JOHN LENNON / IMAGINE, 1971 UK *1st PRESS* 1U/1U MATRIX

	£		39
	$		52

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 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic album by JOHN LENNON titled “IMAGINE”, Catalogue Number PAS 10004. This is an *ORIGINAL 1971 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the APPLE RECORD LABEL, with the 1st issue laminated sleeve. Complete with the rare fold-out Poster, the Postcard (John Lennon with pig) and the Lyric/Credits inner sleeve. Impossible to find in the stunning condition offered here!!

The complete matrix numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – YEX 865 – 1U     AG    PORKY

Side 2 – YEX 866 – 1U     1    LO    PECKO

The single fully-laminated sleeve, printed in England, is in EXCELLENT+ CONDITION. This is the earliest design 1st issue sleeve which has pronounced crimping at the ends of the spine. The front and back covers are unmarked with only a few short superficial laminate creases near the edges. The lamination is quite stunning and gives a mirror-like reflection. The top, bottom and opening edges are in excellent shape with barely any wear at all. The corners are still lovely and square with very little wear. The spine is square and solid with only a couple of very minor creases. All text is clearly legible and the colour is still bright white. Overall an exceptional 1st Press sleeve which will be difficult to improve upon!!

The solidly pressed vinyl retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually in NEAR MINT CONDITION (EX++ for the hyper critical) with only a few very light sleeve removal type wispy surface marks visible under bright light, which are of no audio significance. The BEAUTIFUL APPLE LABELS are unmarked with barely any spindle traces evident. I am confident that the record has only been played a few times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

It is notoriously difficult to find top quality pressings of the Imagine LP. This one is truly exceptional and probably the best that you will find. Playback is without fault – I’m tempted to say Near Mint! The 1st press mix and mastering are very special indeed, and far superior to that of later pressings! All frequencies play crystal clear, and there is an absolute minimum of unwanted noise. Several of the tracks have quiet sensitive passages which are easily spoiled by excessive crackle and surface sound. This means that to enjoy this LP to its full potential it is essential to have a top quality 1st pressing. This one will not disappoint – both sides play beautifully throughout with barely any unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience. The winning bidder may need to push the boat out a bit for this one, but he/she can rest assured that they will own one of the very best 1st pressings of Imagine available.

The fold-out poster and postcard are both present and in EXCELLENT+ CONDITION.

Complete with the original white inner sleeve, with credits on one side and lyrics on the other. This is excellent condition with no splits or tears, just light creasing and the catalogue number written neatly on the top left corner.

A SUPERB AND COMPLETE 1st PRESS EXAMPLE OF THIS ESSENTIAL JOHN LENNON MASTERPIECE - DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.