FAIRPORT CONVENTION (1st Album) SCARCE ORIG UK 1968 LP in VERY RARE MONO – NICE

	£		131
	$		173

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World in Quality, Safe Packing.

Postage: UK £4.75 (£1 per extra record). Europe (including Russia) £12.50 (£2 per extra record). Rest of World (including ALL parts of the USA) £16.50 (£3 per extra record). All boxes signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all – in fact I think these things should be banned as records WILL arrive damaged in them at some time. Here, you get what you pay for – SAFE PACKING in BOXES using 7mm DOUBLE-WALL STIFFENERS. Full details nearer the end of the listing.

Posting to Russia: Yes, I do post to Russia. But delivery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the UK. So please be patient. I will submit a tracking number to the winning bidder, and when the packet arrives there it can be followed online using the Russian post website.

ALSO: I now apply the Ebay ‘2-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important for any small business. I will always keep my P&P prices as low as possible, and even after yet another Royal Mail price hike from April this year, I have NOT raised my prices and will never compromise on solid, safe packing that is invariably heavier than most you will get. My P&P offers probably the best value-for-money for vinyl records available, and I even will pay for full insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives.

FINALLY: Late payers, non-payers and ‘0’ bidders will now be blocked or cancelled at my discretion. As will any bidder who cancels a bid. I do not like this practice as it is most often used to phish out the price to beat. Ebay does not approve and neither do I – so only bid on my items if you want them.

Artist or Band: FAIRPORT CONVENTION

Album Title: Fairport Convention

Producer(s): Joe Boyd & Tod Lloyd

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Time Will Show the Wiser; I Don’t Know Where I Stand; If (Stomp); Decameron; Jack O’Diamonds; Portfolio.

Side 2: Chelsea Morning; Sun Shade; The Lobster; It’s Alright Ma, It’s Only Witchcraft; One Sure Thing; M1 Breakdown.

Label/Format: Polydor matt format with a gentle hint of texturing.

Label Conditions: Both very clean, still fresh and attractive. Spindle marks on side one quite light and nearer moderate on side two. The record itself is very clean with any minor surface marks gentle, light and purely superficial, this elusive and rare mono record plays beautifully with very little unwanted – the first example in this mode I have seen for a considerable time.

Cat Number: 582035

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 142 grams. a very good weight for this album.

Country of Manufacture: England

Rarity: Rare in mono and harder to find than the scarce stereo. A landmark album that blends psychedelia with folk-rock and few did it better than this quite groundbreaking Fairport Convention debut classic. Not a big seller and the mono format is seldom seen or offered, especially in this lovely clean condition. Of the few that did sell, many are in poor conditions and sound terrible especially when played on modern stereo equipment. The mix, sound and song delivery is different and many of the connoisseur collectors prefer it. This one plays with lovely clean sound and was enjoyable from beginning to end and this record will prove hard to find much better, The cover is also attractive, and without the usual laminate lifting that blights most. So a lovely all-round example, a rare opportunity not to be missed.

Original Year of Release: 1968

Matrix Nos: 582035 A 1 420 1 1 1 2 & 582035 B// 2 420 1 2

Musicians: Judy Dyble – lead vocals, electric and acoustic autoharps, recorder and piano; Ian MacDonald on vocals, jews harp; Richard Thompson, vocals, lead electric and acoustic guitars and mandolin; Simon Nicol, vocals, electric 12- and 6-string and acoustic guitars, banjo and violin; Tyger Hutchings, bass and Martin Lamble, percussion and violin. Clare Lowther guests on cello.

Brief Artist & Album Info: Still the definitive band within the genre – and this is where it all started. This is not quite the Fairport folk-rock formula we came to know and love on the three Sandy Denny era classics that followed this incredible debut. This has strong psych elements embedded into the songs and has been featured in the Record Collector monthly magazine’s features for the best UK psych albums of all time. This almost lost masterpiece justifiably received rave reviews from the magazine’s writers. Never an easy record just to find on vinyl, most offered are reissues, and it’s the only album this wonderful band made on Polydor. It was reissued in the early 1970s (only in stereo) with a very different, somewhat drab cover that simply does not even compare to this lovely original. Judy Dyble makes this album special with her very distinctive style, she left after this album to help form the short-lived Trader Horne. This unique album should appeal to most serious music fans, not just folk collectors, it’s one of the most desirable albums to own within its field, but goes way beyond specialist territory. Even in these early years, Thompson’s song writing and guitar skills were ahead of the rest in this genre. Beautifully produced by Joe Boyd and Tod Lloyd, it does exactly what was intended. Issued when folk and psych were truly in vogue and even ‘fashionable’, this album remains one of the most important. Judy’s vocals are pure class and on the wonderful cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Chelsea Morning’ it even matches her standards. One of the leading transition albums that took psych into folk it will rarely be experienced with much cleaner mono sound than here. For those in 1968, or briefly beyond, chose mono to play on the appropriate record players, often with the predictable disastrous results. Often ruined by thick heavyweight, often chipped stylus from that timer. As stated, the record looks impressive and plays beautifully with little of any note unwanted. Although the cover was fully laminated, it’s rarely seen looking really nice as it always seems to suffer friction rubs and dulling and most rife with heavy creases and lifting. Being so dark, this is hugely revealing of all blemishes. This has a little mainly light creasing, amongst the least I have seen to date on either mono or stereo version cover – they have different catalogue numbers – and the lack of lifting or heavy dulling is the very best news. Indeed, this could prove a significant upgrade for some, the mono version is so difficult to find, and at last, the price guides have acknowledge the fact. So an all-round strong example that should appeal to many collectors of the rarer classics.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT: and compared to most I have seen in either mono or stereo, this is arguably better. A single fully laminated format, printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day Ltd, London. This one has the correct 582035 mono catalogue number – the stereo was 583035. A cover unique to the first issues before being reissued in a more budget looking, bland brown effort in the early 1970s. This original is in a different league of course with lovely subdued lighting artwork of the earliest incarnation of this remarkable band.

Lamination – Front & Back A hugely challenging cover to find in high conditions mainly due to quite thin card and the very dark artwork that highlights blemishes and marks so freely. Firstly, and I consider this a massive bonus, this has NO unsightly laminate lifting, and one of the very few I have seen to date without it. I have seen huge blistering on this cover before and it really does spoil the appearance somewhat. Even the spine edges are fully adhered and that is something I thought near impossible to find. Creasing the next factor: this has a little near the front left bottom corner which is near moderate, but any others are light, fine and mostly confined to the edges that few can hope to escape entirely. There are relatively few, and in context, way less than usual. Next dulling: again, this can be severe on this album, the thicker early records press freely into the thin card and causes major dulled ring wear. A little seen on this cover, but mostly under light, viewed normally full on, little shows, again way less than usual. Overall this retains fine shine, still quite fresh and certainly clear, the artwork looks lovely, the dulled light for the band adds an element of mysteriousness and spooky feel. Any surface marks few and light, no chipping or gouges, so the impressive and unique early artwork still looks very impressive to the eye. A difficult cover in very fine condition, and with the correct rarer mono catalogue number, this sets a high standard.

Top Edge: Very thin, but still beautifully straight with barely any hint of wear. The actual laminated fold is perfect up to the very end tips that have tiny rubs.

Bottom Edge: As above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with minimal wear and guaranteed, untrimmed. Any thickening seen viewed end-on gentle and light. The fine exposed strips where the laminate ends a little short of full width show little wear on revealing black surfaces. There are three of these ends on the back, one on the front, few will have less wear, and there are NO enhancements or colouring in. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: A superb spine as seen. Constructed quite thin but very solid, straight and uncompressed, the ends are gently nipped in manufacture, but on a spine this thin they are slightly less obvious. All text unworn and all the laminate solid and intact with superb shine, clarity and no peeling. All crucial factors protecting the graphic that wraps around which is all fully intact perfect. Just a small tip rub to the bottom corner tip that few can hope to avoid entirely.

Corners: Mainly small tip rubs, and please bear-in-mind, most of these are not laminate protected, hence exposed and vulnerable. A small crease on the bottom left (spine end), so a possible minor dink, but no others. Very fine, or better shape mostly retained.

Cover Summary: A lovely rare mono example that most collectors will enjoy, or even treasure. Okay a few minor blemishes but nothing in life (or record covers) are ever quite perfect. This still sets a high standard and will seldom be found much better. Again, the lack of lifting on this one is of considerable importance due to the black backdrop, which highlights this especially in a bad way. So that is great news, and any blemishes are mostly light and minor, one to please many, if not most collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(–): a polylined inner that has fairly lightly aged. Some corner creasing and mild paper darkening with the odd small tone spot. Two crisp untorn window circles, the lining fresh and clear. No edge splits or repairs, this one date-coded 079 (July 1969).

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT: and arguably better, an impressive looking 1968 mono record. This has unusual run-out grooves: side one has eight compact visible ‘circles’, whereas side two has only three much wider ones. This I don’t think I have seen before on any other album. It is very clean with lovely shine and very solidly pressed. A few light surface marks or hairlines seen under light, but how many of these will escape these minor superficial blemishes, especially the mono version? There are no penetrating stylus scratches and this plays with impressive sound with little unwanted. No damaging old needles have inflicted any wear or damage and visually this will please many collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This rare mono record plays even above its high visual grading with very little to fault at all. Lovely clean sound with no distortion, never take this for granted on any mono record, all frequencies remaining sharp and clear with no tracking issues*. Sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and detailed sound. The mono mix is lovely and gives a warmer, more punchy sound. Nothing of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this rare original record. It will prove very difficult to find better and is a great opportunity for the discerning vinyl collector to own this gem. One that merits strong recommendation and one that should please many, if not most fans and collectors.

* As played-graded on a high-end Linn LP12 Sondek turntable with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge tracking at 2.2 grams.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay as I Play-Grade every record I offer in their entirety – also on higher-end equipment – not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean it’s good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programs. Room light factors can make things vary sometimes, that is hard to control, especially in winter. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2.2 grams). Amps: Naim Supernait 2 with Project USB phono stage and Tellerium Black interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Tellurium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting, better quality packaging costs, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is minuscule in over 14 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE – they offer next-to-no-protection, and should be banned, no ‘professional’ should consider using them in my opinion. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of TWO days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the bid, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site as will any suspicious bids or bid withdrawals. Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £1 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.