THE BEATLES ABBEY ROAD UK APPLE COMPLETE EARLY ORIGINAL

	£		27
	$		36

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: ABBEY ROAD

Rarity: RARE WITH THESE EARLY MOTHERS & STAMPERS AND IN THIS EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION - Released 23 September 1969, almost immediately made its UK chart debut at #1, stayed there for 17 weeks and spent a total of 92 weeks in the charts, so there were a lot sold. From the outset, as with all Beatles albums, there was never any doubt that the demand was going to be massive so the initial production arrangements were geared up accordingly and consequently there were many ‘first press, early issues’. However, for a number of reasons a relatively small quantity of the earlier examples are RARE and the VERY EARLY UK PRESS variants like this are VERY RARE. The degree of rarity can be broadly determined by the number of characteristics an album has from the following list.

1.)   The matrices, machine stamped in the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on side 1 are YEX 749-2 and on side 2 are YEX 750-1.

2.)   The vinyl weight of the earlier pressings was generally in the range 140-155 grammes.

3.)   Earlier pressings have the ‘Dark Green’ apple logo on the side 1 label.

4.)   The earlier pressings do NOT have ‘Her Majesty’ track title listed on side 2 label or cover although it is recorded on the vinyl, later issues have it listed as the last track on side 2 - which it is - (originally referred to by some as ‘the hidden track’)

5.)   The earlier first issues had black inner sleeves with a single side die cut ‘window’, but also a relatively small number of early pressings were issued with white EMI Company inners.

6.)   The early issues all had a fully laminated Garrod & Lofthouse single slip cover.

7.)   On some of the earlier first issue covers the green apple logo is misaligned on the back cover, it is left of side 1 track titles, soon after production commenced this logo was aligned with side 1 track titles. This was the first feature to be changed and then for a short time only all items 1-6 existed, as with this second variant album. The other changes followed quite quickly so there are thought to be relatively few of the first two variants.

In the case of this album it has all characteristics, except no.7 - the misaligned apple on the back cover - which makes it a RARE VARIANT especially in this condition. Add to all of this the fact that if you do find one it’s likely to have been played a lot - often on old style record players with the inevitable ‘blunt styli’ groove wear and therefore in generally poor condition - WHEREAS THIS ONE is in completely EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION with LOVELY APPLE LABELS AND FIRST MATRICES, EARLY MOTHERS & VERY EARLY STAMPERS ON A SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL and you have one of the RAREST AND MOST COLLECTABLE BEATLES ABBEY ROAD VARIANTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM FIRST PRESS & EARLY ISSUE
• FIRST MATRICES, VERY EARLY MOTHERS & EARLY STAMPERS
• A SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL DARK APPLE GREEN / WHITE LABELS NEAR MINT
• ORIGINAL UK G&L FULLY LAMINATED COVER EXCELLENT PLUS
• ORIGINAL EMI WHITE WINDOWLESS PRINTED COMPANY INNER
• EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND SUCH A LOVELY ORIGINAL WITH ALL OF THESE OUTSTANDING CREDENTIALS

Artiste(s): THE BEATLES - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO (this album was only produced in the stereo format as it was considered technically more suitable for the type of material. Also, it was the first time they had recorded a complete album using an 8 track tape machine which improved mixing and enabled better separation of the drums. It was also the first album to be recorded and mixed using a solid state sound board).

Record label: ORIGINAL DARK APPLE GREEN SIDE 1 & WHITE SIDE 2 LABELS WITH BLACK TEXT.

Catalogue Number: PMC 7088

Country of manufacture and first published date: Mfd. In U.K. 1969

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     YEX 749-2

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     YEX 750-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:    4    TG (stamper 91)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:    1    LD (stamper 80)

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic side 1:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic side 2:  none visible

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: COME TOGETHER / SOMETHING / MAXWELL’S SILVER HAMMER / OH! DARLING / OCTOPUS’S GARDEN / I WANT YOU (SHE’S SO HEAVY) / SIDE 2: HERE COMES THE SUN / BECAUSE / YOU NEVER GIVE ME YOUR MONEY / SUN KING / MEAN MR. MUSTARD / POLYTHENE PAM / SHE CAME IN THROUGH THE BATHROOM WINDOW / GOLDEN SLUMBERS / CARRY THAT WEIGHT / THE END

My opinion & summary of condition: I’m not going to engage readers in my opinion about The Beatles or this album as it’s a real collectors piece and you wouldn’t be reading the listing if you didn’t know what you were looking for; so apart from to mention that I think it’s a unique and superb album I will just concentrate on summary of condition. This is in every way an EXTREMELY RARE AND EXCELLENT TO PLUS example of THE UK ORIGINAL ABBEY ROAD - the details, and justification for this statement, are clearly set out above. The fully laminated single slip cover is outstanding for its age, rarely have I seen a better one - some tiny short and light superficial surface creases, but less than you may expect. All edges are clean with just a small dent in the front leading – and the corners are near perfect apart from a tiny bump bottom right but no damage. The spine is almost as new – one of the best I have ever seen. The very impressive HEAVY VINYL looks and feels lovely both sides with just a few noticeable bag movement lines but they are superficial, have no tangible depth, no significant audio consequence and do not affect play in any way. Overall this is a complete and genuine first press collector’s piece worth a place in any collection.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface lines and some small surface marks, a few are slightly more noticeable, not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface lines and some small surface marks, a few are slightly more noticeable, not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light spindle lines on the surface close to the spindle hole but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 2: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light spindle lines on the surface close to the spindle hole but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT PLUS, the superb original classic fully laminated single slip cover ‘Printed by Garrod & Lofthouse International Ltd’ of mid-weight card construction. Some light superficial surface creasing front and back towards the spine and leading edge where the vinyl enters which is hard to see, a small dent on the front leading edge, a little bump on the bottom right corner and faint opaque mark on the front top left corner. Slight and very light surface rubbing which is hard to see - only visible in certain reflected light conditions when held at a particular angle. Overall may well deserve a near mint grade but please take a careful look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS, almost as new, clean, clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeve: NEAR EXCELLENT - standard white paper windowless EMI Company inner with two black print boxes top and bottom on the front containing ‘Care Of Your Record’ information and ‘Important Notice’ regarding copyright, respectively. The inner is fully intact and in good order, no seam splits or damage, just slight discolouration with age.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 156 grammes (an amazing APPLE heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT TO PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: IN MY OPINION, LIKE THEIR PARLOPHONE LABEL PREDECESSORS, THESE EARLY APPLE PRESSINGS ARE AMONGST THE BEST FOR DELIVERY OF AUDIO AND THIS ONE IS WELL UP TO THE VERY HIGH STANDARDS I EXPECT. THE ONLY REASON THAT I AM STEPPING BACK FROM A NEAR MINT GRADING IS BECAUSE THERE IS A TINY AMOUNT OF UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND - BUT IN ANY EVENT IT’S NOT SIGNIFICANT AND OTHERWISE THIS VINYL PRODUCES A UNIQUELY BRILLIANT AUDIO PERFORMANCE. THE STYLUS LANDS SOFTLY ON THE LEAD IN WITH JUST SOME LIGHT CRACKLES WHICH QUICKLY GIVE WAY TO THE MUSIC AND A POWERFUL STEREO SOUND. VISUALLY THE VINYL HAS ONLY A FEW MINOR SURFACE BLEMISHES, CLEARLY IT HAS HAD VERY LITTLE USE OVER THE YEARS. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR A RANDOM SOFT TICK. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL FULL BODIED, ABSOLUTELY CRYSTAL CLEAR AND BRILLIANT, THE BEATLES AT THEIR AUDIO BEST.

Other: Genuinely excellent original examples of this variant, with all these distinctive features, are few and far between and becoming harder to find by the day.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.