JIMI HENDRIX, AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE, V.RARE 1967 UK TRACK

	£		295
	$		391

betsy50 Store

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer a lovely example of the second studio album by THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE titled “AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE”, Catalogue Number 612 003. This is an ORIGINAL 1967 UK MONO 1st PRESSING on the TRACK RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue laminated E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. The package comes complete with the elusive Paul Martin designed gatefold LYRIC INSERT which was only included with some of the earliest copies sold. [The matrix numbers are the earliest Av1/Bv1].

The laminated 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 front and back covers are unmarked. The psychedelic artwork retains its vibrant coloration and the lamination is unbroken. The opening gatefold spread (with flip-backs top and bottom) is also unmarked. The spine is square and solid. There are no rips, tears, writing or anything else. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent example of this iconic sleeve.

The 1st pressed record is a classic Track heavyweight with a thick square-cut rim edge. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable.   

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – 612 003  Av1    1   1   2

Side 2 – 612 003  Bv1    3   1  4

Visually I would grade the record as being in VG condition as there are some light surface marks evident under bright light. These are mostly superficial and do not cause any significant audio problems. The matt black Track labels are unmarked apart from a few spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear to the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a top quality Track pressing which plays with outstanding sound quality. The mono playback is particularly loud-cut and vibrant and the bass is very impressive. Both sides play to a very high standard with all frequencies crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and only very low levels of unwanted noise. With the exception of half a dozen noticeable tics during the quiet spoken section in the middle of “If Six Was Nine”, playback is near perfect. Please don’t be put off by my visual grading – the record really does play superbly. I think that it will be very difficult to find a significantly better-playing copy of this essential psychedelic masterpiece.

The Paul Martin designed gatefold lyric insert is in VG to EX condition. This has no splits or tears – just an extra fold crease and a few tiny spot marks. 

The original white poly-lined inner sleeve has a name and address blacked out in felt pen on one side, but is otherwise undamaged.

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 £39 value - £8.95

Europe over £39 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £14.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs