Billy Joel - The Stranger (1977) | Rare White Label Promo w/ Radio Timing Strip
  $   200

 


$ 200 Sold For
Jul 4, 2026 Sold Date
1 Number Of Bids
  USA Country Of Seller
eBay Sold at
 
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Description

Absolute crown jewel for serious rock music collectors and audiophiles: an authentic, beautifully preserved 1977 original White Label Promotional pressing of Billy Joel’s magnum opus, The Stranger (Columbia Records, JC 34987).
This is an elite industry-only promotional package distributed exclusively to top-tier radio stations and music directors weeks before The Stranger became a global phenomenon. Because it was manufactured at the absolute beginning of the printing cycle using pristine, factory-fresh metal parts, this promotional pressing delivers a dynamic punch, low-frequency depth, and absolute vocal clarity that standard commercial store copies simply cannot replicate.
This specific copy features the highly coveted white paper radio station timing strip neatly affixed to the front jacket, cataloging track lengths and introductory cue times for radio DJs. Furthermore, the runout grooves carry the definitive, matching 2A / 2A master lacquer codes, verifying this as an ultimate first-batch press. Finding a white label promo of one of the greatest albums of the 1970s is rare; finding one with a clean timing strip and matching 2A matrices is an extraordinary archival find.
HISTORICAL & ENGINEERING PROVENANCE:

  • Exclusive Promotional Labels: Features the clean, iconic Columbia white background radio station labels reading "Demonstration Not For Sale" above the tracklist.
  • Radio Station Timing Strip: Original white song-indexer strip intact on the front jacket cover.
  • Earliest Studio Master Matrix Etchings: The dead wax features the legendary, ultra-early matching double-A cuts:
  • Side A Runout: AL-34987-2A (Handwritten/Stamped)
  • Side B Runout: BL-34987-2A (Handwritten/Stamped)

Conditions:
Vinyl Condition: Near Mint. The white promo labels are clean with no writing or spindle marks. The vinyl retains its brilliant original factory luster.
Jacket Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+). Solid, thick cardboard sleeve featuring the official gold foil promo stamp. Timing Strip is intact and readable. Structurally sound with crisp edges, minor shelf wear at the corners and top, no seam splits, no cut-out holes. Original inner sleeve included and does have staining/foxing on front with ring wear.


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