FAIRPORT CONVENTION (1st) RARE Orig UK CLASSIC EX++

	£		131
	$		174

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Postage: UK £4. Europe £10. Rest of World £14. ALL signed for. – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment.

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 (please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Two immaculate examples that will rarely, if ever be seen better. Both ultra clean, very attractive with real freshness retained. A copy that appears hardly even played with just ONE ultra fine and faint spindle trace on side one. I cannot seen one at all on side two, even under a magnifier. This is a class example and one of the best you will ever see or hear.

Cat Number: 583035.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 133 grams. A very good solid weight and typical of it’s era.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Scarce and getting harder to find all the time. Slightly harder to find in mono but do not underestimate the rarity of a super-clean stereo copy either. Especially so with a cover in beautiful condition. More often seen with often serious and disfiguring laminate issues including lifting with large blisters, creasing and crinkle lines (often in manufacture), dulling, mottling and cracking. This one is superb with little to fault and is up there with the very best I have ever seen or offered. Even the inner sleeve is in super condition and without doubt, this copy has been played little and has been carefully stored by a discerning collector.

Original Year of Release: 1968

Matrix Nos: 583035 A // 1 420 1 4 2 & 583035 B // 1 420 1 2 3

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

Brief Artist & Album Info: Still the definitive band for the genre - and this is where it all started. This is not quite the Fairport folk-rock formula we came to love on the three Sandy Denny era masterpieces 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 on 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 70s with a very different, somewhat drab cover that simply does not even compare to this superb original. Judy Dyble makes this album uniquely special – only the wonderful Sandy Denny was worthy of replacing her after this sublime debut. This folk-psych classic can justifiably be hailed as ‘groundbreaking’ and will 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 way ahead of the rest. The album is beautifully produced by Joe Boyd and Tod Lloyd, the sound and feel is quite wonderful, it does exactly what is 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 Miss Mitchell’s standards. One of the leading transition albums that took psych into folk and this will rarely be experienced with better overall sound. Even the stereo copies were still often subjected to old mono record players, trashed and ruined by heavyweight piledriver thick stylus from yesteryear. As stated, the record looks superb and plays beautifully with practically nothing unwanted. Although the cover was fully laminated, it’s rarely seen looking really nice as it always seems to suffer friction rubs (often severe) and dulling and many rife with heavy creases. Being so dark, this is hugely revealing of all blemishes. This one does have the usual lifting on the spine, but is neat and uncracked, that makes a vast difference. One to hold and enjoy, even cherish, a wonderful all-round example of this historically important issue.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): this being somewhat critical. A single fully laminated format that was printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day. This one has the unique stereo Catalogue Number with the third digit being a 3 instead of a 2. A cover unique to the earliest pressings before being reissued in a more budget looking, bland effort in the early 1970s. This original is in a different league of course with supreme artwork of the earliest incarnation of this remarkable band as seen in close-up. I have not lowered my grading on this because of laminate lifting on the spine edge as practically ever example I have seen has it, and I am pretty sure it was there from day one. This is NOT wear, but a natural trait of this sleeve.

Lamination: Front & Back A hugely challenging cover to find in such lovely condition mainly due to quite thin card and the very dark artwork that emphasises blemishes and marks so freely. The front has a moderate spine-edge lift and smaller on the back. But this is totally unbroken or split and a natural ‘blemish’ of either non-adhesion in manufacture or tightening. As far as these go, this has more modest visibility and does not impair the enjoyment of what is a superbly preserved cover. Gleaming with freshness and the intense coloured artwork looks simply magnificent. Creasing is the next most important factor, and this has barely any at all. The other significant factor are friction rubs and dulling: under light a little is evident but quite possibly the least I have seen. More under light, some can be seen around the rim shape but how many will ever avoid it? The laminate still retains a lovely lush and rich shine with great lustre. So the lovely artwork of the young original Fairports can be enjoyed to the maximum. Even the opening edges both sides, where the laminate ends short of full width, sees the exposed strip barely blemished, still clean, crisp and hardly chipped or burred. Actual surface marks are minuscule and both sides are very impressive and attractive – few will better this significantly I feel sure – more would be more than happy just to match it.

Top Edge: Almost as made, very straight, being thinnly made, this is unusual. The merest hint of a rub trace on the end panel near the centre – this going beyond critical.

Bottom Edge: Immaculate, totally unworn as made.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Little short of pristine: clean, very sharp with no wear and guaranteed, untrimmed. No thickening or burring at all. The record enters on this edge and it will prove near impossible to find neater or sharper. Beware of trimming, the exposed strips will be removed, the ultimate definitive proof this has and never will happen here.

Spine and Text: A superb spine that is practically as made again. Constructed quite thin but very solid, straight and almost devoid of compression. All text unworn and all the laminate solid and intact with superb shine, clarity and no peeling. Few will get close to this one. All closed laminated edges were tested with my fingertips for abrasions and cracks and barely any hint was detected.

Corners: All four practically as made again with superb pointed definition retained, no tip rubs or tip-ins The front bottom corner has a tiny laminate lift, the only one away from the spine.

Cover Summary: A very impressive example of a deceptively wear-prone cover. Logic states with full laminate, it should be tough and resist wear. But the laminate is so often the culprit for issues that occur. This simply refuses to stay attached and was likely never so even from new. And equally intolerant of friction rubs and creasing. With all that in mind, and these observations based on fact, not supposition, this is a strong example that sets the bar high.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(++): a typical Polydor inner being in better than typical condition. This being incredibly clean and barely even aged in fact. The polylining is firm and ultra clear and seen to near perfection inside two perfectly crisp and neat circle windows. No creasing and all edges unsplit with no repairs. This has a date code of 0171.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(++): and a hugely impressive looking record. Very clean and retains a lovely rich shine, intense black and very solidly pressed. This being critically graded, like the cover, this is a mere whisker of my highest Mint(-) grading. Any surface marks are ultra fine and faint and only seen critically under bright angled light (and do look hard). No damaging old stylus have been near this record and visually this will please most-all 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 minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This elusive and wonderful record plays even above it’s high visual grading and that is near perfect with practically nothing to fault. Incredible sound with no distortion, never take this for granted on any record this great age, all frequencies remaining sharp and clear. Sound quality is very high indeed with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound and no pops or clicks were noted. The stereo mix is lovely and gives a more open clarity to the music compared to the mono, clearly it images better too. Tracking is effortless and this record offers master-tape clarity and quality. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful original record. This copy will prove immensely to find better and is a great opportunity for the discerning vinyl collector to own this gem. Do not lose this beautiful copy, both record and cover can be considered exceptional.

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 - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, 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 its 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 programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. 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 Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Terrarium 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 and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap 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 less than one in two thousand+ based on over 8,000+ items sold in over 10 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. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. 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 as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, 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 and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). 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.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

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

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £10. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 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 [£46 maximum]) = £14. Add £4 per extra LP. (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’.