Jimi Hendrix - Band Of Gypsys (puppet sleeve) superb

	£		80
	$		106

 Jimi Hendrix - Band Of Gypsys (Saskia De Boer puppet sleeve)

This is a 1970 Track Record 1st pressing from Polydor Records Ltd

Track Super 2406   002

This is the sleeve with photographs of the dolls made by Saskia De Boer.

Much is made of whether the sleeve was withdrawn because of the unauthorised use of images of Bob Dylan, Brian Jones and John Peel, but not much about the rear sleeve where Jimi is shown playing right-handed!

This is going to sound like heresy to Hendrix aficionados but the reality is that this LP has been played very few times as I was disappointed in the recording quality (especially after the superb “Electric Ladyland) and also I just couldn’t bear the awful drumming of the late Buddy Miles. It sounded like a mechanical toy hitting a tin tray, over and over and over again.

I bought this LP at the time of its release and this copy has sat on my shelves un-played, for the best part of 35 years and I guess it’s time to let it go to someone who will appreciate it and play it more often.

I am not a dealer, just someone who bought a lot of, what are now, apparently, collectable, LPs at the time of their release purely because I loved the music.

The sleeve has been kept in a protective polythene outer sleeve since new and the vinyl has always been kept clean. It has been recently “vacuumed” on my Moth Record Cleaning machine to restore it to its original lustre, since when it has been housed in a Nagaoka anti-static inner sleeve (they really do work), although the original inner sleeve is included here as well.

The matrix details are as follows:

Side A (etched)

2406  002

A ? 1       1   2          1

Side B (etched)

2406  002

B = 1         1    2         1

Vinyl:        Excellent+

An excellent pressing that plays with virtually no extraneous surface noise, pops or crackles other than a small amount on the lead-in on each side. As you are no doubt aware there are some very quiet moments on the tracks on Side A and this record plays with no surface noise evident in these parts or indeed between any of the tracks on either side.

Please note: There is only one, extremely fine, non-sounding hairline across the first half of Side B but other than that this is probably one of the best condition copies of this LP you’ll be able to lay your hands on (mainly because it was played so few times after purchase).

This record has been play-graded on my latest set-up which is Project Perspective deck, Ortofon Rondo Bronze cartridge through Musical Fidelity XLPS2 twin mono block phono stage into the pre-amp section of a Musical Fidelity XA-1 and then Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amp and finally Ruark Prelude ‘speakers, which reproduced a very quiet surface.

It is worth bearing in mind that other systems may not reveal the same level of hi-fi sound.

Sleeve:    Excellent

Very slight ring wear on both sides, causing a tiny amount of creasing near the front leading edge. Virtually no “feathering” on the edges and the spine is still strong with no tears or wear other than slight indentation. Lettering on spine is largely still clear and unbroken apart from slight breaks in one letter on each set of words. There is no writing anywhere on either side of the sleeve.

Inner sleeve:     Excellent

This is the original ‘Made in England” inner sleeve with the date “B 1/0470” and is in excellent condition with no tears or wear apart from slight age yellowing.

Labels:    Excellent+

Bears the mis-spelt name, “Band of Gipsies”, on both sides.

Both labels are clean and bright with no marks. There is no appreciable spindle wear.

This record has been visually and play graded as accurately as possible using the Record Collector's grading system (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.

Overseas buyers are requested to pay using PayPal only.

Winning bidder:    Please wait until I send an invoice before arranging payment.

In keeping with e-bay requirements this LP will be dispatched using a signed-on-receipt delivery service.

Postage & Packaging
UK. £3.50
Europe £8.00
U.S.A/Canada £9.50
Rest Of World, / Hong Kong / Japan £10.50

The postage quoted is for Standard 1st Class registered and Royal Mail Airsure international, which has online tracking and delivery confirmation so if you require any other method of posting please ask. Extra insurance up to £500 is available at an additional cost of £2.20.

I will keep proof of posting and will assist you if you need to make a claim for loss or damage with Royal Mail. I would advise all bidders that I am not to be held responsible for items lost in post if an incorrect address is given.

 All LPs will be posted in thick purpose-made cardboard mailers with cardboard inserts for extra protection and the sleeve, inner sleeve and record will be separated to avoid any potential damage to them caused by transit.

In the next few weeks I will be selling a few more similar condition LPs from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Tyrannosaurus Rex, King Crimson, Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull, Wild Man Fischer and East of Eden to name but a few, so please keep an eye out for those.