Beatles LP - White Album 1968 UK 1st press top opener in MONO - Complete

	£		237
	$		314

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

Original 1968 MONO UK 1st pressing with original top opening numbered sleeve and dark green Apple labels with ‘Sold in UK…’ label text. Dating to 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 who still had mono equipment felt inclined to buy the stereo version in any case. As such, sales of mono were only fraction to that of stereo. This is borne out by the increasing difficulty on sourcing mono copies; of every 10 or perhaps 20 stereo copies one comes across only 1 or 2 will be in mono and of those mono copies only a fraction will be in this desirable condition.  

Listening to this mono version does offer some surprises. Savoy Truffle and Cry Baby Cry seem to outshine their stereo counterparts. Helter Skelter seems to benefit from being shorter, all in all a very different record to the stereo version.

The most eclectic mix of music ever recorded by a single artist onto one album; from the greatest musical force of the twentieth century.

Differences between the MONO mix and stereo mix.

Back in the USSR
The Mono version has louder piano and slightly different plane sounds.

Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
The mono version has no hand clapping during the intro.

Black­bird
The bird sound effects are different on the mono release.

Pig­gies
The pig sound effects are different on the mono version. The guitar is also louder.

Don’t Pass Me By
The mono version is faster than the stereo.

Why Don’t We Do It In The Road
The mono version has no hand clapping during the intro.

Sexy Sadie
The mono version only has one tap of the tambourine on the intro as opposed to two on the stereo

Hel­ter Skel­ter
A minute shorter

Matrix numbers:

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

Stamper codes: 1,3,3,10/RO, 7/GMA & 2/MA 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 Side one MINT- Side two MINT-

A stunning and fresh looking disc which appears MINT in strong daylight, retaining its original rainbow sheen. On inspection underneath a strong unforgiving halogen desklight nothing much more is revealed other than whispy sleeve removal marks. One of the finest mono discs I have seen.

Disc 2: Side three EXCELLENT+  Side four EXCELLENT   

Not quite the condition of disc one but still impressive for an original 1968 UK 1st press mono. There are some light whispy removal marks on side three when viewed in strong light, close to a near mint grade but grades at EXC+. There are two surface marks visible in daylight on side four, possibly fingernail scuffs. On closer examination under a strong halogen desklight there are some whispy sleeve removal marks, side for grades at excellent. There are no feelable marks or any marks which could be described as scratches to either disc. Both heavy duty discs lie 100% flat on the turntable.

Audio:  EXCELLENT-

I detected some playwear and mild distortion on some of the passages mainly on disc two but most tracks play well. The mono versions of Savoy Truffle and Cry Baby Cry out shine their stereo counterparts as do many of the other mono versions. There are no loud pops and ticks and the record does not jump or stick.

Labels:  EXCELLENT+  

A clean set of labels showing some light spindle trails. There is no writing or personalisation to any label.

Cover

EXCELLENT

An original 1968 1st issue top opening numbered sleeve (0169581). There is some mild yellowing to the sleeve. The front panel has some light fingernail creases to the top edge but overall very little signs of wear. Importantly, the laminate over the word ‘The Beatles’ is still intact. There is some light fingernail creases to the interior gatefold. The back panel is in great shape for its age. Usual laminate flaking to the spine but spine is uncrushed and in great shape. A very well preserved mono cover and tough to find in this condition.

Inner-sleeves Excellent-

Original 1968 black inners

Poster Excellent+

Original and genuine 1968 1st issue ‘lipstick’ poster. Clean, fresh and fully intact with no writing to any part of the poster front or back, no tape marks or pin holes and no seam splits.

Photos Excellent+

Original and genuine 1968 photos. A clean and fresh set with no writing on the back. Lennon’s photo has the memory impression of a tracing pen, grades at exc-.

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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