THE WHO / WHO'S NEXT, 1971 UK TRACK *1st PRESS* A1/B2

	£		48
	$		64

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a lovely example of the album by THE WHO titled “WHO’S NEXT”, Catalogue Number 2408 102 DELUXE. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 * UK FIRST PRESSING* on the TRACK RECORD LABEL, with THE EARLIEST A//1, B//2 Matrix Numbers and MG 12888 etched in the dead wax run-out on Side 1. This one comes complete with the rare “Head Hunters” inner sleeve, which was only issued with a limited number of the earliest 1st pressings. Extremely difficult to find in the superb condition offered here!!

The full Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – 2408102  A//1    1   1     1(written over 2228)  2 5

Side 2 – 2408102  B//2  ▼  420    1   2        1  7

The single un-laminated *1st Press* sleeve, printed and made in London by MacNeill Press Ltd., is in NEAR EXCELLENT CONDITION. The front and back covers are unmarked with just a few light creases (the most noticeable one being across the back bottom spine corner. There is some light rubbing to the edges and corners from storage. The spine has a few small scuffs and creases, but ALL TEXT IS CLEARLY LEGIBLE. The spine is neatly pinched at the ends as it should be on a genuine 1st Press sleeve. There are no rips, stickers or writing. Overall a very presentable example of this fragile 1st Press sleeve!!

The solidly pressed *1st Press* vinyl has a thick square-cut rim edge (most A1/B2 pressings have a tapered edge). It retains much of its original lustre and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually there are just light sleeve removal type surface marks evident, which are purely superficial and of no audio significance. The BEAUTIFUL MATT BLACK TRACK LABELS are unmarked, with just a few light spindle traces on each label. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has not been played very many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

Both sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. There are no pops or loud clicks, and an absolute minimum of unwanted noise. The first press mix is quite different from later pressings and sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. Arguably one of The Who’s best albums, and a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Several of the tracks have quiet synthesised or acoustic passages which are easily spoiled by excessive crackle and surface sound. Not on this example – all play beautifully with very low levels of unwanted noise. A better playing copy may be very difficult to find!!

Complete with the rare “HEAD HUNTERS” inner sleeve, which is in NEAR EXCELLENT CONDITION. There are no splits, just a small 5mm tear near one opening corner, and a couple of minor nicks to the opening edge. There is very little creasing and only minor age discoloration.

OVERALL A SUPERB COMPLETE FIRST PRESS EXAMPLE, WITH VERY COLLECTABLE HEAD HUNTERS INNER SLEEVE - DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.