THE BEATLES WHITE ALBUM APPLE UK FIRST MONO No. 0101529 TOP LOADER NR MINT AUDIO

	£		291
	$		386

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Previous visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums which range from very good plus 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 grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Vinyl Cleaning: I use machine 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 using this method. If I think a vinyl will benefit from this I carry out the procedure with great care using 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. My preferred method with little used vinyls is by soft ‘light touch’ hand brush with natural fine hair gently moved in the direction of the microgrooves. In all methods of cleaning I use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol with a spot of gentle detergent to lubricate and clean the playing surfaces. I am aware that cleaning can be a controversial subject with vinyl collectors, audio purists and enthusiasts so I will state on each individual listing if, and how, the vinyl(s) have been cleaned in the section just before the ‘Play Grade’.

Specific notes concerning this album: These leader paragraphs highlight and describe specific aspects regarding condition of the album(s) offered. The dedicated sections which follow give the ‘provenance’ in terms of the matrix – mother – stamper trail which determines the ‘position’ of a record in the pressing process and an assessment of the appropriate grade for each component based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2014’. The essential ‘play grade’ and ‘audio performance’ report rounds up the description just prior to the ‘general notes’ which is the same on all of my listings. I hope that this format, including the extensive photo gallery, will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. Please read the following description and take a careful look at the comprehensive photographs which show the actual item clearly and provide an informative and accurate representation.

THIS IS A FIRST RATE ‘WHITE ALBUM’ ONE OF THE BETTER EXAMPLES YOU ARE LIKELY TO SEE IN CIRCULATION THESE DAYS. THE COMPONENT PARTS GRADE FROM VERY GOOD PLUS TO NEAR MINT (THE SPINE HAS NO HEAVILY COMPACTED DUST AT THE ENDS AND EVEN THE ORIGINAL BLACK INNER SLEEVES ARE A GENUINE VERY GOOD PLUS). IT IS AN EARLY EXAMPLE WITH A LOW ‘UNIQUE’ MONO NUMBER PRODUCED IN NOVEMBER 1968 AROUND THE FIRST COMMERCIAL RELEASE DATE AND AN ENTIRELY ERA SPECIFIC FIRST ISSUE ORIGINAL.

THE OUTSTANDING FEATURE OF THIS ALBUM IS THAT BOTH VINYLS HAVE ONLY BEEN PLAYED A FEW TIMES AND REMAIN IN AT LEAST EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION. AS COLLECTORS WILL KNOW THIS IS EXTREMELY RARE BECAUSE THE VAST MAJORITY OF VINYLS FOUND WITH EXAMPLES OF THIS ALBUM HAVE BEEN FREQUENTLY PLAYED – OFTEN CARELESSLY. TO FIND ONE, LIKE THIS, WITH TWO EXCELLENT PLUS ORIGINAL FIRST UK PRESS VINYLS DELIVERING AUDIO OF NEAR MINT CLARITY IS EXTRAORDINARY.

ADDING TO THE RARITY FACTOR ARE THE UK ‘KT’ PURCHASE TAX CODES EITHER SIDE OF THE SIDE 1 & SIDE 4 SPINDLE HOLES AND THE PRESENCE OF THE ‘2’ MATRIX ON SIDE 4 WHICH ARE FEATURES NOT VERY OFTEN FOUND ON DEFINITIVE UK FIRST PRESSINGS.

I must point out that I mention age in my listings not as an excuse for condition but as a matter of fact. I do not regard condition as age related, it is primarily dependant on care, and if you ever see something described as ‘good for its age’ I recommend you avoid it like the plague. Also, I use photographs as an aid to bidders, not a sales tool, and I always ‘frame’ the shots to highlight any flaws or blemishes – not to obscure or avoid them. My photo galleries always feature photos taken from as many angles as reasonably possible with ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ facilities because I want visitors to have the best opportunity to examine visual condition.

The Richard Hamilton conceived double top loading ‘correct mono format’ gatefold cover of robust heavyweight card construction (printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse International) has some superficial surface creases on the laminate mainly towards the edges as you can see in the photographs and a small semi-circular one on the front near the entry edge. There is a small circular ‘transparent’ stain across the limited edition number, as you can see, there’s no obvious reason for this and I guess it could have happened during the original lamination process – from some angles it’s barely visible but I have tried to show it at its most noticeable so bidders can make a fully informed assessment of this minor blemish. Otherwise there are a few tiny edge dents, indents and mini spots and general evidence of handling and storage consistent with its use over the years (the entry edges, although not without a few minor dents, are particularly noteworthy for their well preserved condition compared to most). It has slight yellowing which is fairly evenly distributed - this is a frequently occurring characteristic of the earliest originals and is much the same as the patina which develops on elegant antiques over time – personally I prefer this appearance in a ‘White Album’ it has a bit of age about it which gives extra stature and consolidates authenticity. The back of the gatefold is similar to the front in terms of condition. The centre spread is generally not too far from new condition with just age related patina a few small laminate ripples towards the centre fold line and a little ‘transparent’ staining on the left side flip-back. The spine has light compression resulting in a shallow valley along the fold line, there are a few short splits in the laminate but no significant peel and, although it has some micro-spotting and two very small brown marks, it is notable for the lack of compacted dust often seen at the ‘open’ ends; it is in fact remarkably clean – all spine text is completely and clearly readable grading excellent. The magnificent super heavyweight (155 & 157 grammes) vinyls both retain high gloss surfaces with a deep lustre almost as new. Clearly they have not been played very often – maybe between three and six times per side – they have very light superficial surface based hairlines and scuffs caused by brushing against the inners which have no significant, or even noticeable, consequence to the audio performance whatsoever. There’s just the practical minimum of light underlying surface sound on the lead ins, run offs and linking grooves but it’s barely noticeable. It would be wrong to underestimate the brilliant audio performance produced by these remarkable vinyls – they deliver almost unblemished audio throughout which is an amazingly rare occurrence with vinyls from original White Album first pressings – completely outstanding. The record labels have a few spindle trace lines but they are in near mint condition and generally indicative of very few visits to a turntable through the years. The original black inners made from their interior textured soft black paper show light signs of edge thinning but just one very short seam split in the side centre of one, and just a few tiny tears and light fraying at the entry edges and centres plus some general creasing – but even they grade a full very good plus which is a much better grade than most originals will achieve these days. The photographs all grade excellent to plus. The lyric / poster insert upholds the very high standard achieved by the whole of this album, it has probably only been opened a few times to look at, a little light superficial surface creasing, a few brown spots and just a hint of slight discolouration which is all barely worth a mention – I rarely see one as good as this and grade it as a strong excellent to plus. The few flaws are undoubtedly minor and completely dwarfed by the brilliance of the vinyls and overall quality of the whole package - you will be hard pressed to find a better or rarer example in this genuine original format

Album / Record Title: THE BEATLES aka THE WHITE ALBUM No. 0101529

IMPORTANT NOTE ON AUTHENTICITY: BEFORE EXPLAINING MY OPINION OF RARITY AND DESCRIBING THE ALBUM I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT ALL OF THE COMPONENT PARTS OF THIS ALBUM ARE GUARANTEED TO BE UK ORIGINAL FIRST ISSUE FROM THE FIRST UK RELEASE IN NOVEMBER 1968 – THIS SET DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY MODERN DAY REPLACEMENTS, NO FAKES, NO COUNTERFEITS.

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE AS ONE OF THE EARLIER ORIGINAL UNIQUELY NUMBERED COMPLETE UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE ALBUMS IN VERY GOOD PLUS TO NEAR MINT CONDITION THROUGHOUT - not the very earliest, but so early in the scheme of things that it commands significant interest. All of the numbered originals are unique in that respect alone and there are a number of other factors and features which justify UK pressed and numbered copies of THE WHITE ALBUM being described as RARE. The outer cover designed by pop artist Richard Hamilton was a spoof on ‘limited editions’, being plain white and numbered - subsequently and ironically becoming one of the ‘largest limited editions’ ever produced. This is one of the earliest UK first press, first issues as the UK production capacity was about 100,000 per week and this one, at 0101529, would have been ONE OF THE EARLIEST FIRST PRESSINGS made close to the first day of UK release. All of the numbered copies with the key first issue characteristics, described below, and which have survived in FIRST RATE CONDITION LIKE THIS - which are relatively few - have become especially collectable. There are said to have been about 5,000,000 numbered copies produced worldwide, and 30,000,000 sold in total – BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE UK FIRST MONO PRESSING NUMBERED 0101529 AND THIS IS IT……….SO IT IS, BY ANY MEASURE, A VERY SPECIAL AND UNIQUE ALBUM.

In summary the outer Gatefold Cover is the original ‘mono’ TOP LOADER by GARROD & LOFTHOUSE International; it is the heavier thick card only found on the first albums, which has a tendency to ‘yellow’ as this one has done. The title THE BEATLES is EMBOSSED under the laminate, as it should be, on the bottom right quadrant of the front cover above the LIMITED EDITION NUMBER, in this case No. 0101529 - which is lightly INDENTED. The UK ORIGINAL G & L gatefold cover has fold over edges to the inner; it is FULLY LAMINATED and printed on the spine with the title and catalogue numbers (the ‘stereo’ dedicated gatefolds have the ‘stereo’ designation on the back in the top right corner – obviously this earliest mono does not have that). The INNER SLEEVES are soft BLACK paper single side die cut with one circular ‘window’ at the front and closed at the back, lightly textured internal surfaces and smoother outer surfaces. Both HEAVY VINYLS are in the ORIGINAL MONO format, machine stamped in the vinyl run off areas with ALL FIRST PRESS MATRICES, -1-1-1-2 MASTERS, EARLY MOTHERS AND STAMPERS CODES. The original dark green labels with apple white on the reverse have the ‘Sold in U. K.’ text and other text consistent with first pressings – THESE INCLUDE THE EMI CREDITS ON ALL OF THE FOUR RECORD LABELS – these were omitted from some of the first UK issues but their inclusion / omission was random and does not have any bearing on sequence (although most omissions seem to have occurred within the first 150,000 according to my research). The INSERTS are all present and correct - all FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS (each 20 x 29 cms or about 8 x 11.5 inches) on the original THICK PHOTO CARD - not the later thin card – (this one also has the piece of plain paper supplied originally to protect the front face of the top photo when stored inside the gatefold – albeit creased across the centre in this case) and the large PHOTO-MONTAGE with LYRIC SHEET on the back (size 57 x 87 cms or about 22.5 x 33.5 inches).

These uniquely numbered UK original first issues are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and they will only become scarcer in the future. THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE IN EVERY WAY and I thoroughly recommend it to anybody who has a serious interest in having one to collect, play and enjoy.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• RARER SET OF -1-1-1-2 MASTERS, EARLY MOTHERS & STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS ALL APPROACHING NEAR MINT
• IN MONO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL LIGHTLY STIPPLED DARKER GREEN APPLE LABELS
• WITH ‘SOLD IN THE UK….SEE PRICE LISTS’ TEXT ON THE LABELS
• INCLUDES EMI CREDITS ON ALL OF THE FOUR RECORD LABELS
• HAS THE RARER VARIANT ‘KT’ PURCHASE TAX CODE SIDES 1 & 4
• FIRST G&L TOP LOADING FULLY LAMINATED HEAVY CARD GFOLD
• ORIGINAL SOFT BLACK PAPER SINGLE WINDOW DIE CUT INNERS
• ALL FOUR ORIGINAL BEATLES PORTRAIT PHOTOS THICK CARD
• ORIGINAL FIRST ISSUE PHOTO MONTAGE & LYRIC SHEET INSERT

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

Producer: George Martin

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 2 X 12” LP’s & 33 1/3  r.p.m.

Recording Format: MONO

Record label: ORIGINAL APPLE DARK GREEN / APPLE WHITE, ‘matt black lightly dimpled surround’ with ‘Sold in U.K.’ text, ‘Mfd. In U.K.’ text, ‘All Rights…’ & ‘Unauthorised Public Performance…’ text with EMI credits on all four labels and ‘KT’ purchase tax code either side of the spindle holes on sides 1 & 4. Please see photographs for full details.

Catalogue Number: PMC 7067 & PMC 7068

Country of origin and first release date: U.K. 1968 (22nd. November)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 1 side 1:     XEX 709-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 1 side 2:     XEX 710-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 2 side 3:     XEX 711-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 2 side 4:     XEX 712-2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 1:    3

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 2:    5

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 3:    2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 4:    3

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side 1:   AR

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side 2:   PH

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side 3:   GM

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side 4:   GMA

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

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 1 side 2:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side 3:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side 4:  none visible

N.B. Please note that all matrices, masters, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Track listing as per labels: please see label photographs for full details.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2014’ (**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 Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: NEAR MINT

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: NEAR MINT

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: NEAR MINT

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: NEAR MINT

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, misalignment, or slight shrinkage marks / lines on labels caused in original pressing; they are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects. In this particular case there is a slight difference in colour density between the two green Apple labels but in my experience slight colour variation of this kind is a common occurrence during the course of a large print run.

Outer Cover: NEAR EXCELLENT, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

Spine: EXCELLENT, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

Inner Sleeves: VERY GOOD PLUS, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

Photograph Inserts: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

Photo Montage / Lyric Insert: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

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

Vinyl Weight: 155 & 157 grammes (two admirable APPLE heavyweights)

Vinyl Cleaning: By hand only, light touch soft brush, very little required.

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: NEAR MINT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

Audio Performance: AS I HAVE ALREADY EXPLAINED IN THE LEADER PARAGRAPH DETAILING THE DESCRIPTION THESE ARE TWO MAGNIFICENT VINYLS WHICH DELIVER OUTSTANDING AUDIO OF GREAT CLARITY AND QUALITY. MAKE NO MISTAKE MY GRADING IS ACCURATE I NEVER EMBELLISH ANY ASPECT OF AN ALBUM  - WHEN I SAY A VINYL LOOKS EXCELLENT PLUS THAT’S WHAT IT IS AND, BY THE SAME TOKEN, WHEN I SAY IT PRODUCES EXCELLENT PLUS TO NEAR MINT AUDIO THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT IT DOES. THESE VINYLS SHOW VERY FEW LIGHT SUPERFICIAL SURFACE LINES OR MARKING AND THERE IS CERTAINLY NOTHING WHICH IMPAIRS PLAY OR DELIVERY. THERE IS THE PRACTICAL MINIMUM OF LIGHT UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND DURING THE QUIETER TRACKS AND NON RECORDED GROOVES, BUT IT IS SO SOFT AND SPARSE THAT IT IS BARELY NOTICEABLE – YOU HAVE TO STAND BETWEEN THE SPEAKERS AND LISTEN FOR IT BECAUSE IN OPEN PLAY I CAN ONLY HEAR SUBLIMELY CLEAN AND CLEAR AUDIO. OVERALL THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES I HAVE EVER LISTENED TO, COMPLETELY DELIGHTFUL. 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 EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK. IN SUMMARY THESE VINYLS ARE ABOUT AS GOOD AS YOU ARE EVER LIKELY TO FIND WITH AN ORIGINAL WHITE ALBUM – APPROACHING NEAR MINT.

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.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of 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 LINN SONDEK LP12 deck fitted with a LINN K5 cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g) and a top quality stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set REGA BRIO amplifier with sound delivered through FOCAL CHORUS 706 loudspeakers - this is a brilliant and revealing combination enabling me to be informative with play grading.

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 read my terms and conditions of sale below which are there to inform bidders and prevent 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, mothers and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first, or extended first, production run; 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 matrix sets, first or early ‘mother(s)’ and first or early ‘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; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or 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.

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: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. 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. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. 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, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and 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. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. 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 – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). 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.

Please Note: 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 a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured and Signed-for delivery service.

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 only dispatch using a fully insured and Signed-for delivery service.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses 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 above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ 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.