Beatles LP - White Album 1968 UK 1st issue MONO top loader COMPLETE

	£		172
	$		227

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Quality vinyl for the discerning collector

The Beatles – White Album – COMPLETE – with poster, photos and black inners 

Original 1968 UK MONO 1st pressing with original top opening numbered sleeve and dark green Apple labels with ‘Sold in UK…’ label text. Manufactured on or before the original release date of 22nd November 1968.

1968 was the year when everyone switched over to stereo leaving mono to the history books. Some fans which still had mono equipment felt inclined to buy the stereo version and so the MONO version went largely unsold making it a rarity.

Overall a very different sounding album to the stereo version.

As the 50th anniversary approaches MONO copies are becoming increasingly difficult to source and are becoming highly desirable, providing a great investment opportunity.

The copy being auctioned has a wonderful and dynamic analogue MONO sound.

Matrix numbers:

XEX 709-1, XEX 710-2, XEX 711-1, XEX 712-1

Stamper codes: 2,9/GMP, 3/AG & 1/MM (first mother) 5/MD (early MONO stampers)

Happy Bidding and good luck!

Please check out the pictures and read on for further details:-

CONDITION

Disc

Visual:

Disc 1 EXCELLENT-

The disc appears fresh when viewed in strong daylight with a good overall sheen. Side one appears nr MINT when viewed in strong daylight. On closer examination and under a strong halogen desklight there are light surface marks consistent with light handling. There is a light mark visible in daylight on track one side two. There are no marks on the disc that are feelable or could be described as a scratch.

Disc 2: VG+ to EXC-

Overall a well preserved disc with a fresh overall sheen when viewed in strong daylight. There is a small scuff mark visible in daylight on the inner most track to side 3 and a similar scuff mark on side 4, neither mark effects play. When viewed under strong halogen lighting there are light surface marks visible. There are no offensive marks to the disc or indeed anything that effects play or could be described as a scratch. Visually disc two grades somewhere between VG+ and excellent minus. Both discs lay 100% flat on the turntable.

Audio:  EXCELLENT+

Stunning audio throughout with no distortion or playwear. Both discs play superbly and there is very little to fault on this well preserved audio copy, with only occasional light surface noise in places. Tracks such as Dear Prudence, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Blackbird and the very easily damaged Julia all play superbly with rich analogue MONO sound which is crisp and clear. There are no loud pops or ticks and the record does not jump or stick. All in all a great MONO listening experience. Now extremely tough to find a 1st issue MONO audio in this condition.

Labels:  EXCELLENT+ 

There are light spindle trails to each label showing evidence of play. Overall a  superb set of fresh and clean MONO labels with no spindle wear or writing to any label.

Cover

EXCELLENT-

An original 1968 MONO 1st issue top opening numbered sleeve (0285848)in a highly presentable condition. There is some natural ageing and light discolouration to the sleeve. Not too much to fault other than signs of handling consistant with its age. There is some storage wear to the bottom left corner and some very light wear to the other corners. The laminate to the front panel still retains its high gloss appearance and the laminate over the words the Beatles is undamaged. The number in the bottom right corner is clear and bold. The interior gatefold grades at excellent. As with most covers the spine has some areas where the laminate has flaked off and shows signs of age and light wear but overall is undamaged. Falls short of an excellent grade but VG+ seems a little harsh hence excellent minus. All in all very rare to find a MONO cover in such presentable condition.

Inner-sleeves Excellent-

Original 1968 black inners with no seam splits

Poster Excellent-

Original and genuine 1968 1st issue ‘lipstick’ poster showing handling creases and signs of lght wear. Overall clean with no writing, pin holes or tape marks.

Photos Excellent-

Original and genuine 1968 photos on the thicker stock card. Ringo is near MINT. John, Paul & George have crease marks – Overall a clean and fresh set with no writing or tape marks. Excellent minus.

Any questions please ask

PLEASE NOTE: 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 9.50 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price.

In the unlikely event that you are not happy with your purchase then I offer a no quibble refund. Buyer to pay return postage.

This record has been strictly and conservatively graded to ‘UK RECORD COLLECTOR' standards.

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