ROLLING STONES STICKY FINGERS EXCEPTIONAL MINT- 1971 UK COC 1st ISSUE C/W INSERT

ROLLING STONES STICKY FINGERS EXCEPTIONAL MINT- 1971 UK COC 1st ISSUE C/W INSERT

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During this time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet.

On offer here is a magnificent copy of The Rolling Stones' iconic studio alblum titled "Sticky Fingers", Catalogue Number COC 59100. It's a 1971 UK stereo first issue on the Rolling Stones Records Label, with the iconic Andy Warhol designed zip sleeve. It comes complete with its original photo/credits insert, printed in England by Richard Davis Ltd.

It is well documented that first issues of Sticky Fingers suffered badly from inherent pops and ticks due to quality control issues and the over-use of mother stampers. I can vouch for this as I have owned many copies over the years and have only found one example which plays with a background of virtual silence: the example offered for sale here!
[The sleeve is the earliest UK design with a small zip pull. The record matrix numbers are Side One: COC 59100 A3 (stamped) and Side Two: COC.59100.B-5 (etched). "T.M.L. ROLLING STONES RECORDS" is etched in the run-out of Side One. The record labels have "A PROMOTONE N.V. RECORD" text. The photo/credits insert is made from thick card].

The sleeve is in EX condition with just very light signs of wear and a few minor creases. It has the small first issue zip pull. The front and back covers are unmarked. There are a few indentation marks in the centre of the back cover which were probably caused by the zip pull on an adjacent sleeve during the initial distribution. The belt flap area has just a couple of tiny creases above the belt buckle. The spine (with crimped ends) is solid with perfect text. Overall it's a beautifully preserved example of this iconic sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record retains its just-pressed shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually it is in MINT- condition with just a few wispy sleeve-removal type surface marks which are only evident when angled against bright light. The record is completely free from surface marks caused by pressure from the zip pull during storage because it has always been stored in an anti-static sleeve within its inner sleeve outside of the outer zip sleeve. The yellow Rolling Stones Records labels are like new with no obvious spindle traces. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. I can confirm that the record has only received a few careful plays. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and a background of virtual silence. There are no loud pops, repeat ticks or anything else to spoil the listening experience. I've listened to many different versions of Sticky Fingers and consider the original first issue mix to be the best - it's raw and vibrant with great bass and just sounds great to my ears. You can keep the re-mastered re-issues!

The photo/credits insert, printed in England by Richard Davis Ltd. is in unmarked EX condition with just a couple of tiny creases near one corner.

Overall this is a truly wonderful first issue of arguably The Stones' most accomplished album from their golden 1968-72 period which plays perfectly. It will make a fine addition to any record collection. It's the best copy that I've ever owned and I doubt that I'll ever find another one that even comes close. I appreciate that £325 is a strong price for this album, but original pressings of Sticky Fingers which play flawlessly are almost impossible to find!

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is 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 and virtually no discernible 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.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

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 - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.00