ROLLING STONES Beggars Banquet 6A/2A 1st Mono PRESS Ex COVER & Superb AUDIO

	£		204
	$		270

I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid / decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale.  No shipping to Russia currently.
The Rolling Stones : Beggars Banquet 6A / 2A 1st Mono Press 1968
This very collectable mono pressing is one of the early first press variations and it plays with superb audio.  There are no ticks, clicks, pops or static and the only intrusion is some 'tinny' distortion mainly on the last track of each side.  This is a common feature on this album and really cannot be avoided!  It's just the way it was 'made'.  If anything it adds to that raw Stones sound and like I say there is no actual interference.  The vinyl itself is in excellent order with only a couple of small marks on S1 and it has not been overplayed.
The laminated cover is in excellent condition with only a little wear and there is nothing that stands out.  The original inner sleeve is in superb shape.
LK 4955 //  XARL-8476-6A / XARL-8477-2A // GG 1 / UA 1
The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T4 Near Mint / T5 ranges between Ex+ & Near Mint)  
The audio on S2 is Near Mint (T1 Mint- / T3 & T5 range between Ex+ & Near Mint)
The 'mono' gatefold is Ex
The inner sleeve is Near Mint-
The labels are Near Mint
Visual description
The vinyl still holds a strong glossy sheen and under a bright light I can only see a couple of small obvious hairline marks on S1.  Aside from that there are some other ultra faint hairline but this is all superficial as they have no impact on the audio.  There are no scratches.  The unboxed red Decca labels have no marking or writing and only a little spindle wear.  The JT tax stamp can clearly be seen on both run out grooves. 
Play grading
The run in on S1 has barely any background and then the classic intro on 'Sympathy For The Devil' plays with sublime precision as does Jagger's first vocal section.  From then on the sonic quality is just as strong and there is no interference to be heard.  Richards' mid solo plays perfectly and the remainder has no intrusion either.  This is a superb start to the album, it could not play any better.  You can hear each subtle nuance, you miss nothing and even the long fade out is as clean as the day it was released.  A remarkable Mint version.
The acoustic / slide guitar intro on 'No Expectations' plays beautifully with not so much as a dust tick and the opening vocal is on the same level.  It continues in the same way - Jagger's vocal is so clear and again every section plays with such clinical precision.  Perhaps a hint of hardly noticeable distortion on a couple of words so I will say Mint- but in all honesty I do not think it could play any better.
'Dear Doctor' plays to the same high end standard with no interference.  As any Stones aficionado knows this album is very susceptible to a 'tinny' distortion sound but there is barely any here.  Another Mint- track.
The intro on 'Parachute Woman' plays to perfection and Jagger's opening vocal is close to that.  The 'tinny' sound is a little more obvious but in a way it shouldn't be downgraded as a result as it's just the way it was produced / manufactured.  The track plays with very strong audio and there are no ticks, clicks, pops or static.  Near Mint
The intro and first verse on 'Jig-Saw Puzzle' play with great clarity and the first chorus has no intrusion either.  The next verse is again so impressive with hardly any of the 'tinny' sound that's always associated with this track.  It is a little more obvious during the first instrumental section but it's certainly not overpowering and the next verse actually plays very clearly.  As it progresses the distortion 'sound' is more prevalent, you kind of expect it but don't get me wrong it is still eminently playable and the end instrumental is actually very impressive.  Again should I downgrade it as a result of the aforementioned issues?  There is no other intrusion and for example you can easily hear every note of Hopkins piano.  This fade out plays perfectly also.  I will say it grades between Ex+ and Near Mint
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Street Fighting Man' plays with supreme quality from the very first note.  The intro and opening vocal section play with real; power and depth and that defining raw Stones 'sound'.  It continues to play with great quality and if there is any vocal distortion it is kept to an absolute minimum.  The end instrumental is superb.  Mint-
'Prodigal Son' has no intrusion apart from a little vocal distortion but again it is so so minimal.  This mono record is being played through a stereo set up so I'm sure the audio could be enhanced.  Near Mint
The dead wax between the tracks is totally silent and then the intro on 'Stray Cat Blues' has no background.  The opening vocal plays very clearly and the first powerful chorus has just a little distortion.  You can still play it loud without having to turn it down immediately!  The quieter section towards the end plays with wonderful clarity and the closing instrumental is superb!  And again no background on the fade out.  Another track ranging between Ex+ and Near Mint
'Factory Girl' plays with genuine quality through every vocal and instrumental section.  There is barely any distortion and Near Mint is deserved here.
The acoustic intro on 'Salt Of The Earth' plays with sublime clarity and the opening vocal is equal to that.  The following brief instrumental is faultless and the next vocal is very clean also.  As it continues you do notice a little of the ubiquitous distortion that you just cannot escape from with this track.  I repeat this mono record is renown for it and I am just being 100% honest with my description.  In my opinion it could hardly play any better and there are no ticks, clicks, pops or static.  It plays powerfully and the closing instrumental section is actually very impressive.  You can easily blast this section 'loud' without it affecting the audio quality!  Yep another Ex+ to Near Mint version.
The 'Mono' Gatefold & Inner Sleeve
The cover is in excellent condition with only a little shelf wear and for once the spine is intact!  The edges are incredibly clean and the spine is still 100% legible but is compressed / indented in some areas which is common.  All corners are in excellent order with only minimal wear and the opening edge has barely any handling wear.  The front cover has just one minor 'nick' near the bottom right corner, a couple of faint laminate creases and a handful of small edge creases next to the spine.  The back cover is in lovely condition with no obvious wear and the inside of the gatefold is stunning.  A fine example of this iconic cover.
The original inner sleeve (dated 3 - 68) is in superb condition with no side splits or tears, no marking and only minimal creasing.
LK 4955 //  XARL-8476-6A / XARL-8477-2A // GG 1 / UA 1
Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT VM-95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B & W 684 Speakers
This record has been cleaned on my Pro-Ject VC-S Machine

I grade according to Record Collector Guidelines

Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback
THIS IS WHAT A SELLER SHOULD BE LIKE ON HIGH END VINYL! Exactly as described if not better ! I could not be a happier customer .. well packed for international flight .. and shipped and received very fast .. No worries here this guy is the tops

GREAT AS DESCRIBED BEST SELLR OF ALL THE UK PEOPLE AND I HAVE BOUGHT FROM ALL OF THEM

Beautiful record as described, fast safe delivery, top seller. Cheers Steve.

Another fantastic LP from this seller - condition exactly as shown and the audio as described! Fast delivery, vinyl properly and carefully packed. Very highly recommended A++++

Another stunning LP from this very reliable and helpful seller.

Very quick delivery. Album exactly as described. Excellent packaging. Once again all perfect. Thanks!!!

Great item and seller (no.1), many thanks from ITALY !!!!!!!!!!!

Fantastic! Record as Described! Excellent Packaging and Fast Overseas Shipping!

One of the best on Ebay!

Another amazing record from this exceptional seller. Absolutely delighted!

Great seller and great vinyl record, professionally packaged. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and will certainly buy again!

Postage and Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £12.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £22.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!