The BEATLES Rarities JAPAN 1st pr AUDIOPHILE LP MINT w OBI & UNIQUE EXTRAS

$

23

This week I'm auctioning a batch of selected LPs. I have done my best to present and describe the albums accurately. I've spent several years doing a deep research dedicated to classic rock records so all the information collected about a particular album is listed below. I'm not going to call any record "megarareprereleaseearliestpossiblematrixnumberstamperscopy" just because it's the record I'm selling at the moment (like some sellers, sadly, do). Below you'll find just pure facts.

A note for potential buyers: I guarantee shipping next day after payment has been received but I cannot guarantee delivery time. It's December and postal services are working slower than usually so please keep this in mind if you need delivery before Christmas. European buyers may expect delivery within 10-15 days but to other destinations it may take more.

The BEATLES Rarities COMPLETE JAPAN AUDIOPHILE PRESSING TOP COPY

The copy offered is a first Japan pressing, complete with OBI, TWO inserts and inner sleeve, all - in TOP CONDITION.

Pressing details.

Here we have the FIRST 1979 Japanese pressing of the album. The catalogue number on the label, cover and OBI is EAS-63010 while the known second Japan pressing has the number 66023. The first Japanese "Rarities" pressing belongs to the "flag" OBI series with EAS... catalogue numbering. (Just in case you've forgotten: OBI means "a belt" in Japanese). The previous releases of this series are presented on the back side of the OBI, "Rarities" was number 34 in this series. While this series was generally for re-issues "Rarities" were the first pressing (along with "... Hollywood Bowl").

Two factors make this item unique: its condition and presence of numerous extras. Firstly, the OBI is present (though often missing on similar copies). Next, and most important is the presence of the TWO INSERTS with lyrics, liner notes and a lot of rare pictures which are UNIQUE TO THIS PRESSING ONLY. No other pressing from any other country has them!

The inner sleeve is believed to be the original one (the album arrived from Japan in this sleeve) but I cannot guarantee its authenticity as once more I have little knowledge about the 1970-ies Japanese factory inners.

Matrix numbers, other run-out info

I'm not a specialist in Japanese matrix numbers typology and other run-off markings so I cannot comment upon this. Just here they are as stamped in the run-off:

Side A:  PSLP-261-A 1S2 21  3 2-9Y 1

Side B:  PSLP-261-B 1S3 28 

Also on both sides there's a stamp looking like "m" letter in a circle. I believe it to be either a pressing plant or a mastering studio sign. I'd be grateful if anybody could advise me for sure what it means as I often see this stamp on Japanese records, particularly on the majority of "Three Blind Mice" label LPs.

Condition

From all points of view we have a TOP COPY here. The HIGHEST NEAR MINT grade for the cover. it is virtually perfect  - front and rear, seams, spine, corners  - everything. I can mention the tiny amount of wear on corners and bottom seam and one tiny wrinkle at top front but you may expect such wear even from a copy which has just arrived from a shop (and was not sealed). 

Same can be said about the record: I'm trying really hard to detect even a natural removal hairline but I see none! Virtually MINT but let it be Near MINT as long as it is a pre-owned record. This album spent many years on my shelf and I've listened to it twice: the first time - upon its purchase and the second time - these days as I'm listing it for sale.

Playback is virtually perfect, the run-ins and gaps are almost dead quiet, there's virtually no surface noise whatsoever. I have to mention that the mastering is great - sonically it sounds virtually identical to the first UK pressing but much more clear due to the highest quality vinyl.

It should be mentioned that one of the inserts has some yellowing as shown on one of the pictures.  

Overall A NO-COMPROMISE TOP COPY!

Summary

Artist: The BEATLES

Title: Rarities

Country of origin: JAPAN

Release and pressing year:  1979

Label: ODEON

Catalogue number: EAS-63010

Pressing: FIRST

Pressing plant: unknown to me

Grading cover/record: Near MINT / Near MINT

Inner sleeve: supposed to be original but no guarantee

Matrix numbers and other run-off info: PSLP-261-A 1S2 21  3 2-9Y 1 "m" letter in a circle  & PSLP-261-B 1S3 28  "m" letter in a circle

Play-testing setup

Thorens 125 table, MC type cartridge Kuzma  KC-1 (OEM manufactured by ZYX), Luxman L-560 amp, Harbeth HL-7 speakers.

Treating records

I always treat vinyl records with the greatest care - just because I love them. All the records I sell have been cleaned professionally with the isopropyl alcohol based solution and placed in brand new deluxe German made poly-lined inner sleeves. Original inners are surely preserved. For further packing I use re-sealable outer sleeves, custom German made LP mailers with cardboard stiffeners and I add extra protection for corners for heavy parcels.

Shipping

Shipping cost is the same for any destination in the world.

I may be able it ship it at $12 (parcel rate under 500 gr weight) but I strongly recommend additional packing  protection for this museum-condition copy, that would increase the total weight obviously and postage cost becomes $18. It's up to the buyer's decision. 

I ship worldwide by Registered Air Mail and obtain an internationally valid tracking number. If the postal service of your country allows tracing of incoming overseas parcel you'll be able to use the tracking number. I'm happy to offer combined shipping for multiple purchases, this allows to save quite a lot on postage. Feel free to contact me if you need to know shipping price for several items.

Payment

Paypal.

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A VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ!!!!!

POSTAL SERVICES WORLDWIDE ARE ALREADY WORKING VERY SLOWLY AS CHRISTMAS TIME IS NEAR. DELIVERY BY REGISTERED AIR MAIL TAKES FROM 2 TO 4 WEEKS! MAY BE EVEN LONGER TO THE AMERICAN CONTINENT, AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN.

I CAN SHIP BY EXPRESS MAIL SERVICE AT COST (MUCH FASTER) BUT IT'S NEARLY A DOUBLE PRICE.

IF YOU ARE IMPATIENT AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO SEEK FOR SIMILAR ITEMS ELSEWHERE. BY BIDDING ON MY ITEM YOU CONFIRM ACCEPTING THE TERMS ABOVE!