JIMI HENDRIX, AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE, SUPERB 1967 UK TRACK

	£		85
	$		113

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the iconic second album by JIMI HENDRIX titled “AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE”, Catalogue Number 613 003. This is an ORIGINAL 1967 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the TRACK RECORD LABEL, with the earliest Av1, Bv1 Matrix Numbers and double ridged Track labels. Complete with a superb 1st issue fully-laminated E. J. Day gatefold sleeve and the correct white poly-lined inner sleeve.   

The fully-laminated psychedelic gatefold sleeve, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. London, is in EX condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. The psychedelic artwork on the front and back covers retains its vibrant coloration. The opening gatefold spread (with flip-backs top and bottom) is unmarked. There is a bit of laminate lifting near the opening edges but this is only minor. The spine is absolutely perfect. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent sleeve. I think that it will be almost impossible to find a better one!

The heavyweight Track record retains a deep mirror-like shine.

The full Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – 613003 Av1    1    1    2?   3

Side 2 – 613003 Bv1    1    1  

Both sides are visually in close to EX condition with just a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are only cosmetic and do not cause any significant audio problems whatsoever. The matt black Track labels are unmarked with only a few light spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

The stereo mix is very different to the mono. It plays with more subtlety, but reveals more detail and better instrument separation. (Hendrix himself was very keen to promote the stereo experience of Axis, and the promotional focus at the time was for the stereo version). The record plays perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). This is particularly important for this album as there are quite a few quiet introductions and passages which can easily be ruined by excessive surface sound. If you are looking for that elusive perfect playing copy – look no further!  

Complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve which is also in EX condition. This has no splits or tears - just a small area of tape residue near one opening edge and a short tear to one centre cut-out.

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 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

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

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.