THE BEATLES WHITE ALBUM APPLE UK NUMBERED COMPLETE FIRST OUTSTANDING EX+/ N MINT

	£		200
	$		265

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.

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION FROM A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO CONNOISSEURS OF ‘THE WHITE ALBUM - I BOUGHT MY FIRST ‘WHITE ALBUM’ DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF RELEASE IN NOVEMBER 1968; IT WAS IN THE MONO FORMAT. I WAS QUITE LUCKY TO HAVE ONE WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE BECAUSE EMI WERE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH SUPPLYING THE RETAILERS. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THEY HAD A 50% SHORTFALL ON SUPPLY AGAINST DEMAND DUE TO THEIR INEXPERIENCE WITH PRODUCTION AND HANDLING OF THIS TYPE OF ALBUM. FORTUNATELY I WAS A REGULAR (EVERY SATURDAY) AT MY LOCAL RECORD SHOP, I HAD A GOOD RAPPORT WITH THE MANAGER AND HE ALWAYS RESERVED COPIES OF ALBUMS WHICH WERE OF MOST INTEREST TO ME READY FOR MY NEXT VISIT. MY FRIENDS AND I PLAYED THE ALBUM AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE - WE WERE NOT INTERESTED IN THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION DETAILS, JUST THE AMAZING MUSIC, LYRICS AND MAGIC OF THIS REMARKABLE ALBUM. THAT ALBUM HAS LONG GONE – I THINK IT ENDED UP WITH ONE OF MY FRIENDS IN A ‘TEMPORARY’ EXCHANGE AND WAS NEVER RETURNED – BUT IT DOESN’T MATTER, THE PLEASURE IT GAVE US ALL WAS SECOND TO NONE AND I DON’T BEGRUDGE THE ABSENCE IN ANY WAY. HOWEVER, ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO I REDISCOVERED MY LOVE FOR THE ALBUM STARTING WITH THE MUSIC AND CONCEPT AND THEN BECAME FASCINATED BY THE COMPLETE BACKGROUND, FROM MAKING THE ALBUM TO DISTRIBUTION - IT’S NOT QUITE AN OBSESSION BUT I UNDERSTAND HOW IT COULD BE! SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LARGE NUMBER OF VARIANTS – LISTENED TO THEM ALL – SOLD SOME EXCELLENT AND/OR RARER COPIES AND RETAINED TWENTY OR SO FOR REFERENCE (THESE TEND TO BE MAINLY WELL USED AND WELL KNOWN EXAMPLES WHICH FIT INTO THE MORE WIDELY RECOGNISED ‘TIME-LINE’ SO, FOR THAT REASON I DON’T OFFER THEM FOR SALE) BUT FROM TIME TO TIME AN INTERESTING ONE EMERGES IN REALLY OUTSTANDING CONDITION AND I BRING IT TO AUCTION – THIS IS ONE.

IN ALL OF THE TIME I HAVE RESEARCHED AND STUDIED THE ‘WHITE ALBUM’ I HAVE COME TO SEVERAL CONCLUSIONS – ONE OF THEM BEING THAT I AM UNLIKELY TO EVER KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT IT AS THERE ARE SO MANY VARIABLES AND ANOMALIES. IT IS OFTEN THE CASE THAT WHEN I THINK I HAVE FOUND A RULE WHEN I RESEARCH I FIND AN EXCEPTION. SO, I NEVER MAKE CLAIMS TO BE ABSOLUTELY DEFINITIVE ON THIS SUBJECT; IF YOU READ ONE OF MY LISTINGS AND THINK YOU HAVE VERIFIABLE EVIDENCE THAT CONTRADICTS MY PROPOSITION THEN I WILL BE PLEASED TO HEAR FROM YOU AND, IF IT CHECKS OUT, MODIFY MY RESEARCH ACCORDINGLY. THERE ARE TOMES IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN ON THIS SUBJECT AND I HAVE READ MANY OF THEM – BRUCE SPIZER’S BOOKS BEING AMONG THE MOST INTERESTING – BUT MUCH OF MY RESEARCH IS PERSONAL BASED ON FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH THE ALBUMS.

ALONGSIDE OFFERING AN ABSOLUTELY SUPERB WHITE ALBUM THIS LISTING COUNTERS THE OCCASIONALLY HELD VIEW THAT THE FIRST 300,000 UK NUMBERED ORIGINAL GARROD & LOFTHOUSE GATEFOLDS WERE HELD FOR MONO FORMAT ALBUMS AND THOSE FROM 300,001 TO 600,000 (NOMINALLY OR APPROXIMATELY) WERE HELD FOR STEREO. IN MY EXPERIENCE THIS IS A NONSENSICAL AND UNSUPPORTABLE CLAIM MADE BY THE ILL INFORMED AND ALTHOUGH MYTHS CAN ADD TO THE INTEREST IN A CHARISMATIC COLLECTABLE THEY ARE BETTER HELD IN CONTEXT. TO CONTRADICT THIS ‘NUMBERING’ MISCONCEPTION I PRESENT UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE UNIQUELY NUMBERED No. 0193679 WITH ALL COMPLETE UK ORIGINAL ‘FIRST’ CREDENTIALS INCLUDING THE STEREO DESIGNATION ON THE BACK IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER.

THE WHITE ALBUM WAS ONLY THE THIRD DOUBLE VINYL ROCK ALBUM PRODUCED (DYLAN’S ‘BLONDE ON BLONDE’ AND ZAPPA’S ‘FREAK OUT’ BEING SLIGHTLY EARLIER AND PROBABLY THE FIFTH OVERALL WITH BENNY GOODMANS IN 1950 AND LEO FERRE’S IN 1964 PRECEDING BUT IN A DIFFERENT GENRE), IT WAS THE FIRST FOR EMI AND I THINK THE FIRST EVER WITH INSERTS – SO IT WAS AN UNTRIED AND UNTESTED PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION EXPERIENCE FRAUGHT WITH PROBLEMS. THERE WERE DIFFICULITES WITH SIZE, SHAPE, EMBOSSING THE NAME, SEQUENCING AND INDENTING THE NUMBERS, COLLATING, LOADING THE INSERTS ALONG WITH TWO VINYLS (THERE WAS NO ESTABLISHED AUTOMATION FOR THIS – IT ALL HAD TO BE DONE MANUALLY AND EMI EMPLOYED INEXPERIENCED PEOPLE FROM MANY DIFFERENT OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSIST) & FINALLY PACKING AND DISTRIBUTION. THE RESULT WAS A CLASSIC CASE OF CHAOS MANAGEMENT IN THE 1960’s RECORD INDUSTRY. ALBUMS WERE LOST IN TRANSIT, THERE WERE DOUBLES AND TREBLES OF SOME OF THE ‘UNIQUELY’ NUMBERED GATEFOLDS, SOME WENT OUT SHORT OF THEIR INSERTS OR COMPLETELY WITHOUT THEM (SOME SENT TO THE RETAILERS SEPARATELY OR AFTERWARDS), STEREO RECORDS WENT IN MONO COVERS AND VICE-VERSA, SOME HAD FOUR BLANK SHEETS OF PHOTO PROTECTORS OTHERS HAD ONE, NONE OR ANY NUMBER INBETWEEN. IN FACT IT WAS PROBABLY EXACTLY AS ROBBIE BURNS SAID ‘THE BEST LAID SCHEMES…’

IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES TO EVEN IMAGINE THAT THERE WAS A SET POINT AT WHICH THE MONO / STEREO GATEFOLD TRANSITION OCCURRED IS NAIVE – INDEED I THINK IT UNLIKELY THAT ANYBODY KNOWS WHEN THIS POINT HAPPENED, OR EVEN IF IT DID, AS IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE WAS REPEAT NUMBERING AND IT OCCURRED THEN OVERLAPPED AND HAPPENED AGAIN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ANYWAY I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THIS IS AN EARLY FIRST STEREO SET COMPLETE AND IT HAS THE EMI LABEL CREDIT MISMATCH WHICH HAS TWO CLEAR IMPLICATIONS. THE FIRST IS THAT THIS MISPRINT WAS NOT CORRECTED AS EARLY IN THE PROCESS AS SOME MIGHT BELIEVE AND THE SECOND IS THAT  AS IT ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY HAPPENED DURING THE FIRST PRESSING THEN THIS IS A FIRST PRESSING FROM THE FIRST ISSUE. IT ALSO SEEMS LIKELY FROM THIS THAT THE FIRST NUMBERS USED FOR MONO SETS WERE DUPLICATED IN STEREO DESIGNATED GATEFOLDS DURING THE FIRST PRESSING. I WILL GO THROUGH THE OTHER CHARACTERISTICS IN THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS.

THIS UK STEREO FIRST PRESSING, FIRST ISSUE No. 0193679 WAS PURCHASED SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST RELEASE DATE IN 1968. APART FROM THE ORIGINAL TOP LOADING UNIQUELY NUMBERED G&L GATEFOLD IT HAS THE TWO FIRST PRESS VINYLS WITH MISMATCHED EMI CREDIT & NO CREDIT LABELS, THE TWO BLACK INNER SLEEVES, FOUR INDIVIDUAL BEATLES PHOTOGRAPHS WITH BLANK PROTECTOR SHEET AND THE LYRIC / PHOTO MONTAGE POSTER.

THE UNIQUELY NUMBERED TOP LOADING GATEFOLD IS A SUPERB STEREO DEDICATED EXAMPLE, VERY CLEAN WITH MINIMALLY BLEMISHED OR CREASED SURFACES AND AN EXTREMELY RARE NEAR MINT SPINE – IT IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION, NO LAMINATE SPLITS AND VERY LITTLE SIGN OF COMPACTED DUST AT THE ‘OPEN ENDS’ WHICH IS OFTEN A PROMINENT UNWANTED FEATURE OF MOST 1968 ORIGINALS YOU MIGHT SEE THESE DAYS. INDEED THIS GATEFOLD IS A PARAGON WHEN IT COMES TO WHITE ALBUMS.

THE VINYLS ARE EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE; THEY HAVE BEEN PLAYED BUT NOT EXCESSIVELY AND VERY CAREFULLY. THERE ARE A FEW LIGHT SURFACE SCRATCHES BUT THEY ARE SUPERFICIAL AND HAVE NO SIGNIFICANT AUDIO CONSEQUENCE. ALL PLAYING SURFACES RETAIN A BRILLIANT HIGH GLOSS SHEEN AND DEEP LUSTRE PRESENTING A NOT TOO FAR FROM NEW APPEARANCE. THE AUDIO IS SENSATIONAL, PLEASE READ THE PLAY GRADE FURTHER DOWN THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

 THE LABELS I & 2 DO NOT FEATURE THE ‘AN E.M.I. RECORDING CREDIT’ WHEREAS IT IS ON SIDES 3 & 4. ALL LABELS FEATURE THE FIRST VARIANT ‘SOLD IN THE UK SUBJECT TO…’ TEXT, THE GREEN APPLES HAVE THE DARKER TONE CONSISTENT WITH THE FIRST PRESSING AND THE CIRCLED ‘P’ OF PUBLISHING IS THE SMALLER FIRST VARIANT (THEY ARE ALL IN CAPITALS BUT ON LATER VARIANTS THE CIRCLED P IS THE SAME SIZE / HEIGHT AS THE NUMERALS USE IN THE YEAR 1968). THEY HAVE SOME LIGHT SUPERFICIAL TRACE LINES BUT ARE OTHERWISE UNBLEMISHED AND EASILY GRADE EXCELLENT PLUS.

THE ORIGINAL BLACK INNERS HAVE A FEW SMALL TEARS AND A LITTLE EDGE THINNING WITH FRAYING AT THE ENTRY EDGES AND THEY HAVE BEEN CAUGHT ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS AT THE CENTRES AND TORN BUT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CAREFULLY APPLY ADHESIVE TO THE FIBRE STRANDS AND KNIT THEM BACK TOGETHER WITHOUT ANY SPREAD – SO THE SCARS ARE OBVIOUS BUT THEY ARE NO LONGER TORN AND THERE ARE NO SEAM SPLITS. BOTH OF THEM ARE AT LEAST VERY GOOD PLUS.

THE ORIGINAL INDIVIDUAL BEATLES PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS ARE ALL INCLUDED AND GRADE NEAR MINT TO MINT – TWO BLANK PHOTO PROTECTORS (SOME SAY SPACERS) ARE ALSO INCLUDED.

THE ORIGINAL FIRST ISSUE LARGE FOLD OUT PHOTO MONTAGE AND LYRICS POSTER IS UNUSED AND ALMOST AS NEW, JUST A FEW BROWN SPOTS TOWARDS THE TOP ON THE CENTRE SEAM – THIS STILL GRADES NEAR MINT IN MY OPINION.

IN SUMMARY THIS IS A COMPLETE AND AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL WHICH IS IN MAGNIFICENT CONDITION THROUGHOUT – IT’S ALSO AN EXTREMELY EARLY AND RARE STEREO VARIANT AND I DOUBT WHETHER IT COULD BE IMPROVED UPON. I OFFER MY MAXIMUM RECOMMENDATION TO ALL PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS / BUYERS.

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 UK first issue, double top loading, fully laminated, uniquely numbered stereo dedicated, limited edition gatefold cover of robust heavyweight card construction (printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse International) has just a few superficial surface creases on the laminate mainly towards the edges, a few tiny edge and corner dents, mini indents, a little micro spotting and slight evidence of handling and storage consistent with its use over the years (the entry edges are particularly noteworthy for their well preserved condition compared to most). It retains a predominantly ‘white’ look showing a little of the light discolouration caused by exposure to sunlight over time which is a characteristic of the earliest originals; it’s fairly faint and evenly distributed, so not very noticeable, just a respectable patina. Personally I prefer to see a touch of this in a ‘White Album’ as it suggests a bit of age about it which gives extra stature and authenticity. Overall this is up there with the best of the UK original White Album stereo gatefolds that I have seen – in my opinion the grade is a strong excellent plus. The centre spread is almost as new with just similar age related patina. The spine has light compression resulting in a shallow valley along the fold line and just a touch of marginal discolouration at the tips of the ends which is barely noticeable, the laminate is intact and all spine text is fully readable – one of the best examples I have ever seen and grades near mint. The supreme heavyweight (140 & 136 grammes) vinyls are hugely impressive both having retain their original high gloss surfaces almost as new. There are just two noticeable superficial surface lines on side 2 and side 4 but even they are benign and there is nothing which affects the audio reproduction which is simply sensational throughout. The record labels have just a few spindle trace lines indicating little use and they remain in excellent plus or better condition. The original black inners made from their inner textured soft black paper show signs of use as I have explained in the previous paragraphs and they grade a respectable very good plus. The four individual Beatles photographs with spacers are near mint. The large fold out photo montage and lyrics insert poster also grades near mint. This is a thoroughly outstanding complete original and is worthy of considerable interest.

Album / Record Title: THE BEATLES aka THE WHITE ALBUM No. 0193679

Rarity: AN EXTREMELY RARE COMPLETE ALBUM - ONE OF THE EARLIER UK FIRST STEREO PRESSINGS AND FIRST ISSUE WITH A SUPERB UNIQUELY NUMBERED GATEFOLD, A BRILLIANT PAIR OF VINYLS, BLACK INNERS, NEAR MINT BEATLES PHOTOGRAPHS AND NEAR MINT PHOTO MONTAGE & LYRICS POSTER ALL AS DESCRIBED IN THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPHS.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• -1-1-1-2 MATRICES, EARLY MOTHERS & VERY EARLY STAMPERS
• TWO HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS LIGHTLY USED SUPERB CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL LIGHTLY STIPPLED DARKER GREEN APPLE LABELS
• WITH ‘SOLD IN THE UK….SEE PRICE LISTS’ TEXT ON THE LABELS
• THE EMI CREDIT IS OMITTED ON SIDES 1&2 BUT INCLUDED ON 3&4
• FIRST G & L TOP LOADING FULLY LAMINATED GATEFOLD COVER
• THE BEATLES EMBOSSED AND UNIQUELY NUMBERED No. 0193679
• MADE FROM HEAVY CARD STEREO DEDICATED TOP RIGHT BACK
• ORIGINAL SOFT BLACK PAPER SINGLE WINDOW DIE CUT INNERS
• SET OF FOUR BEATLES PHOTOS TWO COVER SHEETS NEAR MINT
• ORIGINAL FOLD OUT PHOTO MONTAGE & LYRICS POSTER N. MINT

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: STEREO

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 and omits the EMI credit on sides 1 & 2 but it is included on sides 3 & 4. The labels display the smaller circled ‘P’ symbol for first publication date. PLEASE SEE THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR FULL DETAILS.

Catalogue Number: PCS 7067 & PCS 7068

Made in and first release date: U.K. 1968 (22nd. November)

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

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

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

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

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 1:    4

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 2:    3

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

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 4:    1

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

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

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

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

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

áPlease Note: I have graded all sides the same even though sides 2 & 4 each have a noticeable light superficial and benign surface line – this is because in my view the playing surfaces qualify for a minimum excellent plus even with these slight blemishes.

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS

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

Spine: NEAR MINT, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

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

Photograph Inserts: NEAR MINT, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

Photo Montage / Lyric Insert: NEAR MINT, please read leader paragraph and see photos.

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

Vinyl Weight: 140 & 136 grammes (two amazing APPLE heavyweights)

Vinyl Cleaning: By hand, 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: EXCELLENT PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

Audio Performance: THESE VINYLS DELIVER A SUPERB AUDIO PERFORMANCE OF BRILLIANT CLARITY AND QUALITY WHICH IS ALWAYS TOWARDS, AND MAINLY AT, THE VERY HIGHEST LEVEL – I THINK THEY ARE MAGNIFICENT AND WILL MORE THAN SATISFY ALMOST ALL VINYL ENTHUSIASTS AND ‘THE BEATLES’ COLLECTORS. APPLE VINYL RECORDINGS THAT HAVE BEEN RELATIVELY LITTLE USED AND WELL CARED FOR ALWAYS PRODUCE A SENSATIONAL AUDIO PERFORMANCE, AND THESE ARE TWO OF THE BEST EXAMPLES I HAVE SEEN OR HEARD. A LITTLE LIGHT UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND FROM THE NON RECORDED AND QUIETER SECTIONS BUT OVERALL THEY DELIVER WITH THE CLEANLINESS AND CLARITY ONLY AVAILABLE FROM EARLY PRESS RECORDINGS ON TOP QUALITY VINYL. 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, OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC, OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY AN OUTSTANDING SET OF VINYLS WHICH RATES AS ONE OF THE HIGH POINTS IN MY EXPERIENCE OF ‘WHITE ALBUMS’.

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.