JIMI HENDRIX, AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE, 1967 UK TRACK 1st

	£		165
	$		219

betsy50 Store

From my cherished Hendrix collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the second studio album by THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE titled “AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE”, Catalogue Number 613 003. This is an ORIGINAL 1967 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the TRACK RECORD LABEL, with a lovely 1st ISSUE E. J. DAY laminated gatefold sleeve. This very special LP comes complete with the elusive gatefold LYRIC INSERT. [The sleeve is the earliest possible design with flipbacks along the top and bottom edges of the opening gatefold. The matrix numbers are 613003 Av1 and 613003 Bv1. The SIDE 1 record label has a rough-textured finish whereas the SIDE 2 label is smooth to the touch].

The sleeve is in between VG and EX condition with only light wear and a few minor creases. There is a bit of laminate lift along the back opening edge and a small piece of clear tape on the bottom opening corner (which is difficult to spot). The internal flipbacks are in excellent shape and the spine is square and solid. Overall it’s a very presentable example of this iconic psychedelic sleeve.

The record is in EX+ condition. It’s a nice solid pressing with a square-cut rim edge. Both sides retain a lovely deep mirror-like shine and the disc lies perfectly flat on the turntable. The matt black Track labels are like new with only a few short spindle traces each side (I would estimate around 4 or 5 on Side 1 and slightly more on Side 2. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. Audio playback is excellent throughout. The stereo delivery is very different to that of the mono pressings. Playback is more subtle, but with improved detail and instrument separation. Ultimately I think that the stereo pressings offer a more satisfying listening experience – but both mixes are essential in my opinion. Hendrix himself was particularly enthusiastic about the stereo release and the marketing focus upon release was all about the “stereo experience”. Both sides of this stereo copy play perfectly, with no discernable deterioration in sound quality and minimal unwanted noise (just occasional light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). It’s no wonder that these Track stereo 1st pressings are so highly sought after.

The Paul Martin designed gatefold lyric insert has a few minor creases and signs of handling, but it is otherwise in unmarked EX condition.

Overall this is a beautiful example which will grace any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 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

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with full insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £12.15

Worldwide - £15.50