INCREDIBLE STRING BAND Hangman's RARE 68 Elektra Stereo

	£		87
	$		115

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Artist or Band: THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND

Album Title: The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Koeeoaddi There; The Minotaur’s Song; Witches’ Hat; A Very Cellular Song.

Side 2: ‘Mercy’, I Cry, ‘City’; Waltz of the New Moon; The Water Song; Three is a Green Crown; Swift as the Wind; Nightfall.

Label/Format: Elektra – Original orange and black format with rough textured labels. (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: Both very clean and attractive. Spindle marks are on the lesser side of moderate and these are very fine and only really show under angled light. There is no wear around the hole rims and more importantly, the record plays beautifully with superb sound throughout.

Cat Number: EUKS 7258.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

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: 138 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Quite rare as an original stereo. This copy comes in a Mono EUK cover and includes the elusive lyric insert. This insert has been signed by Robin Williamson which can be seen in my close-up picture. A wonderful piece of folk history and a gem for the connoisseur collector. Just look a the cover, a magnificent work-of-art and the best I have ever seen bar none, another gem that time as forgotten and yes you guessed, from that DJ collection recently purchased. This must rank as one of the best folk classics I have yet offered on Ebay. Copies that look and play this well with a signed insert go beyond rare.

Original Year of Release: 1968.

Matrix Nos: EUKS 7258 A1 / EUKS 7258 B1.

Musicians: Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, gimbri, penny whistle, percussion, pan pipe, piano, oud, mandolin, Jew’s harp, chahanai, water harp, harmonica; Mike Heron - vocals, sitar, Hammond organ, guitar, hammered dulcimer, harpsichord; Dolly Collins - flute organ, piano; David Snell - harp; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, finger cymbals.

Brief Artist & Album Info: In terms of folk-rock history few records compare to The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter and the amazingly original and slightly bizarre Incredible String Band. This beautiful and challenging album surprisingly sold quite well peaking at 5 in the UK (but only a low 161 in the US). This is not a commercial album and it’s not for everyone, even dedicated folk fans - their complex song patterns and changing music structures, with a use of exotic and unusual instruments are not easily taken in straightaway. Like all quality albums some have to be worked on and perseverence pays off with repeated listens for this unique band and record. A duo at this early time, Robin Williamson sang vocals on his own songs and played plays a host of instruments. Mike Heron, again sang vocals on his own songs. A beautiful recording, wonderfully produced by Joe Boyd, this ultimate first pressing, in stereo will rarely be found looking and sounding much better. No loud volume for flaws and blemishes to hide behind, this is flamboyant folk music with an edge and passion and this is a notoriously difficult record to find that plays well and this really does. Even clean little played examples can disappoint and I never take for granted any copy of this until sound-checked. I am delighted to say this plays superbly and is certainly the best original I have yet heard. The cover goes beyond beautiful - the ultimate original that’s truly world class standard. It could pass for new with little trouble and even stands going right in close to show the details - please see my close-up shot of the people and the bright vivid artwork that is as new flawless as you will find. With a genuine hand-signed insert by Williamson included, this is the icing on the cake. One of the folk classics that can be treasured forever.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Moderate.

Cover Grade and Format: Mint(-) and I just hope my pictures do this justice - this has to be seen for real to be fully appreciated. A fully laminated single format and this one has the mono Cat. No (if this is an issue, please do not bid). Manufactured in the UK by Polydor and includes the single folded lyric insert that has been signed by Robin Williamson - again see this in close-up.

Cover Laminate - Front & Back: Absolutely gorgeous! - yes the eclamation mark is justified. What will be immediately apparent to any winning bidder is the deep rich glossy shine and ultimate clarity. There is barely any friction rubbing or dulling so the magnificent ultra bright and colourful artwork can be enjoyed to maximum advantage. Also ALL is fully adhered with no lifting or blisters whatsoever, few will ever be found like this and although laminate tightening is common and not really wear, it does spoil the brilliant artwork on so many covers if its essessive - still here none at all to worry about. More good news is the lack of creasing: With a small couple of the front and only one on the back, this is remarkable on a cover over 40-years-old. With close scrutiny under angled light, the lack of even surface marks to the super-smooth surfaces is incredible. There is just one tiny graze trace on the Williamson/Heron side but little else worthy of mention. No peeling, cracking or mottling, the freshness of this carefully preserved sleeve is there to be seen. The laminate ends a few millimetres short of full width on the opening edge but both the exposed strips are immaculately clean with no grime-line formation or chipping. Quite how this has avoided any significant record pressmark is amazing and this gem will prove immensely difficult to find like this again. If a much better one still exists, I really would like to see it.

Top Edge: Practically as made.

Bottom Edge: Unworn, tiny dip near right corner around record shape but this is being somewhat critical.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with no wear or feathering. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight, slightly compressed or maybe manufactured this way, uncertain. All text is perfect and unworn under the solid and uncracked laminate.

Corners: All four practically as made again with lovely neat shape retained.

Cover Summary: A magnificent and beautiful all round example of this famous late 60’s cover, one that could prove very difficult to find better. It’s the glorious mirror-like shine on both sides along with the deeply rich-coloured artwork that hits the mark. I love this cover, a real favourite that encaptured the mood of the enclosed music immediately and this is little short of reference standard. This beautiful item should please most-all collectors.

The Insert: Mint(-) and signed by Robin Williamson, try to find another. A superb example and clearly little handled. This has become quite elusive and many examples finds it missing. Often when it does surface its in two pieces or badly creased or torn, this is magnificent and does the rest of the set full justice. The signature is clear and highly readable, unsmudged and sharp. A prize item for the serious collector.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: I cannot grade this above EX visually because there are a few light surface marks, mostly fine hairline types and they have no sound of real note – few records this great age avoid any blemishes and most would be happy to look half this good. A very fine visual copy that is super clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed. A copy modestly played on all the evidence reitterated by wonderful sound quality. Visually a super record that should 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 snippetts 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 super record plays even above its high visual grading with practically nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high indeed with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and no significant pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing for a very difficult album. Being acoustic and fairly quiet the odd sporadic blemish will be near impossible to avoid but this has barely anything worthy of mention and was a real pleasure to listen to. Few original copies will outperform this one I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played modestly and has been clearly well stored and carefully handled within in a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record - a real jewel of a copy. With most of the 60s ISB albums I have seen surface, most are badly marked and the majority unlistenable with distortions, loud clicks surface noise. There’s the difference, this is a beauty and I hope the winning bidder enjoys it as much as I did. This copy will prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended. A truly wonderful set and another that will remain in my memory for some time.

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 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). 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.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within 48 hours maximum. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with 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 TWO thick stiffners for even extra protection. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty 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. Printed address labels are used for clarity and well as sender label. 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. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 4,000+ items sold in over 7 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

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 & OPTIONS:

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

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: ALL EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£39).

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 minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

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’.