THE BEATLES WHITE ALBUM No.57389 COMPLETE ORIGINAL MONO

	£		70
	$		93

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with your own corresponding comments or observations, particularly if you have relevant information to add, with good quality evidence, which contradicts any of my assertions - I have been known to make a mistake, and I will always stand proven correction. I play grade all vinyls on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g) through a Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

Album / Record Title: THE BEATLES aka THE WHITE ALBUM No. 0057389

Rarity: In general terms it would be difficult to claim any great rarity for the best selling album from perhaps the most popular, successful and best selling group of writers, musicians and recording artistes of all time , but in this case there are a number of factors and features which justify this particular 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. However, the early numbered copies have become highly collectible and as there were about 100,000 produced in the first week of production this one, at 57,389 would have been produced about the 4th. Day - so it is a VERY EARLY FIRST PRESSING in terms of the overall production which ran into the tens of millions worldwide. This one is even RARER because it is a GENUINE COMPLETE ORIGINAL all components and inserts are those which have been WITH IT FROM NEW. Many of these White Album sets have been ‘doctored’, ‘planted’, ‘made up’, call it what you like but what it means is that where parts are missing, or are in poor condition, sellers have swapped, changed and inserted replacements, often of a later manufacture and/or lesser grade, to make up ‘complete sets’. NOT with this one - one owner from new and all ABSOLUTELY ORIGINAL. In summary the outer Gatefold Cover is the original TOP LOADER by Garrod & Lofthouse International, it is the heavier thick card only found on the first albums, and more often with the MONO versions, which also have a tendency to ‘yellow’, as you can see. The title THE BEATLES is EMBOSSED, as it should be, on the bottom right quadrant of the front cover above the LIMITED EDITION NUMBER, in this case No. 0057389 - which is also slightly ‘proud’ of the surface as it should be. The cover has fold over edges to the inner gatefold and is FULLY LAMINATED. The INNER SLEEVES are both BLACK paper with one circular ‘window’ at the front and closed at the back. Both HEAVY VINYLS are in the ORIGINAL MONO format, machine stamped in the vinyl run off areas with FIRST PRESS MATRICES AND STAMPERS. The original dark green labels with apple white on the reverse all have the ‘Sold in U. K.’ text and other text consistent with first pressing - please see photographs. 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 - even has the original plain protective sheet for the open side; and the large PHOTO-MONTAGE with LYRIC SHEET on the back (size 57 x 87 cms or about 22.5 x 33.5 inches). THIS IS A COMPLETE GENUINE RARE ORIGINAL AND REPRESENTS AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A DECENT EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE VINYL ALBUMS.

Artiste(s): THE BEATLES

Disc Format: 2 X 12” LP’s

Recording Format: MONO

Record label: ORIGINAL APPLE DARK GREEN / APPLE WHITE with ‘Sold in U.K.’ text, ‘Mfd. In U.K.’ text, ‘All Rights’ text (please see photographs and please note that due to gallery limitation I have only shown two labels but all four are of equal condition and I can mail extra photographs on request)

Catalogue Number: PMC 7067 & PMC 7068

Country of manufacture and first published date: Mfd. In U.K. 1968

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

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

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

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side 4:     XEX 712-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 1 side 1:    5   TD

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 1 side 2:    7    LH

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 2 side 3:    1   RD

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 2 side 4:    1   RA

Track Listing as per cover: RECORD 1 - SIDE 1: BACK IN THE U.S.S.R. / DEAR PRUDENCE / GLASS ONION / OB-LA-DI, OB-LA-DA / WILD HONEY PIE / THE CONTINUING STORY OF BUNGALOW BILL / WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS / HAPPINESS IS A WARM GUN / SIDE 2: MARTHA MY DEAR / I’M SO TIRED / PIGGIES / ROCKY RACOON / DON’T PASS ME BY / WHY DON’T WE DO IT IN THE ROAD / I WILL / JULIA / RECORD 2 - SIDE 3: BIRTHDAY / YER BLUES / MOTHER NATURE’S SON / EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT FOR ME AND MY MONKEY / SEXY SADIE / HELTER SKELTER / LONG LONG LONG / SIDE 4: REVOLUTION 1 / HONEY PIE / SAVOY TRUFFLE / CRY BABY CRY / REVOLUTION 9 / GOOD NIGHT

My opinion & summary of condition: The ninth Beatles album released at the height of their popularity worldwide; it became their best seller and the ninth best selling album of all time in the U.S.A. where it went platinum nineteen times, a supreme classic in every way which excited a generation and stands the test of time. Each Beatle showing their artistic individuality - John’s hard edged lyrics, Paul’s ballads and heavy metal on Helter Skelter, George’s superb guitar work, oriental influence and Eric Clapton’s guest performance on ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ and Ringo as solid as ever on drums with his track contribution ‘Don’t Pass Me By. The beauty of this particular example is that it is a lovely, complete and genuine original BUT IT IS NOT mint or excellent in vinyl visual or audio terms - it has been well played and it plays well all through every groove continuously and clearly without interruption, but it has flaws so please read the gradings below carefully before you bid. One of the all time great albums and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a complete good quality example where all components are original - there are plenty of bad ones about - in more ways than one. This one is really honest; it has been used, and shows signs of reasonable signs of wear over time, but it has not been abused and the wear is not excessive, not damaging and not a spoiler.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 1: VERY GOOD+, some small surface scuffs, a fair amount of light scattered surface scratches and three which are more noticeable, but it has no serious or tangible scratches. A decent glossy black shine

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 2: VERY GOOD+, some small surface scuffs, a fair amount of light scattered surface scratches and two which are more noticeable, but it has no serious or tangible scratches. A decent glossy black shine

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 3: VERY GOOD, some light surface scuffs, a fair amount of light scattered surface scratches and several which are more noticeable, and two which are tangible - light finger touch on the last track. A decent glossy black shine

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 4: VERY GOOD, some small surface scuffs, a fair amount of light scattered surface scratches and several which are more noticeable, but it has no serious or tangible scratches. A decent glossy black shine

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT very few light spindle lines which are hard to see but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs - almost as new.

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: VERY GOOD+ very few light spindle lines which are hard to see but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs - almost as new. The reason I have downgraded this to very good+ from excellent is due to the previous owners name written neatly in black on the label, it’s not unpleasant but it’s there - please see photographs

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT very few light spindle lines which are hard to see but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs - almost as new.

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: VERY GOOD+ very few light spindle lines which are hard to see but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs - almost as new. The reason I have downgraded this to very good+ from excellent is due to the previous owners name written neatly in black on the label it’s not unpleasant but it’s there - please see photographs

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD+ classic fully laminated gatefold Printed and made in Great Britain by Garrod and Lofthouse International Ltd. If this was any other style of cover it would grade excellent but this white, heavy duty card ages like a top quality antique and the light discolouration and slight yellowing makes me technically cautious. There are some small and light surface creases, not very noticeable, and a tiny amount of edge and corner rubbing. There are light rubbings front and rear which mimic the perimeter of the vinyls, but they’re not significant. There are a few tiny dents at the edges and corners. All in all it is much better than most you will see, and very presentable, with just a few genuine flaws caused by wear with careful handling over time.

Spine: VERY GOOD the usual crease line down the centre caused by careful opening and closing over time which has also caused laminate lift and separation - so there is a thin laminate break and slight, but limited laminate fray. Generally it is a physically excellent spine and al the writing is intact and full readable.

Inner Sleeves: VERY GOOD+ close to excellent original black paper inners with the front round window and closed back, small amount of creasing and two tiny tears at the window of one of them - but I do mean tiny.

Photograph Inserts: EXCELLENT, all four originals are still with this album and in near new condition.

Poster Insert: VERY GOOD+, original with some short seam separation through opening and closing, lightly creased but fully intact, a decent example with lyrics on the back.

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

Vinyl Weight: 154 & 155 grammes (two handsome heavyweights)

Play Grade: VERY GOOD+

Audio Performance: THE AUDIO QUALITY RANGES FROM GOOD TO EXCELLENT SO I HAVE SETTLED WITH AN AVERAGE MID GRADING. MAKE NO MISTAKE THESE VINYLS HAVE GENERAL SURFACE SOUND, SOME LIGHT CRACKLE AND A FEW LIGHT CLICKS IN PLACES BUT THE IMPRESSIVE MONO FORMAT DELIVERS CRYSTAL CLEAR AUDIO REPRODUCTION AND THE AMBIENT SOUND DIDN’T SPOIL IT FOR ME IN ANY WAY. AS ALWAYS WITH VINYL THE SURFACE SOUND IS MORE PROMINENT ON THE QUITER TRACKS FOR OBVIOUS REASONS AND ‘LONG LONG LONG’ HAS SOME CLICKS, ‘MARTHA’ IS A BIT CRACKLY, AS ARE ‘GOODNIGHT’ AND MOTHER NATURE. BUT THERE ARE NO JUMPS, NO SKIPS, NO LOCK GROOVES AND NO INTERRUPTION. THESE ARE VERY PLAYABLE AND ENJOYABLE VINYLS.

Other: Fast becoming very hard to find and this is a genuine full set which is much better than most you will find in the future.

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.

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: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. 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 but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices 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 pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings - in this case 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, and/or checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference also applies to the different symbols used in the matrices for example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 for example and then changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases the weight of the vinyl is often all important with identification. 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 - 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). 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 clear 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 - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! 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.

Finally: 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 the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

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 ‘Premium Quality 600 Micron Card Mailers’ with ‘Ultra Safe’ double 3.5 cm. wide latex strips across the whole of the mailer which provides excellent adhesion and protection. 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 always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values 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, are all acceptable forms of payment.

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.