INCREDIBLE STRING BAND WEE TAM & BIG HUGE RARE UK FIRST

	£		98
	$		130

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: WEE TAM & THE BIG HUGE

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS VARIANT AND CONDITION – This is only the third one of these albums which has passed through my hands since I bought mine on first release in 1968 and, in the circumstances, that fact alone is a very reliable indication that this is an ultra rare album. This genre defining landmark of psychedelic folk music was the ‘flagship’ album for the 60’s ‘hippie’ culture. First released in 1968 as this magnificent double in the mono or stereo format, both of which are equally rare, it was quickly changed to two separate albums – one being ‘Wee Tam’ and the other ‘The Big Huge’ – which sold in far greater numbers, but even they are quite rare as first pressings. These UK original red textured label variants with black Elektra logo and text were followed by a series of re-issues during the 70’s including the smooth red label with white Elektra logo and text as well as the Elektra ‘Butterfly’ label – the latter two variants are not so rare but they are excellent pressings and well worth having in any comprehensive collection. Anyway, this variant is undoubtedly THE RAREST and this is ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES YOU ARE EVER LIKELY TO SEE OR HEAR. A SUPERB DOUBLE FIRST PRESSING, FIRST ISSUE WITH FIRST MATRICES AND FIRST STAMPERS ON TWO IMPRESSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS WITH THE EXQUISITE RED TEXTURED ELEKTRA LABELS, BLACK ‘E’ LOGO AND TEXT ALL SAFELY HOUSED IN AN OUTSTANDING FULLY LAMINATED DOUBLE ENTRY GATEFOLD COVER BY E. J. DAY INCLUDING ALSO CONTAINING ‘THE HEAD’ POEM INSERT BY ROBIN WILLIAMSON. They are few and far between like this, so rarely ever seen for sale and if you are interested in having a beautiful example of a lovely album, this is well worth your interest.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM AND FIRST ISSUE
• A UK FIRST PRESSING WITH FIRST MATRICES & FIRST STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS IN EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL UK ELEKTRA RED TEXTURED BLACK LOGO LABELS
• FIRST FULLY LAMINATED DOUBLE ENTRY GATEFOLD BY E. J. DAY
• SUPERB ORIGINAL ROBIN WILLIAMSON ‘THE HEAD’ POEM INSERT
• AN EXQUISITE RARITY ESPECIALLY COMPLETE & LIKE THIS

Artiste(s): THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND – Robin Williamson, Mike Heron, Rose Simpson, Licorice McKechnie

Disc Format: 2 X 12” LP’s

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL UK ELEKTRA ORANGE TEXTURED LABELS WITH BLACK ‘E’ LOGO & BLACK PRINT.

Catalogue Numbers:  EKS 70436 & EKS 70437

Country of manufacture and first published date: GT. BRITAIN 1968

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 1 side 1:     EKS 70436 A1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 1 side 2:     EKS 70436 B1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side 3:     EKS 70437 A1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side 4:     EKS 70437 B1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 1 side 1:    1   V

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 1 side 2:    1   V

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 2 side 3:    1   V

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers Record 2 side 4:    1   V

Track Listing as per label and in the artistes order listed above: RECORD 1 - SIDE 1: JOB’S TEARS / PUPPIES / BEYOND THE SEE / THE YELLOW SNAKE / MY LOG CABIN HOME IN THE SKY /. SIDE 2: YOU GET BRIGHTER / THE HALF REMARKABLE QUESTION / AIR / DUCKS ON A POND /. RECORD 2 - SIDE 3: MAYA / GREATEST FRIEND / THE SON OF NOAH’S BROTHER / LORDLY NIGHTSHADE / THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD / SIDE 4: COUSIN CATERPILLAR / THE IRON STONE / DOUGLAS TRAHERNE HARDING / THE CIRCLE IS UNBROKEN

My opinion and summary of condition: Their fourth album, and as with their equally amazing preceding albums they again demonstrate their unique ability to breeze in a ‘breath of fresh air’ to the genre. Personally, I really highly rate this album and recommend it unreservedly. Superb lyricists’ and musicians playing superb music, it doesn’t get much better than this – although ‘The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter’ can be placed on an equal footing. From a historic point of view it both defines the genre and recalls the halcyon days of the ‘hippie’ culture. With regard to this particular example it is a remarkable and I am delighted to have found such a beautiful copy – something I did not expect due to extreme scarcity – with the RARE ‘POEM’ INSERT, and it is not too far from the audiophile or near mint collector standard, but please read the grading carefully. In terms of condition you would be very hard pressed to find a better example – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS, just some superficial surface movement lines and a light scattering of small bag marks - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS, just some superficial surface movement lines and a light scattering of small bag marks - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS, just some superficial surface movement lines and a light scattering of small bag marks - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS, just some superficial surface movement lines and a light scattering of small bag marks - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS, just a few light spindle lines and the slightest evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS, just a few light spindle lines and the slightest evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS, just a few light spindle lines and the slightest evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS, just a few light spindle lines and the slightest evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT, original classic double entry gatefold of mid weight stiff card construction with distinctive COMPLETE LYRICS OUTER, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co., Ltd., London, fully laminated. Very light rubbing surface rubbing through movement in and out of storage but not easily noticeable and a few minor marks and scuffs – but not significant. There is the slightest evidence of light edge and corner rubbing and dents at the leading edges. Some tiny superficial surface creases adjacent to the spine and a few really light handling marks, again hard to see. The only noticeable blemish is a narrow scrape running vertically for part of the way down the centre on the front – at first glance it looks like a faint column separator, and it does not obstruct the text or spoil the look, it almost appears as though it is supposed to be there but clearly it’s a storage slide mark. Superb centre spread almost as new and overall a brilliant and, in my opinion, excellent condition gatefold cover; but please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a lovely square shouldered spine with the usual crease down the centre due to opening and closing. A few tiny creases but all text is clean, clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeves: VERY GOOD PLUS, original standard white paper inner sleeves in physically very good condition with ‘Patent Applied For’ and Made in England in small blue print, some browning and creasing with age and small tears on the entry edges.

Poem Insert: NEAR MINT, rare original insert of a poem by Robin Williamson titled ‘The Head’, size 10 x 10 inches (about 25 x 25 centimetres)

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 157 & 153 grammes (two exquisite ELEKTRA super heavyweights)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

THIS ALBUM PLAY-GRADES: EXCELLENT PLUS & EXCELLENT TO PLUS

Audio Performance: ELEKTRA RECORDINGS / PRESSINGS FROM THIS ERA WERE AMONGST THE BEST FOR DELIVERING TOP QUALITY AUDIO PERFORMANCE. THIS FINE PAIR OF VINYLS ARE OUTSTANDING, A SHEER DELIGHT- BRIGHT, FULL BODIED, PRODUCING AUDIO OF GREAT PRESENCE AND CLARITY WITH THE MINIMUM OF UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THESE VINYLS PRODUCE A SUPERB AND SENSATIONAL AUDIO DELIVERY - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - EXQUISITE, CRYSTAL CLEAR AND REALLY BEAUTIFUL.

Other: The best example of this momentous and historically important album I have seen or heard since I bought my first copy in 1968 – ABSOLUTELY AND UNRESERVEDLY RECOMMENDED.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.