FAMILY Music in a Doll's House RARE ORIG UK 68 MONO LP

	£		128
	$		169

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Artist or Band: FAMILY

Album Title: Music in a Doll’s House.

Producer(s): David Mason.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

A Special Note About This Record: This is a rare mono example of this legendary album: but I must explain the mono format in most cases had major problems with the pressing, hence I include a picture taken from the Record Collector’s piece about this album (please see my picture of this text, I hope it can be read). Basically, John Whitney, the band’s guitarist, states the mono pressing of Doll’s House had ‘technical problems’ and it kept jumping the grooves. I have spoken to a couple of other dealer-collectors who said few, if any copies of this album actually play through and is rife with noise or distortion. Whitney also states in the piece, ‘the mono record was withdrawn’, which seems a little more uncertain. This copy on offer is the very FIRST I have ever heard NOT to have this unpleasant distortion or groove sounds. It plays all the way through with no problems with tracking and no groove skips or sticking. I will quickly add, this is only the fourth copy of this title in mono I have ever seen in conditions I deem visually good enough to offer – others have been in very poor conditions and I leave them well alone. The others all had inherent and quite severe distortion on the same areas but remarkably, this mono copy has none. This was a huge surprise and I could hardly believe it myself. Although this record has some moderate surface scuffs, these also do NOT sound, and apart from some very gentle surface sound, this record plays incredibly well. The mono mix is ultra dynamic and powerful and again as Whitney states in the extract, ‘it is different to the more common stereo version with extra guitar parts and sound’. That hardly tells the full story, the sound is far more punchy, detailed and dynamic with more bass clout. This is NO stereo to mono meltdown, this is a very different and superior recording. It’s a real shame this cannot be experienced more often, but the inherent problems with this record is well-documented and known. Quite how this one got away with it I do not know, but this copy is a near revelation and I enjoyed it immensely with any unwanted sounds minor, few and very light, this too played at volume on a very revealing system it was hardly designed to be played on. This true masterpiece will please those who have been waiting for a mono copy without those horrible, nerve-grinding distortions that jar like ice on a sensitive tooth. When it comes to sound, I am highly critical, and I found this a joy to experience with the elusive single-channel mix. More detail and information are locked inside these grooves, and for my first time ever, I do not have to wait for those crunching distortions to appear. I am not saying this is the perfect mono copy, but it lays down the gauntlet to be beaten, the visual marks on the record are simply ignored, the music shines through with any groovewear due to usage tiny and very minor indeed. Not just a survivor, it’s an ultra rare example that was pressed properly and I was beginning to think such a copy did not exist. Two extra added bonuses: the RLP cover is in also in super condition and it includes the ultra rare insert – this time a guaranteed ORIGINAL, NOT a reproduction. This is one of the rarest inserts put inside a rock album and only was included in a small number of first issues. This has aged with some mildish toning spots, but these are immensely difficult to find, thus I do often include a repro with my ‘Doll’s House’s’. Printed on thin paper, this is very hard to find especially devoid of tears and creases, this has simply aged with some tone spots, more evident on the white back. With all considered, this has to be one of the rarest items in real terms I offered on Ebay. When pressing issues are mentioned in text by a band member, there can be no dispute the are a major issue, and for those who have heard this album in mono and the unpleasant distortions it usually sends out, most will know exactly what I am talking about here.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: The Chase; Mellowing Grey; Never Like This; Me My Friend; Variation on a Theme of Hey Mr Policeman; Winter; Old Songs New Songs; Variation on a Theme of The Breeze.

Side 2: Hey Mr Policeman; See Through Windows; Variation on a Theme of Me My Friend; Peace of Mind; Voyage; The Breeze 3 x Time.

Label/Format: Reprise – a mono pressing issued on the tri-coloured steamboat label. (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: Generally clean and attractive examples with moderate spindle marks which show little with normal viewing but more so under angled light. Clearly, this record has been played a number of times but with modest effect in sound quality. More on that further down.

Cat Number: RLP 6312.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 170 grams. A huge weight for any record, but not so untypical for Reprise at this time.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Much rarer in mono. I would suggest ultra rare for a copy that plays without the well-documented and known pressing faults as mentioned above. This is my very first ever to avoid these usually severe issues. On the other examples I have heard there was distortion on ‘Mellowing Grey’, ‘Never Like This’ and ‘Old Songs, New Songs’. They were loud and unpleasant, if relatively brief on my second copy, on the first, they were far worse.

Original Year of Release: 1968.

Matrix Nos: RLP 6312 A-3-G / RLP 6312 B-3-G [these matrixes are the same as per the others I have had]

Stamper Codes: D 1 / H 1 [however, these are different]

Musicians: Roger Chapman - lead vocals, harmonica, tenor saxophone; John Whitney - lead guitar, steel guitar; Jim King - tenor, soprano saxophones, harmonica, vocal; Ric Grech - bass guitar, violin, cello, vocals; Rob Townsend - drums, percussion.

Brief Info: Issued in the UK in 1968 to great acclaim but it only peaked at 35 in Britain and it failed to even chart in the US. ‘Doll’s House’ is a classic album and one of the greatest UK debuts ever. Blending powerful rock with psychedelia and superbly produced by Traffic’s Dave Mason. Fronted by the slightly eccentric Roger Chapman with one of rock’s most powerful and inventive voices, his vibrato vocal remains distintively unique. A highly inventive and thrilling debut, the use of saxophones, cello and violin at this time was highly inventive and gave Family extra profile – an album that never flags throughout and still sounds as fresh and exciting as it did on issue. Such a shame many of the mono copies had these technical problems as detailed above as the sound is markedly different to the regular stereo version. If early groundbreaking progressive rock-psych is for you, this is a massively scarce opportunity to hear this in mono without those loud belching distortion sounds most seem to inflict on the senses. If the text is to be believed – and why shouldn’t it be from an ex-band member? – it seems like most copies will play with serious problems, often in tracking, not just unwanted sounds. I will say, all three of the ones I have had have at least tracking all the way through, but this is my first ever without those nerve-tearing sounds on the songs mentioned above. At last a copy that can be enjoyed with little uwanted at all,even pops or clicks are avoided, any surface sound is very soft and gentle and only really notices on very quiet passages or between some songs. The mix is loud and forward and most-all of any gentle surface is obscured. Yes, this copy has been played several times for sure and has visible marks, the most evident, surface scuffs on side two, but they cannot be felt and are ignored completely. So even from new, this rarely was not ruined in manufacture and ‘perfect’ pressings are incredibly few and far between. This one has laragely survived the perils of the heady years to still offerd enjoyable and exciting mono sound. This was Whitney’s preferred sound and after hearing it for the first time ever distortion-free, it can hear why.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT and this does not do it full justice, worthy of a (+) I feel. One of my favourite covers of the 1960s, this one does it very high justice. A single format with front laminate that wraps around the closed edges on to three large external rear flipbacks. This was printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse and this dedicated mono cover has the original ‘Patents pending’ text. The very rare insert IS included and guaranteed original as is the ‘Patents applied for’ plain white inner sleeve.

Lamination & Front: Not only one of the greatest albums of the late 60s, one of the greatest covers too – and that’s front and back. The lamination is still very clear, fresh and shiny and all is fully adhered with no lifting of blistering, this retains genuine lustre. The main issue are a scattering of half moon creases near the central right edge area. Few avoid this due to removal of the record and especially so with such a heavy disc that applied more pressure to the card. With normal straight viewing, these show little but are more evident under angled light. Without these almost natural forming blemishes, I would have graded more EX++ because the back is superb and merits this grading (at least) on its own. Few marks and minimal traces of any friction rubs or dulling, and incredibly, any record rim impression is very mild and faint. The exposed right edge where the laminate ends short of full width, is unworn, chipped or grubbied. This famous old cover front will take a fair degree of beating, expecially one of the first ever made.

Cover Back: One of my favourite back covers ever: the gorgeous doll on the tricycle looks fantastic, please see my close-up picture. Blemishes?, well barely any on a 42+-year-old, this is simply wonderful. The beautiful back panel is practically unworn and very clean and attractive with barely any rubbing, grubbiness and is totally crease-free. Overall, the flipbacks are in splendid condition with no lifting. A few fine hairline type surface creases on the still shiny laminate but any end burring or chipping very tiny and few. I truly believe this to be the best back I have yet seen and that wonderful vintage doll will rarely be seen or enjoyed more. Both front and back are age-defyingly lovely and most collectors will enjoy them.

Top & Bottom Edges: Practically unworn up to the corner-tips, even to the fingertips, these remains silky smooth with no scuffs or peeling and both remain very straight.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, quite sharp with barely any real wear and guaranteed untrimmed. Any thickening minimal with a more ‘rustic’ style manufacturers trim. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: A superb spine also, this looks practically as made, just one tiny hairline crease. Clear, and shiny, unpeeled laminate. Solid, straight with minimal traces of compression, the ends gently tapered in manufacture, all text is perfect and unworn under the super-fresh laminate. Please see my close-up pictures of the text and note the original RLP number.

Corners: Very small, even tiny tip rubs only and all retain very fine to excellent shape.

Cover Summary: A beautiful all round example of this elusive classic mono cover, one that will prove very difficult to find much better. Even with the mildish group of half moons as stated above, this is still an attractive item should please many, if not most collectors.

The Family Insert: VERY GOOD+, simply marked down a little because of toning spots which are more noticeable on the back. I do sometimes offer repros of this very rare insert, but this is the GENUINE ARTICLE. Printed on paper, not card, this is highly prone to all forms of damage, tearing and creasing and ageing of course. Only the second such original I have ever seen and th is one totally intact with no tears and only one smll corner crease which shows little. This has never been mounted (e.g. no pin-holes or tape marks) and the only ageing are the tone spots. One of rock’s rarest inserts, this only came with a mere handful of originals and will seldom be seen or offered, a little ‘natural’ ageing apart, this is a highly presentable example. With so few around, will you realistically find better?

The Inner Sleeve: The plain white unlined inner has also aged a little with a few marks, light creases and some lightish discolour. The open window is very neat with no tears and the edges are intact with no splits or repairs. This being an original first, it has the ‘Patents Applied For’ text.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: VERY GOOD. A fine visual mono copy that is clean with fine shine, intense black and massively pressed on heavyweight vinyl, even by 60s Reprise standard, this is very substantial. This has some light surface marks and has clearly has been played several times but far from excessively, it has NO damaging deep scratches and these fine marks are ignored with no pops or clicks. Side two has a couple or three surface scuffs, these again have NO sound and are merely superficial visual blemishes. Visually a strong record that should please many collectors, but not the more discerning who want records to appear almost as new. But in this case, the sound and lack of distortion outweighs any visual blemishes. The several groovewear distortions that most-all mono copies will certainly have, are (obviously) invisible, and even near mint examples will usually disappoint. Ironically, this copy that does have marks has no distortion and minimal unwanted sounds.

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: I refer any interested collector to the aforementioned paragraph at the top of my advert about the known pressing issues with the mono cuts of this record. I do not wish to keep repeating myself too much, but I know many will not troll through all text of lengthy advert. So with justification, I will state again, this copy has NO distortion from cutting or manufacturing issues that are more than widely known. (I again refer to my close-up picture of the book where Whitney reitterates these issues). This album plays very well indeed with no pops or clicks and tracking is effortless (again, that is said to be unusual, but all my previous copies tracked fine). A little mild surface sound but the music so strong, it was all-but masked out, and there is minimal there anyway. Let’s be honest, how many old mono records will ever play dead silent? on modern ultra clinical equipment? These old gems were not really designed to be played on highly revealing stereo equipment and many were destroyed on the vintage equipment of their era. Blunt, heavy tracking (often in excess of 10 grams) inferior sapphire tipped thick stylus, stripped groove walls and left heavy, serious marks freely. This has largely avoided such abuse, and I promise and guarantee the sound on this mono will be incredibly hard to hear better. To experience the unique mono mix is a joy in-itself, any minor sound blemishes washed over me. Stunning music with more detail within the mono mix that is unique to vinyl, and what a joy not to have to wait for those nerve-tearing belches (the only polite word I could think of to use for these unpleasant sounds) that all other mono copies I have hard had. A collector’s record for sure, many will just want this record because of what it is – a genuine rare UK mono record with a superb cover and GENUINE insert. Whitney, the guitarist makes it clear, the mono cut is superior to the stereo version for audio quality, just a shame manufacturing issues ruined practically all. You either take this album for what it is or if you have any doubts, do NOT bid. It does have marks and minor and very gentle surface sound, but I am certain this immensely rare record will prove very difficult to find better – you decide. Any gentle surface sound was mostly noticed towards the start of side one, but I emphasise, this is very light indeed and practically nothing spoilt my listening pleasaure. I feel this gem is worthy of high recommendation, for sure it will not appear often and I have tried to be as honest as I possibly can.

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 QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - PLEASE SEE MY TYPICAL PACKING BOX PICTURE.

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 Moth 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 thick boxes (NOT Mailers or Cruciforms, these do not offer maximum protection). The record(s) 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 THREE or EVEN FOUR 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. 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. Please see my picture of a typical finished box packet that will now be used on ALL transactions as from now. 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. These boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners 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 6,000+ items sold in over 8 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 stiffners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

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 [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); 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 [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance 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: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. 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 neccessarily 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’.