KING CRIMSON - In the court of the Crimson King - ILPS 9111 - UK Pink Island

	£		151
	$		200

KING CRIMSON - IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Island ILPS 9111 Original UK Pressing on the PINK ISLAND Label

Stamper Matrixes A 2 - 11 3  and  B//4 - 11 4

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Their debut and one of the "must haves" for any serious collection. I own this album in practically each different pressing, starting with the rare Pink A2/B2, the Pink A2/B3, the Pink A2/B4, the Pink Rimmed A2/B2, the Pink Rimmed A3/B3 (Porky/Pecko) and the Pink Rimmed A4/B4 (plus the 1st US Atlantic Release, the German Columbia and Polydor). All of these sound slightly different. The A2/B2 has very good focus and detail but lacks a bit in bass, the A2/B3 has a good sounding Side 1 but a real mediocre Side 2 (sonics are harsh and thin), the A2/B4 (the one on auction) has the best sound of the whole bunch followed by the later A4/B4 and the Pink Rimmed A2/B2. Whatever they did different during the mastering and pressing processes will most likely stay a secret. Those of you being keen for the earlier A2/B2 or A2/B3: be aware of the fact that these will not be the best options when you are after the best sound. 

I compare my pressings on top notch equipment, using the expensive BENZ MICRO SLR Gullwing MC-cartridge with the Micro Ridge cut diamond. It reveals everything from any Vinyl which sometimes can be a curse, especially with 40+ year old records. When I grade a record as Excellent, I am pretty sure many other sellers would not hestitate to call it Near Mint. When I give a record the "Near Mint" grading it is practically flawless. I am collecting Vinyl since 35+ years and own hundreds of records from the day they came into the shops.

The Vinyl: EXCELLENT to EXCELLENT+

Held up into a very strong light I can see a few hairlines but no scratches. I see a very small non-sounding scuff on "Moonchild". The Vinyl is clean and shiny. The playback is fantastic. Like all other pressings I ever heard, the notorious "Moonchild" has some mild static in places and a few low level scattered background tics but nothing serious. All other tracks play close to NEAR MINT throughout. The sound is rich and full bodied with sparkling cymbals and no distortion on any track. The Vinyl sits flat on the turntable.

The Labels: EXCELLENT+

A few spindle traces only, very clean, bright color and no unwanted writing.

The E.J.Day Gatefold-Sleeve: VG++. This is one of the hardest sleeves to preserve. It is not laminated and the cardboard is very sensitive. It has no rips, tears, creases or stain. Has some mild edge and spine rubbing as well as mild rubbing on top and bottom, the inside is very clean, no unwanted writing.

Inner Sleeve: Plain White in VG++ condition. "Plastic bags can be dangerous" warning and "Made in England 40/99" and "British patent No. 800513 & 973939" credits. I am sure this is the original first inner for A2/B4 although I have seen copies having the blue Island Inner Sleeve which only came up in 1971. A2/B4 was pressed in 1970 until early 1971 so the plain white should be the earlier one. The Sleeve has some creases but no splits or tears. It has a 3 x 3 cm stain spot on one side and a bit of yellowing from age. 

In case of any further questions please don't hesitate to mail me. I will answer promptly.

Due to the somehow weird eBay policies regarding postage please ignore the postage fee mentioned above. I decided to fix shipping at 7 GBP to anywhere in Europe and 9 GBP to the rest of the world. This includes the fees for "signed for/registered" and also Insurance to make sure the record arrives safely. It also allows to track it during its transit. The record ships from Germany.

I pack my records professionally in stiff record mailers leaving the Vinyl (housed in Nagaoka anti-static bags) outside the Sleeve.  

Good luck.