GROUNDHOGS, BLUES OBITUARY, 1969 UK LIBERTY *1st PRESS*

	£		37
	$		49

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the second album by THE GROUNDHOGS titled “BLUES OBITUARY”, Catalogue Number LBS 83253. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 * UK FIRST PRESSING* on the LIBERTY RECORDS LABEL, with THE EARLIEST A-1, B-1 Matrix Numbers and a stunning 1st issue MacNEILL PRESS fully laminated sleeve. 

The fully-laminated *1st issue* sleeve, printed and made in London by MacNeill Press Ltd., is in EX condition with only the lightest of wear and a little laminate lifting near the spine. You can see from the photos that this one is lovely example!

The top quality Liberty record is very solidly pressed. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is visually in EX condition with the exception of two white marks on Track 1 of Side 2 (maybe a small pressing fault – I’m not quite sure) which cause 5 or 6 clicks. The beautiful Liberty labels show only 1 or 2 very light spindle traces each side. I am confident that the record has barely been played.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly detailed and vibrant stereo pressing which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. Both sides play to a very high standard. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. Several of the tracks have quiet passages which are easily spoiled by excessive crackle and surface sound. Not on this example – all play beautifully with only very low levels of unwanted noise (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). A significantly better playing copy 1st press copy may be very difficult to find!

Complete with the original plain white inner sleeve which is in EX condition.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG+ Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE COSTS: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: PAYMENT BY PAYPAL ONLY 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.