the vocal begins there is no decrease in quality and apart from a couple of static sounds this is of Mint quality throughout.  I just cannot stress enough just how superbly well it plays, and to think this is a first pressing!  'Several Species...' ends the side with fantastic quality yet again.  Perhaps not everyone's favourite 'song' but it plays with incredible clarity and sonic quality nonetheless.  wonderful audio overall and barely any 'background'.

'Part 1' of 'The Narrow Way' on S4 is another prime example of a beautifully preserved vinyl.  From the first note to the last the clarity is exceptional and it plays with Mint quality.  'Part 2' has a minimal touch of light static on the intro but it is totally non-intrusive.  Suffice to say it then plays perfectly and with no obvious 'background'.  'Part 3' again plays with sublime audio and once more there are no clicks, pops or crackle.  At my most critical there is just the odd static 'tick' on the intro but they are so quiet and only what you expect on vinyl.  You can get it on new vinyl and this is almost 50!  I would say this is the most impressive version I have heard in many a year and the more you get 'into it' the more you realise just how immaculate the audio is.  As the volume increases the depth and definition is absolutely stunning!  Wow it is fantastic and plays 'as new' and even the long fade out plays perfectly.  There is a little static on the 'Part 1' intro of 'The Grand Vizier's Garden Party' but it only lasts a few seconds and the remainder plays nigh on perfectly.  'Part 2' has just a touch more static but still plays extremely well and the clarity is very impressive, just one click literally at the end.  It is such a quiet section so any 'background' is easily picked up.  'Part 3' is stunning from the word go and there is no 'background' here, the playback is astounding!  This is so rare on this track as one, it is very quiet and two, it is a final track and they often have some interference.  The drums play with such power and even the end flute section plays very clearly.

In summary this is a final upgrade archive double album I am confident in saying.  The clarity and sonic quality on both LPs is of the highest quality and there is barely any interference and certainly none that is intrusive.  It is patently obvious that the vinyls have been hardly played and this is borne out in the minimal amount of spindle wear.  So much is 'as new' and I have honestly not heard this album play with such stunning quality in a long time.  Together with a very impressive gatefold this would add to any collection.   

The Gatefold

The E.J. Day laminated gatefold is in excellent condition with minor shelf wear only.  The edges are in superb order with no rubbing/marks and the spine remains 100% legible with only one crease line.  The corners have only a very small amount of wear and the opening edges have hardly any handling wear and are in great condition.  The laminate on both the front and back cover has no splitting or lifting and only a small number of faint creases around the edges, a common occurrence.  The inside of the gatefold is in fantastic shape with no marking at all.  'London' is spelt correctly on the back of the cover.

Inner sleeves

The plain white die-cut poly-lined inner sleeves have the Patent numbers of the left hand side and 'Made In Great Britain' on the right.  They have no splits but do have some creasing.

The labels

The yellow/green harvest as stated do not have the EMI logos as per the first and second pressings and S4 has the misspelling 'The Gand...'.  They are in superb shape with no marking/writing and only a minimal amount of spindle wear.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

The records have been professionally cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

SHDW 1/2 // A-1 / B-2 / A-1 / B-3 // MG 2 / MH 4 / MP 2 / A 1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SHIPPING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00. PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE. WHEN ITEMS EXCEED A SALE PRICE OF £50.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT INTERNATIONALLY TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY PLUS INSURANCE AND THIS COSTS AN EXTRA £7.50 IN TOTAL.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE, MANY THANKS.

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