The Beatles, HELP * FACTORY SAMPLE * STEREO * NEAR MINT * UK 1st Press *
£
219
$
290
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Description
The Beatles - Help
I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, Factory Sample copy of The Beatles fifth studio album, Help!.
As well as being extremely rare, the LP is in fantastic condition. The audio sounding as crisp as it did the first time it was played. Here is a fantastic opportunity to add this museum piece to your own personal collection.
The second half of the 'Mann' collection, which contains the remaining Beatles titles, shall be sold in the coming weeks.
General Information:
This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper and was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon.
It is also important to note that in the early and mid-60s, the majority of UK LPs were mono pressings. Most record players of that era did not have detachable speakers and produced mono-aural sound, even if the LP was stereo. Consequently, as mono LPs were slightly cheaper that stereo LPs nearly all LPs sold were mono. Although the exact ratio is unknown, anecdotal evidence suggest that in the case of Beatles’ LPs of this era, that ratio was approximately 20:1. Whatever the ratio, suffice to say that stereo LPs of the Beatles’ early LPs are significantly rarer than their mono counterparts.
Album Details:
Serial number: PCS 3071
Matrix number: YEX 168 - 1 / YEX 169 - 1
Stamper codes: 3 RT / 1 AA
Tax Codes: KT
Vinyl Weight: 165g
The -1/-1 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!
The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text are the second variant as is evident from the position of the "℗1965" text positioned directly underneath the matrix number to each label.
This copy comes with the first variant front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve with outline 'STEREO' aural indicator text printed to the front side and a square spine with pinched ends.
The album is complete with the original polythene lined die-cut Emitex 'protect your records' inner sleeve.
Condition Report:
The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.
Disc: EXCELLENT +
Labels: EXCELLENT
The labels are clean retain rich, vibrant colours. The sticker shows no damage. A number of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.
Visual: EXCELLENT +
Sound Quality: MINT -
Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.
Side 1:
Side 2:
As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been seldom played on good quality equipment. The lead ins are quiet. During the dead-wax between tracks only the sound of a rotating stylus can be heard. There is great channel separation, the bass is punchy, the vocals are clear. A truly superb listening experience - you won't need to look for another copy.
Sleeve: MINT -
Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT
The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.
Additional Details:
Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.
After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.
The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.
The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.
Please see my other listings for more Beatles Factory Samply rarities.
Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.
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