The MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Absolutely Free (1st UK MONO *MIS-PRESS) frank zappa

	£		86
	$		114

An original Mono 1967 Verve 1st press VLP 9174 (not to be confused with the 1972 repress) would be a highly collectable record in itself. But what we have here is one of the rarest Zappa items I have ever encountered – A genuine variant mis-press that may even be unique!

On the surface, all appears normal: the labels and front laminated flip-back sleeve all confirm this to be a UK Mono First Pressing of Absolutely Free by The Mothers Of Invention. But when played for a quality check I found the side labelled side 1 played side 2, and the other side (labelled side 2) played side 1!!

That alone was enough to make it unusual, but things got even weirder, because side one (with the side 2 label) also played in STEREO! At first I assumed this was probably a mislabelled stereo press, but when I flipped it over and played side two (with side 1 label) I was amazed to find it played MONO!...

Unwilling to trust my ears I next checked the matrix numbers – and yes, they confirmed this record to be A genuine mis-press.

The (mislabelled) Side 1 runout matrix is V6 5013 A-1G (V6 denotes stereo) and the (mislabelled) Side 2 runout matrix is V 5013 B-1 (mono). Just to make absolutely sure I made comparisons with regular mono and a stereo copies of this press, and the information is correct. Just how many of these were pressed in error I have no idea, but would imagine very few indeed, and even fewer would have made it into the shops for sale.

So, to sum up: this LP is a an incorrectly labelled mis-press, which means one side received the mono pressing plate, while the other got the stereo one by mistake - an unusual and serious error that very rarely happens. Never have I seen another such Zappa/Mothers collectable like it.

CONDITION 

VINYL: Excellent

SLEEVE: Very Good+

RUNOUT MATRIX: V6 5013 A-1G

                                V 5013 B-1 (see photos)

POSTAGE will be discounted when two or more LPs are shipped combined - Please wait for an invoice if you buy more than one LP

BIDDERS outside UK - please contact seller for p&p shipping rate if not shown. Some locations are excluded, others may require 'Signed For' only postage. Contact seller for a quote before bidding.

GRADINGS:

MINT (M): The record itself is in new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be MINT.

NEAR MINT (NM): Close to mint, like new.

EXCELLENT (EX): The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality despite the occasional superficial mark, etc. No audible scratches or marks. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or minor creasing.

VERY GOOD (VG): The record has clearly been played several times, but displays no obvious deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks/superficial scratches. Occasionally a mark or scratch may be audible, but never seriously. Normal wear and tear on the sleeve, etc, but without any major defects is acceptable.

GOOD (G): The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion, surface noise and audible scratches. The cover and contents may suffer from folding, creases, scuffing of edges, spine wear/splits, discolouration, writing, etc.

FAIR (F): The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump or stick. The cover and contents could be torn, stained and /or defaced.

POOR (P): The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing. Useful only as a collection filler.

+ or - signs following a grading are used to strengthen or weaken stated grades.

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