In The Court Of The Crimson King - King Crimson MINT-flawless sound (A2 B4)

	£		180
	$		239

Low start price and no reserve!

"In The Court Of The Crimson King"

King Crimson

Genuine 1st pressing

Definitely an archive copy, immaculate condition throughout, you will find it very difficult to find another one in such superb condition! 

Original 1969 UK STEREO 1st pressing Pink Island (white "i") ILPS 9111 in virtually flawless condition, plays as near Mint as you could expect.

Matrix details (all stamped):

Side 1: ILPS 9111

A ? 2 followed by 1 2 4

Side 2: ILPS 9111

B // 4  

followed by 1 1 8

This copy has sat on my shelves alongside many others un-played, but not unloved, for the best part of 40 years and I guess it’s time to let it go to someone who will appreciate it and play it more often.

I bought this when it was first released and it has been stored in a protective polythene outer sleeve and the vinyl has always been kept clean. It has been recently “vacuumed” on my Moth Record Cleaning machine using "L’Art du Son” cleaning fluid, which has no alcohol in it, to restore it to its original lustre. It has subsequently been housed in a Nagaoka No 102 anti-static sleeve (these sleeves really do work!), which is included as part of the sale. This LP has never been loaned out or taken to any party so I know its entire history and it has always been played on quality equipment.

Vinyl:                  Mint-(Plays very near mint)

Plays beautifully with no extraneous surface noise, pops or crackles other than the very faint swish occasionally heard on most vinyl even through good quality hi-fi. There is some soft crackle on the lead-in on Track 1 on both sides, although this is when there is no music so it has no effect on replay. This is being super critical. This LP plays as only early heavy vinyl can with strong instrument separation and 3-D image placement. The vast soundstage is revealed in all its glory when the Melotron takes centre-stage with its orchestral simulation of strings.

The acoustic instruments sound crisp and clear and the whole LP plays with no distortion. It sounds alarmingly “real” (unlike CDs), the drum sound is very accurate with the cymbals ringing clear and actually sounding metalic, the bass is strong and deep as only original vinyl replay can give. All this is especially evident on the most revealing track, "Moonchild", which plays almost flawlessly apart from about half a dozen very soft static pops here and there. I found myself listening to the silences between the sounds almost as much as the sounds themselves. There is no other surface noise at all on this track - absolutely staggering!

The vinyl retains an almost pristine shine and lays perfectly flat on the turntable.

Please note: There are a couple of extremely fine, non-sounding, hairlines (probably caused by removal from the inner sleeve), on both sides. This is being extremely critical. Other than that this is probably the best condition copy of this LP you’ll be able to lay your hands on (unless you know someone, such as me, who has had a copy from new, always kept it scrupulously clean, never loaned it out and always played it on quality equipment).

I have played this on my latest set-up which is Project Perspective deck, Ortofon Kontrapunkt b cartridge through Musical Fidelity XLPS2 twin mono block phono stage into a WAD Pre–11 valve pre amp coupled to a Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amp and finally Ruark Prelude ‘speakers and it sounds wonderfully dynamic and clear. As a double check I have also listened to this through my Sennheiser HD 565 Ovation headphones linked to a Musical Fidelity X-Cans V2 valve headphone amp and only if listened to very carefully is the (very) occasional mere touch of low-level surface noise evident in the quietest parts of the recording.

It is worth bearing in mind that other systems may not reveal the same level of hi-fi sound, especially concerning the reproduction of any surface noise.

Sleeve:         Mint-

This is the original 1st pressing sleeve with the "DAVID & JOHN" publisher's annotation inside a hand-drawn box on the left-hand side of the cover near the spine (this can be verified from the photographs). No evidence of ring-wear on the front or rear of the sleeve. No “feathering” on the edges and the spine is still strong with no tears or wear. There is no writing or sticker marks on any of the sleeve surfaces. There are two extremely slight "dinks" at the corners (which can be seen in the photographs) but this is being super critical. This LP and sleeve has been kept in a protective outer polythene sleeve since I bought it new in 1969, which is probably why it has an almost pristine look to it.

Inner sleeve:          Excellent

This is the original paper inner sleeve with polythene inner liner and shows some slight signs of age with a few age discolouration spots and slight creasing evident at the edges, although this is being very critical. It bears the text "PLASTIC BAGS CAN BE DANGEROUS" in a box and the text "British Patent No. 800513 & 973939" and "Made In England 109 41". The reverse side of this has the numbers "124" written in red biro ink to the top left corner (my amp settings, i.e balance, treble and bass when I bought this LP!).

The labels are clean and bright with no marks. There is no spindle wear. The centre of the label has a slightly raised centre section, and the entire label has a slightly textured feel to it.

This record has been visually and play graded as accurately as possible using the Record Collector's grading system (please see below) with an added + where the condition is somewhere between two grades.

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records listed as un-played should be mint.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have some slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items is acceptable.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration etc.

Please complete payment within five days of receiving your invoice at the end of the auction.

Posting & Packing:

*New Royal Mail postage rates from 1st April 2013

The postage quoted is for Royal Mail 2nd Class & Royal Mail Airmail, so if you require any other method of posting or insurance please ask.

I always keep proof of posting & will assist you if you need to make a claim for loss or damage with Royal Mail. Please ensure you provide me with your correct address information.

All LPs will be posted in thick purpose-made cardboard mailers with cardboard inserts for extra protection and the sleeve and LP will be separated to avoid any potential damage to either.

UK

EUROPE

Royal Mail Airsure with full tracking details and Royal Mail Insurance -  £12.75.

USA & REST OF THE WORLD

Royal Mail Airsure with full tracking details and Royal Mail Insurance -  £15.75.