Beatles White Album German A1/B1 A1/B2 No12905 EX/VG

	£		33
	$		44

Beatles White Album German A1/B1 A1/B2 

Apple Records ?– 1C 172-04 173/74

German issue: The "1 C" number prefix is the country code for Germany, “172” is the catalogue number which came in the mid late 70's (previous numbers are 062 and 072) and 04 is probably the month, April. 173 refers to disc 1/ 174 disc 2.
Matrix number is: 04 173 A-1 / B1 -  04 174 A-1 / B2

Low number ? 12905 lightly stamped (not raised) number in lower right hand corner front cover - it is difficult to see

While the White Album needs no introduction, time has deepened my appreciation for the complexities and breadth of this classic album. With songs like “Back In The USSR”, “Dear Prudence”, “Glass Onion”, “Rocky Raccoon”, “Birthday”, “Happiness Is A Warm Gun”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, “Blackbird” and “Mother Nature’s Son” you can’t go wrong.

Sleeve: side loader gatefold sleeve with  "Deutscher Schallplattenpreis / gestiftet vom fono forum. Printed and made in Germany by Heinrich Nicolaus G.m.b.H.'golden sticker attached to front cover. Shows signs of age related wear, nothing too dramatic, some light edge and spine rub, there are a couple of small tears on front top right (see photos) graded VG. 

Lyric sheet (small seam tear) VG+
All four photos (EX)

Labels: label version has dark green apple label on side A and C, Yellow/white apple on side B and D.
All four labels remain clean, no writing, tears or sticker residue, graded EX

Vinyl: visually all four sides retain their original sheen, closer inspection under light and a magnifying glass shows minimum play, a couple of feint needle tracers only and only visible under light  EX /EX+

Audio: nice clean audio from what was always a well recorded album - some (normal) dust crackle on run in dead wax after which plays clean no interruptions, pips, pops, sticks or jumps - no unpleasant surprises  (played on a Project carbon - blue Ortofon) graded EX /EX+

Please note:  audio quality can differ from one pressing to another and unless you have two copies to compare it is sometimes difficult to know. Audio quality can also vary from one system to another and while I try to describe my audio experience it might not be the same as somebody elses.

I have tried to be honest and transparent in my description, the photographs form part of the description. Questions are welcome, don't hesitate to ask. I have good feedback (and positive comments) as both a buyer and seller, so you can buy with confidence. I am a collector of 47+ years, the few records I sell are either the results of upgrades, duplicates or a bit of thinning every now and again. If anything is not as expected, please contact me straight away and I will do everything to resolve any problems without argument. 

I strictly adhere to the Record Collector Magazine's Grading Guide using one + or - for addition guidance:

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition.  

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and / or creasing. 

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable. 

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.