I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.

The Beatles : Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 1/1 1st Stereo Press (Complete) 1967

This first stereo pressing plays to the highest standard possible and I cannot overstate just how immaculate the audio is.  It may be a well worn phrase of mine but I do not think I have ever listened to a cleaner more precise copy version than this.  The clarity of sound is first and foremost the most impressive feature but the depth and power of the audio is stunning also.  It is often said the mono recording has a greater depth and warmth but because this stereo vinyl is so clean the depth here is outstanding.

One classic example of this clarity is on 'She's Leaving Home'.  It is so often impacted by static / distortion but this is without doubt the cleanest version I have ever heard.  Both sides play with no clicks or pops and no background static either and in fact the only background is 3/4 dull statics on the final piano note on 'A Day In The Life' but in saying that this long 'fade out' is still so clean.  As you can see I have only graded two tracks as Mint- all the rest deserve a Mint grade I am certain of that.  It is a FINAL UPGRADE archive version with a sonic quality that is breathtaking from start to finish.  Wow!  The vinyl is in lovely condition also but I guess that won't come as a surprise!

The laminated G & L cover has been so well preserved and for once the spine is in great condition.  It has retained its original shape and structure perfectly and really has no obvious wear.  The original red 'fool' inner has no side splits and only a couple of small issues as described below.  The cut out insert is in perfect shape.

PCS 7027 // YEX 637 - 1  GRA 3   ---   YEX 638 - 1  MRG 33

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The gatefold is Near Mint-

The cut out insert is Mint

The red 'fool' inner sleeve is Ex- (no splits!)

The labels are Near Mint-

Visual description

The vinyl is in beautiful condition and still has an lovely jet-black glossy sheen with no marks or scratches.  All I can see under a bright light are a small number of very faint hairlines and there is nothing that stands out.  There is no groove or surface wear, no dulling of the surface and the run out grooves are very clean also.  The yellow / black Parlophone labels are unmarked aside from a few longish spindle traces on S2 and only 3/4 on S1.  The KT tax code can clearly be seen on the S1 label.

Play grading  

The 'audience' intro on 'Sgt. Pepper's...' is nigh on perfect with just one very quiet static at the start and as music begins the playback is so strong and clear.  McCartney's opening vocal section is indeed perfect and the orchestral bridge again has no intrusion.  The first chorus is crystal clear and it continues to play with impeccable quality and already you can tell this record has been so well preserved.  Easily a Mint start to the album.

The segue into 'With A Little Help From My Friends' is so clean and Starr's first verse and chorus are on the same level.  As it progresses what really strikes me is the sheer clarity of sound, it truly is an exceptional version.  Of course the stereo and mono versions have many differences but this has to be the 'cleanest' version I have ever heard.  Every section plays with incredible clarity and definition and Mint is 100% deserved.

The intro on 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' has none of the static distortion you so often find and Lennon's opening vocal section is just as impressive.  Once again the clarity of sound is so obvious!  The first chorus is so well defined without any distortion and the next verse has no ticks, clicks, pops or static - crystal clear in other words.  The next chorus is as strong as is the first - so much so that you can hear every subtle nuance in the music.  Harrison's Indian inspired tambura sound is 'as new' and the remainder is of the same high end standard.  The fade out has no background and this is another Mint track for sure.  The playback is phenomenal!

Harrison's familiar staccato intro on 'Getting Better' rarely has no static distortion and the opening vocal section plays without fault.  The standard does not drop as it progresses and again there is nothing to detract from the overall sound.  This track is never really known for it's depth or warmth but sonically it could not be any stronger and even the staccato fade out is superb.  Mint

The harpsichord intro on 'Fixing A Hole' plays perfectly and the first vocal is equally as good.  It continues as per the preceding tracks with a clarity of sound which is off the scale!  The previous owner certainly knew how to look after his records!  The instrumental passage is so strong and clear and the final vocal has no background either including the fade out.  Dare I say another Mint track.

What follows is one of the finest versions of 'She's Leaving Home' that I have ever heard.  In fact it might be at the top of the tree!  It is so often affected by static distortion on the vocal but there is none of that here.  There are a couple of very quiet statics on the first vocal but seriously I cannot overstate just how well this track plays.  The clarity and definition really stand out, you really could not wish to find a cleaner more precise version.  Let's say Mint-

'Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite' completes the side with... phenomenal quality.  Lennon's vocal so often plays with some inner groove distortion but not here, absolutely zero!  And the instrumental sections are out of this world!  I mean if you win this just listen carefully to the wurlitzer passages.  I've never heard clarity like it!  I don't even think a minus is required so I'm going to say Mint such is the quality of the audio.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

'Within You Without You' with its strong Indian theme plays with stunning precision throughout every vocal and instrumental section.  The clarity and depth is incredible and the heavy bass sound is very much in evidence.  Harrison's vocal is so clean and the long mid instrumental is 'as new' I cannot describe it any other way but then that applies to every section really!  Sometimes words are not enough!  The final verse is perfect and this has to be the most 'complete' version I have heard in years.  Even the end laughter 'plays' perfectly!  Mint

The intro on 'When I'm Sixty-Four' has no background and the opening vocal is equal to that.  It continues to play without any background and again the clarity and depth is outstanding.  Not one static and certainly no clicks or pops just pure unadulterated Mint audio from start to finish.

One thing I have found with this first stereo pressing is just how loud it plays and 'Lovely Rita' is no exception.  The overall sound is fantastic - clean and powerful with zero distortion.  There's so much going on musically and yet sonically it is so impressive and especially on such a clean vinyl like this.  Martin's piano 'sound' really stands out for example.  Mint

The farmyard intro on 'Good Morning, Good Morning' is more or less perfect with only a couple of barely audible statics and there is for once no static distortion.  The first vocal is flawless and from then on there is no decrease in quality.  McCartney's brief solos again play so clearly with no distortion (rare!) and the vocal 'sound' is stunning also.  The farmyard outro has no interference and this again deserves a Mint grade.  Wow!

The countdown into 'Sgt. Pepper's reprise...' is flawless and whilst the powerful intro may not have the same depth as compared to the mono version it still plays with sensational quality.  The vocal section is superb and the stereo sound is still strong and deep with zero intrusion.  So powerful and yet no distortion.  Mint all the way.

The segue into 'A Day In The Life' is perfect and the acoustic / piano intro is just as strong.  Lennon's opening vocal is as clean as a recently pressed vinyl and the first crescendo piece builds in superb fashion with no interference or distortion.  The next vocal from McCartney is just as impressive and the orchestra section then plays with impeccable quality.  This section often has a 'muddied' sound quality but not here.  Lennon's final vocal keeps up the good work and the end crescendo completes this classic with tremendous power and definition and... no distortion.  The brief pause is totally silent and the extended piano note remarkably has barely any background, a handful of very quiet statics that is all.  It has to be the cleanest finish I have ever experienced!  The 'nonsense' ending in the locked groove at the end of the run off has no interference either!  I will grade this as Mint- but not down to any intrusion, it's only because of 3/4 very quiet statics on the 'fade out' but really I defy anyone to find a better, stronger version on a first pressing!

The Gatefold, 'Fool' Inner & Cut Out Insert

The laminated G & L cover is in superb condition with hardly any wear.  The edges are perfect and the spine is unmarked and remains 100% legible.  It is wider than many of the 'thin' spines you see so has received only minimal compression over the last 59 years.  It just has the usual thin 'line' running down the centre.  The corners are extremely clean also with very little wear and the opening edges are more or less untouched, as close to 'as new' as is possible.  The front cover is in lovely condition with no laminate wear and only a handful of small insignificant edge creases next to the spine.  In the top right corner there is a small amount of light marking - this is in the section that the laminate does not cover as it does not quite 'stretch' across to the right edge.  It is very minimal!  The back cover is very similar with just one tiny crease bottom left and the inside of the gatefold is close to perfect.  It has no marking other than a little 'sticking removal' on the edge of the two flipbacks.  Aside from that the flipbacks are in superb shape and they both remain fully attached to the cover.  The inner spine is undamaged and the colours throughout are still strong and radiant.  This is a fine example of this iconic cover.

The original red psychedelic flame / fool inner is in great condition and very rarely has no side splits or tears!  The only issue are some 'spots' in one small area on one side and a little pen squiggle on the other.  It is stunning!  The cut out insert is in perfect condition.

PCS 7027 // YEX 637 - 1  GRA 3   ---   YEX 638 - 1  MRG 33

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on my Pro-Ject VC-S machine

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

THIS IS WHAT A SELLER SHOULD BE LIKE ON HIGH END VINYL! Exactly as described if not better ! I could not be a happier customer .. well packed for international flight .. and shipped and received very fast .. No worries here this guy is the tops

GREAT AS DESCRIBED BEST SELLR OF ALL THE UK PEOPLE AND I HAVE BOUGHT FROM ALL OF THEM

Beautiful record as described, fast safe delivery, top seller. Cheers Steve.

Another fantastic LP from this seller - condition exactly as shown and the audio as described! Fast delivery, vinyl properly and carefully packed. Very highly recommended A++++

Another stunning LP from this very reliable and helpful seller.

Very quick delivery. Album exactly as described. Excellent packaging. Once again all perfect. Thanks!!!

Great item and seller (no.1), many thanks from ITALY !!!!!!!!!!!

Fantastic! Record as Described! Excellent Packaging and Fast Overseas Shipping!

One of the best on Ebay!

Another amazing record from this exceptional seller. Absolutely delighted!

Great seller and great vinyl record, professionally packaged. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and will certainly buy again!

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £15.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £20.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!

 

 

 

 

 

On 20-Nov-22 at 22:22:37 GMT, seller added the following information:

A minor error in the listing - the matrix info above the gradings should of course read as - 2/1 and not 1/2 as this is the withdrawn mix.