The Beatles, A Hard Days Night: RARE UK STEREO 1st Press * Excellent Audio *

	£		42
	$		55

For sale is a copy of The Beatles third studio album, A Hard Day’s Night.

This is an original UK 1st Pressing produced in the 1970’s which feature the 6th edition ‘2 box EMI’ labels.

The early ‘2 box EMI’ records are widely recognised as having superb audio quality as they were produced using the original 1964 master plates but with improved production techniques and quality control.  

This record is no exception! It is truly fantastic to listen to. 

This is a great copy for someone starting out collecting vinyl or a seasoned collector that wants a great copy to listen to.

Please see below for further details.

The matrix numbers confirm that this record is a 1st pressing:

·      Side 1: YEX 126-1 & 4 TG mother stampers

·      Side 2: YEX 127-1 & 2 HA mother stampers

We can understand the above as follows. Songs were recorded using 4, 8, or 16 track tape. The sound is transferred from a tape by a lacquer engineer to a 'lacquer', sometimes referred to as a 'master plate'. Master plates are used to create 'mother plates' and mother plates are used to create 'stampers'. Stampers are then used to press grooves into vinyl. EMI used the code: GRAMOPHLTD to denote the stamper plate used, where G=1, R=2 ... D=0.Using this, we can say that:

• YEX 126 & YEX 127 are the recording reference numbers. 
• The mother stamper was made using the first (1/1) master plate. 
• The stampers for side 1 and side 2 were made from the 4th and 2nd mother stampers, respectively.
• Side 1 was pressed from the TG=91st stamper and Side 2 was pressed from the 73rd stamper.

There are several details which identify this copy as having 6th edition labels and the corresponding, original sleeve. They are:

·      Front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve without 'STEREO' text.

·      Top and bottom flip-backs ONLY on the rear of the sleeve . 

·      Black labels with silver Parlophone logo and text.

·      2 EMI boxes; 1 at the top of the label and 1 at the bottom. 

·      “THE GRAMOPHONE CO …” written around the perimeter.

I try to take pictures which provide a fair representation of the condition of a record and the sleeve. If interested, please read below for a detailed discussion including an audio description. 

I use the Goldmine standard as a reference for grading. 

Vinyl: VERY GOOD +

The record is in great visual condition with super playback.

The vinyl surface retains the original gloss sheen.

The labels are bright and clean and have minimal spindle wear. 

There are several subtle hairline marks which can be picked up in bright light and one that is more noticeable on side 2. 

The audio on both sides is excellent overall; crisp and clear with very little dust crackle.

Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The sleeve is in great condition.

The front is bright and clean with only one or two laminate ripples.

As the rear is not laminated it is prone to becoming dirty.

This copy is still nice and clean and the flip-backs are both well attached and without damage.

The corners are strong, and the spine and edges are sharp. 

There are no rips, tears or writing present anywhere on the sleeve. 

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD

The inner sleeve is the original ‘DRG PACKAGING BAGS’ as used by EMI at this time. 

It is still very white overall with just a couple of stains to both sides. 

There is a short rip on the opening edge but it is still capable of supporting a record.

Also included in the sale is an audiophile quality inner sleeve which provides the best possible protection for the record. 

This is a great opportunity to buy a classic Beatles album that is still in fantastic condition. 

The album is housed within a premium quality polythene outer sleeve. The vinyl will be packaged separate to the sleeve.

The album will be sent within a padded vinyl record mailer.

For UK shipments I use a Royal Mail insured service. 

Similar insured postage will be utilised for international shipments. Please wait for an invoice if successful to ensure accurate postage costs. 

If you have any questions, please ask! 

Check out my other items. I’m selling some rarities from my collection!