The Beatles, "HELP (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" SEALED 1st Press 1965

$

225

The Beatles, "HELP! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" SEALED 1st Press 1965 STEREO

This is a great, sealed, Stereo copy of this Beatles movie soundtrack. I'm listing it as a 1st pressing because that's what I believe it to be. I originally purchased this over a decade ago from a reputable Beatles collector who was sure it was a 1st pressing because he purchased this album, himself, only a few weeks after the album first hit record stores.

Of course, NO ONE can be absolutely sure that a sealed version of this album is a true 1st pressing, so I cannot guarantee it. Anyone who tells you that they know for sure is lying to you. But, this one has all the markings of a true1st pressing. The gatefold cover has the pasted slicks on the front and back and the correct numbers, as well.

As for condition, the original shrink is nice and tight with several breathe holes, and the record lays completely flat without any signs of warpage. The spine is firm and in tact, and the opening is completely sealed. There are some flaws, however (please see pics). The bottom right corner has some obvious signs of wear that is a little more noticeable on the rear side of the shrink. There's also a tiny bit of what appears to be an ink smear. On the left, front side there is a bit of discoloration. It is not a stain but could be an area where the adhesive on the back of the slick has surfaced. It's really difficult to say for sure. There's also a small ding to the spine, but it didn't break through the shrinkwrap.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Stay classy, and thanks for stopping by!

Grading

L.P.: Mint-

Cover: Excellent

Labels: Mint

Grading Scale (Albums graded visually. Will gladly play-grade upon request.)

Mint (M): Sealed only, with no signs of handling, damage, or wear to the cover. Such vintage albums hardly exist in my opinion.

Near Mint (NM): Virtually flawless, appearing mirror-like in unplayed condition and with no damage to the cover.  Labels will likewise be free of spindle marks. (Unplayed records cannot, by definition, have spindle marks!!!!)  There will be virtually no background noise, like loud pops or ticks, and will have a “just opened” sound. Although nearly all vintage records have some degree of insignificant warpage, NM L.P.'s will display only minimal amounts.

Excellent (EX): Still free of any significant defects, with only superficial flaws.  Such albums will show some minor signs of play and storage, but minimal wear, plenty of shine, and will still be considered in “collectible” condition. Background noise will only be audible during quieter portions of the album, if at all, and will not be prominent to the point of affecting sound quality.  Labels may have none, to only a few, spindle marks and covers will have only minor edge and corner wear, or discoloration.

Very Good (VG): An album that has obvious signs of wear, perhaps slight warpage, but plays through without skips, jumps, or long repetitive ticks.  It will be entirely playable with moderate background noise.  Covers might have small stains, edge, spine and/or corner wear.  Vinyl will have surface level scuffs that may affect playback but still allows the music to shine through.  Unlike most sellers, a grade from me of VG does NOT mean that the album is trash.  It will still be a “very good” listen.  

Good (G): An album that has had a full life but is still worth listening to.  Sound quality will be diminished by background noise, and perhaps some loud pops and skips.  Covers and inner sleeves will have stains, tears, or other signs of damage, but will still adequately protect the vinyl and acceptably present the original artwork. Labels will be diminished by spindle marks and other forms of damage.

Poor (P): An album on which the surface noise and skipping is too distracting to listen too enjoyably, and that has a cover with major stains, tears, or other significant defects.  I will sell an album in this condition ONLY when it is highly collectible because of its age and/or rarity.

(+/-): I will use plus or minus designations freely to nuance the grading of each album, and to bridge the gap in describing albums that fall in between grades.

 PLEASE NOTE:

1. I seek to grade ACCURATELY and strictly according to the grading scale above. Proper grading is my top priority. I am a grading “literalist,” and I strive to be as precise as possible. My ultimate goal is to be among the best record graders on eBay.
2. All records are cleaned on a VPI 16.5 using a 3-step, enzyme-based process.
3. All L.P.'s will be shipped separately from their cover's and placed in a replacement sleeve. They will also be well protected in an outer poly sleeve and safely packaged with more than adequate cardboard reinforcement. (No worries here, I promise.)
4. Sealed albums cannot be returned if opened, partially or completely.
5. I am not a wholesale collector or a large-scale seller. I’m just an average dude who loves vintage vinyl and has been collecting for many years. Be assured that I will always strive to be as accurate as I can with the grades I assign. I know how important that is to us vinyl enthusiasts, and how frustrating it is when albums come over-graded! If you disagree with my grading upon receipt, please contact me immediately for a resolution before leaving negative or neutral feedback.