THE BEATLES, PLEASE PLEASE ME, SUPERB 1963 UK PARLOPHONE MONO 4th PRESS

THE BEATLES, PLEASE PLEASE ME, SUPERB 1963 UK PARLOPHONE MONO 4th PRESS

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During that 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 superb copy of The Beatles' iconic studio album titled Please Please Me, Catalogue Number PMC 1202. It's a 1963 mono 4th pressing on the Parlophone record label, with a front-laminated "Patents pending" Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. front-laminated flipback sleeve. It comes complete with the correct white lined "Emitex" inner sleeve. [It is estimated that around 25,000 4th pressings of Please Please Me were pressed in the summer of 1963. The front cover of the sleeve has the "A" of Angus printed underneath the second "s" in the word "songs" in the album title and the large "mono" in the top right corner.  The record labels have "PARLOPHONE" and "RECORDING FIRST PUBLISHED 1963" text. They do not have the "SOLD IN U.K..." text. The record matrix numbers are XEX-421-1N and XEX-422-1N. The K T Tax Code is embossed either side of the Side 2 spindle hole].

The sleeve is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest signs of wear and a few tiny creases near the edges. There is some foxing to the unlaminated back panel. The front and back covers are otherwise unmarked. The spine is in excellent shape with all text clear. It's a very presentable example of this iconic sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly-pressed record is in EX condition. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks and a single slightly feelable hairline on Side 1. These are only superficial and do not have any impact whatsoever on the audio playback. The Parlophone labels are unmarked with only a moderate number of spindle traces near the centres. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops, repeat clicks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is exceptional - very dynamic and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to an early mono pressing of Please Please Me and I had forgotten how wonderful they can sound. Audiowise it's a near flawless copy which will be almost impossible to improve upon.

The original "Emitex" inner sleeve has a short tear near one centre cut-out, and a few tiny foxing spots.  
 

Overall this is a superb 4th pressing of one of The Beatles' most iconic albums which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

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 - £8.50

Worldwide - £12.50