BEATLES Sgt.Pepper's U.K. 1st Press MONO rare "FOURTH PROOF" Cover
£
30
$
40
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Description
BEATLES - Sgt Pepper's ‘ Fourth Proof ’ Mono LP.
PMC 7027 – Original Black and Yellow Parlophone label.
A UK pressing, featuring the rarest known variant of this record.
The "Fourth Proof" sleeve represents the earliest possible pressing of the Sgt Pepper cover. The Fourth Proof was the final version of the various 'prototypes' that were explored by the Beatles when the cover was being designed. The cover (and text) was approved by the Beatles and an initial very small 'test' run was undertaken to make sure everything looked OK. This small test run is characterised by the inverted "Fourth Proof" text in the top right hand corner of the inner gatefold - just above George Harrison's head. This is therefore the earliest possible 'prototype' (test pressing) cover. It was never intended that these test pressing covers should be used but one or two slipped past quality control and are now considered to be the rarest of all the Sgt Pepper covers.
This copy also has 'AR D 1321' on the left hand side. This is the type-set- and draft-ID number stamp.
This has a Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. laminated flipback gatefold inside flipback sleeve with “mono” PMC 7027 number on back side. With dark green cut-outs insert and original psychedelic red inner sleeve.
The vinyl has a black label with yellow logo and silver print. “The Gramophone Co. Ltd.” printed at the start perimeter print and “Sold in U.K. subject…” text.
Matrix numbers: Side 1: XEX 637-1; Side 2: XEX 638-1.
Mother / Stampers are: 1 - R M P and 2 - R D T.
These ‘ Fourth Proof ’ sleeves have a number of unique printing differences from the final agreed production sleeves:
The rear of the sleeve features the text ‘ Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd ’ but with an additional ‘ Patents Pending ’ text, only a very small number of very early Pepper Mono sleeves had this additional text. Standard sleeves normally just state ‘ Printed and made by Garrod& Lofthouse Ltd’ (G&L). Just after the official launch of Sgt Pepper in June 1967, G&L removed the‘ Patents Pending ’ text from the sleeve !.
George's jacket appears Pink in colour, but on the standard Pepper sleeves it appears as a red colour !
John's jacket appears yellow in colour, but on the standard Pepper sleeves it appears as a Green colour !
I found this information about the differences in the mono version:
Mono/Stereo Differences
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" The mono version has a more prominent guitar towards the end, which is barely audible on the stereo version. "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" The vocal has a noticable echo on the mono version, which is not heard on the stereo version. This gives the mono version a dreamier quality. "She's Leaving Home" The song is noticeably slowed down in the stereo mix, therefore the mono version sounds much faster. "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band(Reprise)" On the mono version the audience sounds begin more sharply, the drum intro is 4 drumbeats longer, and there are some words spoken by John and some audience laughter ALL of which are missing from the stereo mix.
Paul's ad-lib at the end is almost inaudible in stereo is quite clear in mono.
The transition from "Good Morning" is not as smooth on the mono release.
CONDITION:
THE MAIN SLEEVE: is in good+ condition, the sleeve is fully laminated. The original exposed flipbacks can be seen when the sleeve is opened - this part is in very good condition and has not faded. The spine is not in good condition and has a section worn away over the years as can be seen in the photograph (apparently this is common with these early versions of the record), but there are NO stains or Pen writing on the sleeve, which is overall in very respectable condition..
THE INSERT: the original DARK green cardboard ‘ cut-out ’ is in very good condition, with no tears, pen or stains on it.
THE INNER SLEEVE: is in very good condition and is the original Red and White ‘Wavy’ pattern sleeve. There is NO Pen writing, NO edge rubbing wear (splits) with only some faint creasing, and represents a well preserved inner sleeve for its age.
THE VINYL: both sides look clear, dark and glossy with only some surface scratching - possibly side one is a little cleaner than side two. Neither side look as if there is anything much worse than what a good clean would improve. The vinyl is made of the period thick, heavy vinyl, and the labels have suffered very little wear and look really good.
I have not been able to play the record, as I no longer have a working turntable.
I have been as accurate as I can in the description and will answer any further questions anyone may have.
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