Beatles lp - UK 1st Press White Album 1968 Top Opener COMPLETE with spacer

	£		357
	$		473

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The Beatles – White Album - Original 1968 UK stereo pressing with original top opening numbered sleeve and dark green Apple labels with ‘Sold in UK…’ label text, omits ‘EMI Recording’ to labels 1 & 2.

A superb, early and COMPLETE (with spacer) stereo copy. Sides 1, 2 and 4 have been pressed using the ‘first mother’ from the first matrix. Sides 1 and 3 have early double digit stampers from the first mother indicating that the records in all likelihood would have been pressed in the first few days of production ahead of the 22nd November  1968 release date.

Matrix numbers: YEX 709-1, YEX 710-1, YEX 711-1, YEX 712-1 (all first matrix pressings)

Stamper codes: 1/OO, 3/GGM, 1/TT, 1GDG (early first mother stampers)

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

CONDITION

Disc

Visual: Disc 1: EXCELLENT+ Disc 2: EXCELLENT

Disc one appears virtually mint in strong daylight with only one ultra light hairline visible and only when the vinyl is angled towards the light. Under an intense halogen desklight signs of light use become apparent with whispy sleeve removal marks visible. Disc two has some ultra light surface marks and the occasional light scuff visible in daylight but nothing feelable or serious. Both heavy duty discs lie 100% flat on the turntable.

Labels:  EXCELLENT+ to MINT- (labels 1 & 2 omit ‘EMI Recording’)

A stunning set of labels with evidence of only light spindle trails. Sides 1 and 2 omit ‘An EMI Recording’. These were the very first batch of labels to be printed and were quickly replaced with the words ‘An EMI Recording’ for legal purposes.                                                    

Audio:  Disc 1: EXCELLENT Disc 2: EXCELLENT+

There is some occasional light surface noise audible to disc one at high volume with some faint ticks on the track ‘Blackbird’ although there is no groovewear or distortion to any of the music signals. The easily damaged ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ plays superbly. Disc two grades higher at Excellent + with no groovewear or distortion to any of the music signals but like disc one has the occasional light tick and some occasional surface noise audible at high volume. As many collectors will know even mint or unplayed copies of this album rarely play through perfectly from start to finish. Overall a great listening experience with the richness of the analogue sound shining through on tracks such as ‘Back in the USSR’ and ‘Savoy Truffle’ to name but two. There are no major faults, skips or jumps.

Cover

EXCELLENT+ to MINT-

1st issue top opening covers are becoming increasingly difficult to find in anything approaching excellent condition. Most that are auctioned are yellowed, severely soiled and virtually always damaged. This cover (sleeve no. 0452177) however still retains a freshness dating back to 1968, and is almost mint in appearance but for some very minor flaws. On very close inspection and when angled in certain light there are one or two minor marks and light bruising. On the interior gatefold a near invisible memory impression of a name can just be made out when angled towards the light. Overall the sleeve is in remarkable condition for its age and retains much of its original white or cream colour showing hardly any signs of discolouration (1st issue covers were never pure white and as with the later re-issues). The sleeve has clearly been stored in a smoke free environment for the previous 46 years. The spine is in excellent condition. All four corners are remarkably sharp. The laminate over the word ‘The Beatles’ is undamaged and in pristine condition; so incredibly rare to find like this. An outstanding cover when compared to most.

Photos

EXCELLENT+ to MINT-

A superb set of original 1968 photos on the thicker stock card. There is no writing or marks to any of the backs and all photos are clean and fresh. Comes with original spacer.

Black inners

EXCELLENT

Original 1968 black inners with no seam splits.

Poster

EXCELLENT

Positively a genuine 1968 Garrod & Lofthouse lipstick cover and not a later 70’s replacement. There are no seam splits, pin holes or tape marks to any of the poster. Has some light handling creases.

Any questions please ask

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the weight 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 12.00 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price as shipping charges vary from country to country.

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

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