Beatles Abbey Road NEAR MINT * NO HER MAJESTY * MISALIGNED APPLE * UK 1st Press

	£		370
	$		490

The Beatles - Abbey Road

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, archival quality UK 1st pressing of The Beatles penultimate studio album, Abbey Road.

Although released prior to Let it Be, the songs released on Abbey Road were actually the last the Beatles recorded. In my opinion it is the most complete album that the band produced, with John, Paul and George all contributing incredible tracks; 'Here Comes the Sun', 'Come Together' and 'Because' are my personal favourites Although many 'audiophile' re-pressings have been released since the initial production run, the -2/-1 first pressing is impossible to beat. This particular copy is as clean as I have heard, the audio is simply fantastic! Take a listen to it yourself below.  

Album Details:

Serial number: PCS 7068

Matrix number: YEX 749 - 2 / YEX 750 - 1 

Stamper codes: 5 OAR / 3 APO

Tax Codes: N/A

Vinyl Weight: 135g

The matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The labels are the first variant as is evident from the presence of "Her Majesty The End" text present to side 2. This was removed from later copies.

This copy comes with the extremely collectable first variant, fully laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve identifiable by the 'misaligned apple' (the edge of the apple does not line up with the edge of the text) to the rear of the sleeve and the pinched spine.

The album is complete with the original die-cut black inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: MINT - 

Labels: EXCELLENT +

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT +

Both vinyl playing surfaces retain a superb deep gloss shine. In bright daylight there are no visible surface marks. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairline scuffs (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been played cautiously on good quality equipment. The litmus test for Abbey Road, "Sun King", is truly exceptional. The lead ins are quiet. There is no noise in between tracks. The audio is absolutely flawless. A truly superb listening experience that you won't need to replace. 

Sleeve: MINT -

The iconic sleeve is in fantastic condition. The colours of the infamous cover art are bright and vibrant with no signs of discolouration or staining. The corners are crisp without any softening. Two laminate creases are visible are visible to the front of the sleeve - these are usually present from the factory. The spine and all edges are without wear. It would be very difficult to find a better example. 

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT +

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Beatles rarities.

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