Split Enz Mental Notes ORIG UK Chrysalis PROMO PACK POSTER PHOTOS ETC

	£		124
	$		164

ULTRA RARE, Original U.K. 1976 Green Label Chrysalis Records L.P. pressing of Split Enz ‘Mental Notes’ included as part of a bumper Chrysalis promotion pack (Catalogue Reference: Chrysalis Records CHR 1131).  The vinyl pressing is the standard U.K. pressing stored inside a relatively thick card, gatefold sleeve which is itself stored in a thick gatefold outer sleeve which just reads ‘Split Enz’ and has a marble-link print.  As well as the standard U.K. pressing the other items including inside the pack include a large Split Enz ‘Mental Notes’ publicity poster, a three page Chrysalis press release which is stapled together and two publicity photos which indicate they were taken in June 1976.  Clearly, this presentation pack was pressed-up to publicise the band’s first album on Chrysalis.  I can’t imagine they pressed-up more than double figures of this promotional pack and certainly not many seem to have come to market.  The condition of the items within the set is variable (I will go into greater detail below) however, this is a rare opportunity to own what I would guess to be a complete promotional pack.  I wonder how many have survived?

CONDITION: FAIR/VG (VINYL) / EX (GATEFOLD SLEEVE) / VG (PROMO OUTER SLEEVE) / EX (PROMO POSTER) / EX (PRESS RELEASE) / EX+ (PROMO PHOTOS): The vinyl is graded FAIR/VG due to a nasty mark on the last track on Side One (‘Sweet Dreams’) which has likely been caused by the vinyl falling on the spindle.  It measures about 15 millimetres.  Only part of the mark can be felt but it will clearly sound upon playback.  If it wasn’t for this mark the vinyl would be VG+/EX.  It has clearly seen a lot of play but rather surprisingly retains a decent sheen and isn’t covered in marks.  My perspective is that this is the easiest part of the package to replace and in a sense it isn’t really what is important here.  The gatefold sleeve is relatively crisp.  The top left-hand corner has received a reasonably substantial knock.  As is often the case with these promotional packs the outer sleeve displays a reasonable volume of wear.  There is substantial wear along the spine including a large hole which I have captured in the attached images (note that this hole hasn’t meant that the spine of the record sleeve has also been damaged - it hasn’t).  It is clear that the spine didn’t actually say anything and the only word are ‘Split Enz’ on the front (although ‘Chrysalis Records & Tapes’ is written inside).  Fraying is evident around the edges and the set was clearly sealed by cellotape at some point (which is evident on both the front and back).  The poster is unusused (i.e. hasn’t been attached to a wall).  When viewed under an intense light a limited volume of tiny bends are visible where the poster has been handled an bent around someone’s fingertips.  Limited brown, fingerprint marks are also visible on the white rear.  Similar minor flaws are also evident on the press release.  The promotional photos have clealy not been handled much and are very crisp.  I note an odd brown stain.  This is a very rare item!

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

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