THE BEATLES Rubber Soul UK 65 1st Press STEREO EX++

	£		335
	$		444

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment.

Artist or Band: THE BEATLES

Album Title: Rubber Soul.

Producer(s): George Martin.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Drive My Car; Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown); You Won’t See Me; Nowhere Man; Think for Yourself; The Word; Michelle.

Side 2: What Goes On; Girl; I’m Looking Through You; In My Life; Wait; If I Needed Someone; Run for Your Life.

Label/Format: Parlophone – first press format with ‘Sold in the UK’ and ‘Gramophone’ rim text. Side one has the embossed ‘KT’ tax codes which are practically as made (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both very clean, fresh and attractive with only light (or a fraction more) and very light, fine spindle marks and no wear around the hole area. In terms of the massively popular record, these are very light indeed, with so many played literally to destruction. These are all very short and mainly faint, barely any traces go beyond the inner ring circle and no ink has been removed from the surfaces that remain clean and unscuffed with barely any traces at all of any fingermarks or handling. So unusual to see these early Parlophones on this title so clearly little used.

Cat Number: PCS 3075.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 127 grams.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Few Beatles standard issues can ever be deemed rare with a small few exceptions. All sold in vast numbers and most titles can be found without too much effort – even the black and gold ‘Please Please Me’s if really wanted. What makes the difference is condition – as stated above, most were played to destruction on vintage old record players that inflicted groove wear and damage very quickly. Possibly the most loaned and played band of all-time and only small percentages were ever looked after for the long term. Most seen with grubby, badly marked, deeply scratched, greyed vinyl and labels swathed in spindle marks, finger impressions and scuffs. Covers written-on, torn, edge splits, shredded flipbacks, often with chunks missing. The laminate dulled, creased, peeled and the backs more brown that white. Inners missing or in tatters – we have all seen such copies. Very lightly played and more carefully stored examples are far harder to find. Also, in this case being a stereo copy, these are more elusive than the mono versions. In the early to mid-60s, few people owned stereo equipment and the ratio of stereos sold to mono was considerably lower. I am not saying stereo copies are ‘rare’, because using the term correctly, they are not. But for certain, they are less plentiful than the mono version, especially the early pressings. So combine a stereo copy in very fine condition – one with a very clean cover, inner and lightly played record – and one that offers nigh-on pristine sound, these can correctly be stated to be ‘more scarce’ or ‘far less common’. This is simply being honest – ignore all hype about ‘mega rare’ and all that nonsense. Beatles albums are NOT rare, they sold by the millions, so how can they be rare for goodness sake? Collectors are not fools and I will not insult their intelligence by stating otherwise.

Original Year of Release: 1965

Matrix Nos: YEX 178-3 / YEX 179-3

Mothers / Stampers: 1 GD / 1 H [in terms of this record, these first mothers and stampers are very low indeed]

Musicians: John Lennon - lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, six and twelve string acoustic guitars, harmonium, tambourine, cowbell, maracas; Paul McCartney - lead and backing vocals, bass, lead and acoustic guitars, fuzz bass, piano; George Harrison - lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, twelve string electric guitar, sitar, lead and backing vocals; Ringo Starr - drums, tambourine, maracas, lead vocals on ‘What Goes On’, Hammond organ.

Brief Info: Album number six for the world’s most popular band and for me, one of their very best – for many fans and critics, one of the greatest popular music albums in recording history. The album that started the progression from pure pop to more complex music and song structures with greater use more varied instruments, styles and sounds. An absolute masterpiece in sound and content and this superb stereo copy does it nigh-on maximum justice. One that appears on all the available evidence to have been played very modestly and then with the utmost care and never on a mono record player. The cover not quite pristine but exceptional by the standards so many others are seen in. I do not intent tapping out hundreds of words and spaces about this record because most fans and collectors will know more than enough about this evergreen classic already. I prefer to offer more details about the sound and condition of this copy which I feel is far more important.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): a single format with front laminate. This wraps around the closed edges and ends on three external rear flipbacks. This is the true dedicated stereo cover with the PCS 3075 number. It was printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse and has the ‘Patents pending’ text. Includes the tracing paper style inner sleeve.

Lamination & Front: The front is very impressive indeed and grades little short of Mint(-). This has aged little with shiny, fresh and very clear laminate, any friction rubs or dulling is very faint and light indeed. Just a mere hint around the record’s rim shape seen under light that few examples will ever avoid totally. All is fully adhered with no lifts or blisters and the lack of creasing is fantastic news. Just a tiny few hairline traces near the edges and probably the least I have ever seen on this title’s cover. The Fab Fours portraits look fantastic as seen through laminate this clean. Any chipping to the right entrance edge is minuscule and overall, this front sets the bar very high indeed and will take a fair amount of beating.

Cover Back: The back is almost equally impressive, a few small blemishes, sure, but how many will not have any? This is a cover dating back to the mid-60s and for all the reasons outlined above, few avoid major issues. Firstly, the main unprotected back panel: simply, it’s almost as made with barely anything to fault. Still a lovely real white with hardly a mark, rub or crease to be seen. The flipbacks have naturally yellowed a little – well more a palish cream colour really. These are all solid with neat ungrubbied ends and practically devoid of burring. Just a couple of very small ones on the spine edge. The top and bottom left cornertip ends have small creases – at some time, they just lifted and have been (as neatly as possible) re-adhered. They are only tiny indeed and these represent the most noteworthy blemishes on the entire cover, which hopefully reitterates how fine this one is. Stating the obvious, NO writing or press marks on either side, this very careful owner had no intentions of loaning out his records and kept them well protected into six decades and I for one, tip my hat to him for giving this record the due care and attention it merited.

Top Edge: Practically unworn, a tiny chip to the right corner tip.

Bottom Edge: As above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with practically no real wear, feathering and guaranteed untrimmed. This has a more rustic rim in manufacture e.g. the ends are not ultra sharp but these is how these ones were. Beware of razor sharp edges with dead parallel card on front and back, most of these had the edges not dead flush (as these) and the type of card used on this cover were rarely ever precision cut in the factory. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight with minimal compression and with just minor tilt to right (being critical), but absolutely NOT crushed. All text is perfect and unworn under the solid and uncracked laminate and this remains very white, fresh, smooth with no scuffs. The same goes for the top and bottom edges too.

Corners: Any chipping to the spine pair are tiny and faint. The right pair both have small tip chips, again few will avoid this at the very least. With so many seen gnarled, bent, eroded and creased, it simply puts these neat four into true context. All retain excellent shape (or better).

Cover Summary: A very strong all-round example of this massively famous mid-60’s cover, one that could prove very difficult to find much better. This beautiful item should please many, if not most collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(+): only very slightly aged with minor darkening. A very fragile format inner with the tracing paper style lining that is fully intact, solid and incredibly neat, as seen through two very crisp window circles. The front has ‘372’ written neatly on the left corner – probably an identification code by the original retailer. Two neat corner creases, these often made to hold the record inside and stop it accidentally falling out – a common practice of the time. Barely any other creases and no edge splits or repairs. This delicate inner is simply in superb condition for it’s vintage, type and housing a popular album all these years.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(+) / EXCELLENT(++): in real terms, this hardly does this splendid record full justice. A super visual copy that is very clean, fresh, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence with any surface marks few, mostly light and faint. Just one more evident one on side one, but with NO SOUND. Visually a super record that should please many, if not most collectors again.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This superb stereo cut record plays even above it’s high visual grading with practically nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Another master-class in production by Martin, the stereo imagery is simply fantastic. I usually state on my Beatles’ listings, almost every album they made includes one ‘difficult’ song. On this one without doubt it’s ‘Michelle’. The inner-most band on side one and on the most critical tracking area where the angle becomes more crucial. How many old record players were set-up with protractors to get that angle correct for precise and accurate tracking? So very few copies will ever play this hugely testing track well. Most rife with crackle and often distortion as those old (often blunt) stylus ground their way into the sensitive groove walls. Along with ‘Yesterday’ (‘Help’) and ‘She’s Leaving Home’ (‘Pepper’), this is one of the most intolerant tracks on any Beatles’ album. On compilations, it usually plays fine with no issues, but on ‘Rubber Soul’, possibly due to it’s position on the record, it rarely plays well. I am delighted to say, ‘Michelle’ plays superbly on this record, as does all the other songs. Paul’s vocal is simply precise, clear and unclipped – the most beautiful of songs sounding little short of pristine – please, never take that for granted – I have so very rarely heard this song sound quite this clean on this particular album. The play-grade was a revelation in clean sound and detail and no digital formats will ever match or better the real thing. I love the stereo Beatles albums (both modes essential of course). When produced by the genius George Martin who would expect anything less than perfection? Equally skillfully engineered and mixed by Norman Smith. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and no pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing as most Beatles albums were when made. Only excessive use, abuse and poor handling ruined their wonderful clean sound. Few copies will outperform this early pressing significantly I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been clearly well stored and carefully handled, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy could prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £10. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £14. Add £4 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.