The Beatles Rubber Soul Vinyl *Loud Cut* Rare & collectable

	£		16
	$		22

A tidy copy of the much prized & seldom parted with loud cut of the legendary fifth album from the fab four.

First- a history lesson in rare Beatles records courtesy of discogs:

"Shortly into the production run, EMI decided that Moss had cut the album too loud and ceased production. After Moss re-cut mono lacquers on November 19, new metal parts were made, and Hayes resumed pressing the album. The albums pressed with stampers generated from the initial lacquers were not destroyed and can be identified by the "-1" following the XEX 579 (Side 1) and XEX 580 (Side 2) matrix numbers..."

Most copies of this LP show "-4" or "-5" at the end of their matrix numbers. Contrary to what other listings might claim, these are not loud cut copies, nor indeed hybrid loud cut copies & they are *not* worth £51! These items are standard pressings (-4 being earlier than -5) & not dreadfully difficult to find.

But, dear reader, this is the genuine article.

The loud cut is an earlier (accidental) pressing which is sonically different from subsequent copies. This means it's the most sought after pressing of Rubber Soul not only for its *true claim to being the first pressing and for its scarcity but also because even in 2019 it's the only way a fab fan can actually hear this particular mix of the album.

So firstly, the record:

PMC 1267
XEX 579 1/XEX 580 1

Visually it bears all the light surface marks you might expect from a well used record that is over 50 years old. Nothing fingertip feelable though - happily there is no deep impact damage to report. This record has been play tested (no *visual testing only* nonsense) and it sounds clear & lovely. There is a momentary skip on track B1 What Goes On (& if you're anything like me then you'll happily drop the needle straight onto Girl once you've flipped the record anyway) but that is the only noteworthy flaw. I wouldn't say it had a significant impact on my enjoyment of the record but thought I should mention it. Otherwise there is no particular deterioration in sound quality.

Light spindle wear but nothing of dreadful significance. Side A label is clean and unmarked but there is some light sticker residue on side B.
If I were to add this to my collection then I'd probably get it professionally cleaned (which would make it sound nearly as good as new) but I'll leave that to the buyer.

Secondly, the sleeve:

Clean, strong and unmarked. The laminated front unfortunately shows a scrap of damage as per the pictures so you'll need to forgive that if bidding. This is the only noteworthy flaw. Lightly edge worn but happily the spine is pretty sharp and readable.
The original emitex inner is present & strong albeit with 2 sympathetic low visibility repairs.

Further notes:

G & L flipback sleeve.

KT tax code on side A.

Times New Roman font on labels (which personally I prefer to sans serif).

As of listing, although you can find a handful of other loud cut copies on eBay, this is a lower starting bid than genuine comparable items so it's a great opportunity. I'd be hoping for a bid or two were it to go to auction but decent offers are considered.

All of which is as honest and accurate as possible but I'll gladly answer any further questions.

This is unquestionably an investment & a rarity. It has neither been used as a dinner plate nor kept in a bank vault. If you're realistic with your expectations then you'll be delighted with it.

I post promptly and securely second class to keep costs down and I make no money on postage.    

Check out my feedback, bid with confidence, & thanks for looking.