THE BEATLES, SGT PEPPER'S LONELY...SUPERB 1967 UK PARLOPHONE MONO 1st PRESS

THE BEATLES, SGT PEPPER'S LONELY...SUPERB 1967 UK PARLOPHONE MONO 1st 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 concept album titled  Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Catalogue Number PMC 7027. It's a 1967 UK mono first pressing on the Parlophone record label, with a first issue Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. fully laminated wide-spine gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct Sgt. Pepper cut-out insert and the red & white "Fool" inner sleeve. [The Parlophone record labels have "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD..." and "SOLD IN U.K...." text. The record matrix numbers are the earliest XEX 637-1 and XEX 638-1. The mother and stamper codes are 3 GG and 1 L on Sides 1 and 2 respectively. The KT tax code designation is embossed either side of the spindle hole on the Side 1 label. The Sgt. Pepper cut-out insert is made from thick card].

The gatefold sleeve is in EX condition with only light signs of wear and a few minor creases near the edges. The front and back covers and the opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The internal flipbacks along the top edges are pristine. The 8mm wide-spine is square and solid with perfect text. It's a lovely example which should satisfy most collectors. 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 couple of light surface marks evident on Side 1 when angled under bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any affect whatsoever on the music playback. The yellow and black Parlophone labels are unmarked with only a moderate number of short spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play EX+/MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops, intrusive crackle or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is nothing short of sensational - massively powerful and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to a mono first pressing of Sgt. Pepper's and I had forgotten how wonderful they can sound. It really is a top-playing copy in every respect.

The Sgt. Pepper cut-out insert is in unmarked EX condition. There are faint glue residue spots near the corners on the back from previous wall display.

The red & white "Fool" inner sleeve has a few age discoloration marks and a single crease across one corner. It is otherwise in very nice condition with no splits or tears.
 

Overall this is a magnificent mono first pressing of The Beatles' most iconic album which will make a fine addition to any record collection. I'm lost for superlatives to describe the audio - it's truly staggering!

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 - £11.50