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Black Sabbath : Black Sabbath Vol 4 1Y1 / 2Y1 1st Press Vertigo 1972

This first pressing is quite simply the most STUNNING example I have ever encountered in all my years of selling on eBay.  Having played every track in full I can confidently say they all play 'as new' and that includes all of the quieter numbers also.  The clarity, depth, power and warmth of the audio is phenomenal and there is no interference of any kind.  Remarkably I did not even hear a single tick or dust tick.  We all have a measure of the clarity of sound we want for the money we pay but in all honesty the clarity here is just on another level.  Based on the incredible sonic quality and the very minimal spindle wear it is obvious the vinyl has hardly been played.  There is still a little vinyl 'flecking' around the Side B spindle hole!  I cannot emphasise enough just how clean and precise the audio and it is a FINAL UPGRADE archive pressing for sure.  We all know how rare it is for 'Changes' and 'FX' to play clearly with no static distortion but they both play with amazing clarity here.  It's hard to believe this first pressing is now 51 years old!

The cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear, much less than usual, and the inner four page booklet is still firmly attached.  The original inner has also been preserved very well.

A first pressing has no Made In England on the label and has 1Y1 / 2Y1 matrix.  Porky and Pecko are etched into the run outs and on the inside cover it states 'We wish to thank the great COKE-Cola Company of Los Angeles'.  This pressing comes with a poly-lined 'Plastic Bags...' inner - not all were issued with a Swirl inner in 1972.

6360071 1Y // 1 ▽ 420  1 1  2 2  (PORKY etched)

6360071 2Y // 1 ▽ 420  1 1  1 7  (PECKO etched) 

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio S2 is Mint(-)

The gatefold is Ex

The attached booklet is Near Mint

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

The labels are Near Mint

Visual description

The vinyl is a work of art!  It still has an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen with no marks or scratches.  Even when I look under a bright light I can only find a couple of ultra faint hairlines, it really is in beautiful condition.  There is obviously no groove wear or surface wear and the iconic Vertigo labels are unmarked and have only the bare minimum of spindle wear.  A stunning example!

Play grading  

The intro on 'Wheels Of Confusion' plays with sublime clarity and depth and Osbourne's opening vocal is equal to that.  Already I can tell just how clean and precise the audio is - there is no static distortion and no 'muddiness' to the sound either, there is literally no background.  It continues to play to an incredible standard and I cannot overstate just how strong and clear the audio is.  The first two verses can only be described 'as new' and the instrumental section that follows is breath-taking!  I have to say when Ozzy blasts back in it is a real blast!  I have never heard the Lost in the wheels of confusion line play with such power.  The sonic quality is off the scale - no distortion again.  The final verse is faultless and the classic instrumental that ends this classic could not play any better, the clarity and definition of the audio is 'as new' and the long fade out has no background either.  I've sold a number of these but this has to be the most STUNNING example of this classic that I have ever listened to no exaggeration.  It is MINT from the first note to the last.

'Tomorrow's Dream' plays in exactly the same with a power and depth that has been lifted straight from 1972!  It has that typical deep rich Sabbath sound and there is not one single negative.  Every vocal and instrumental section play with remarkable quality and Mint is again 100% deserved.

As any Sabbath collector will know 'Changes' 99/100 plays with some static distortion even if minor.  Hand on my heart I can confidently say this is the 'cleanest' most definitive version I have ever heard.  It is just STUNNING.  I played it twice and there is no background of any kind not even a solitary dust tick... oh and zero static distortion.  It plays beautifully and that includes the very quiet piano end section.  It easily grades as Mint and I can also safely say I have never heard a Mint version not on vinyl anyway!  And remember this is a genuine first pressing!

'FX' also plays with incredible clarity and there are no ticks, clicks or pops.  It's almost like you're listening to a CD but with a depth and warmth you only find with vinyl.  If there is a touch of static in the background it is so low and totally inconsequential.  It's more like the needle running through the grooves if I'm honest!  Mint- is definitely a fair reflection of the audio.

The percussive opening from Ward on 'Supernaut' is flawless as is the rest of the intro.  Osbourne's first vocal plays very clearly with very little of the distorted sound that is always associated with this track due to it being the final one on the side.  From then on it plays with impeccable quality and the instrumental sections in particular are STUNNING!  Just listen to Ward's solo if you're lucky enough to win this album!  The vocals have so much less distortion than usual and I have to say again I don't think I have heard a stronger version.  And... the fade out has no background... again.  Mint-

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Another classic in 'Snowblind' (well aren't they all!) and another track that plays with phenomenal quality.  The intro is perfect and the opening two verses and chorus plays with unbelievable clarity and power also.  The mid instrumental is as good 'as new' as is the next vocal and the segue into the next section is faultless.  This sonic quality is prevalent right to the very end and again I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT I AM LISTENING TO!!  I'm sorry but you just never get 'sound' as good as this on a first pressing hence why I am getting carried away!  This is Mint all the way.

The deep menacing intro on 'Cornucopia' has no background and thereafter plays with unrivalled quality through every section i.e. you could not improve on this audio.  Another mind-blowing Mint version.

'Lacuna Sunrise' plays beautifully from start to finish with not one single dust tick.  The clarity of sound on each note is incredible - I listened intently and each note is kind of enhanced - crystal clear to say the least.  You do not hear many Mint versions of this instrumental but we certainly have one here.

The powerful 'St. Vitus Dance' again impresses on every level and plays with a sonic quality that is 'as new' throughout.  The power, definition and resonance of the audio is comparable to an un-played vinyl and there is no need to elaborate.  It is Mint from start to finish.

The intro on 'Under The Sun' is so rich and deep and the opening vocal is just perfect.  There is no distortion and it continues in the same precise way - again I cannot find one single fault.  This is quite simply audio of the highest calibre and every vocal and instrumental sections plays with a clarity and power that is second to none.  In a way the most impressive thing is the complete lack of distortion and that is a genuine rarity.  The classic end section completes this STUNNING album with exceptional quality and this is without question Mint it could not play with any greater precision.  I've just played that final section again and wow what a finish!

In summary what I can I say about this incredible first pressing that I haven't said already!  It is easily the most 'complete', the most definitive version of this classic album that I have ever had the pleasure in listening to.  It plays like it has never been on a turntable before and as stated I am confident it has only been 'spun' a handful of times at most based on the sonic quality and the very minimal spindle wear.  I mean I've only graded two tracks as Mint- all the other are Mint!  There is literally no background - I did not hear one dust tick even let alone anything more.  It is a FINAL UPGRADE archive classic and in conjunction with a superb cover I am 100% confident the winning bidder will be just as impressed as I am.  I do not often say it but a big part of me would like to hang on to this album!  It is STUNNING from the first note to the last.

The Gatefold & Swirl Inner

The cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear and is one of the cleanest I have seen in a long time.  These matt textured covers often attract a lot of fading / wear.  The edges have very little rubbing and the wide spine remains 100% legible with only a couple of specks and minor wear on the corners.  The right hand corners again have only minimal wear with just a touch more bottom right.  The opening edge has hardly any handling wear which is not a surprise.  The front cover is very clean overall with very little fading / spotting around the edges and there is no creasing either.  The back cover is just as impressive with only very minimal fading / ringwear.  The inside of the gatefold is in lovely condition and the 4 page photo booklet is still firmly attached.  The first page featuring Ozzy just has a handful of minor white 'specks'.  A fine example overall .

The original poly-lined 'Plastic Bags...' inner (dated 1072) has no side splits or tears and only a little age related fading around the edges but hardly any creasing.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with Rega Carbon Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

6360071 1Y // 1 ▽ 420  1 1  2 2  (PORKY etched)

6360071 2Y // 1 ▽ 420  1 1  1 7  (PECKO etched) 

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

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Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I NOW ONLY SEND ITEMS WORLDWIDE VIA TRACKED SHIPPING. THIS PROVIDES 'PEACE OF MIND' IN CASE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. ALL COSTS ARE SHOWN BELOW AND COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED. ANY OVER-PAYMENT WILL ALWAYS BE REFUNDED BACK TO THE BUYER.

THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE OF £250 SO IF AN ITEM SELLS FOR MORE A COURIER SERVICE MAY BE USED (e.g. Parcelforce, DPD).  AN EXTRA INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL BE REQUIRED BUT I WILL NOT KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT UNTIL THE FINAL SALE PRICE IS KNOWN.  HOWEVER, SOMETIMES I WILL ESTIMATE A COST AND THIS WILL BE STATED IN THE LISTING.  PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH.  MANY THANKS.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PUT IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE OF THE COVER SO AS TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS. THEY ARE ALSO PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £5.95 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £15.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AFTER PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE, NONE OF THIS WAITING BEFORE I RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM YOU - I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY LISTINGS!  IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO SEND THE ITEM BACK I WILL OF COURSE OF COURSE PAY THE RETURN SHIPPING COST IF I AM AT FAULT.  I AM ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL!