LOU REED Transformer RARER GENUINE UK 1972 1st Press LP

	£		57
	$		75

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options.

Artist or Band: LOU REED

Album Title: Transformer.

Producer(s): David Bowie & Mick Ronson.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Vicious; Andy’s Chest; Perfect Day; Hangin’ ’Round; Walk on the Wild Side.

Side 2: Make Up; Satellite of Love; Wagon Wheel; New York Telephone Conversation; I’m So Free; Goodnight Ladies.

Label/Format: RCA Victor – original and rarer glossy surfaces (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: Both in stunning clean conditions and struggling to find any spindle marks. These are as clean and fresh as labels get and both have a lovely gloss sheen. Not usual on what eventually proved to be a popular album, and this one is a genuine, ultimate first pressing.

Cat Number: LSP 4807.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 140 grams. Way over average for this title, later pressings were considerably thinner and ultimately inferior.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: First pressings of this landmark album in Reed’s career are quite rare, make no mistake. It’s like comparing Bowie’s ‘Hunky Dory’ as a genuine first pressing compared to an early or later reissue. Very first issues of both albums were laminated, but only for a very brief time. Unlike ‘Hunky Dory’ however, which was only laminated on the front for around eight months or so, some covers of ‘Transformer’ were fully laminated as per this one. Also the record has the ultimate first pressed matrix numbers of 1E / 1E. Some very early second pressings saw the matrixes jump to 2E and upwards later on. Also the laminate was dropped from the back, then dropped entirely. Matt-finished covers for this album are common as sales soared after the record-buying public discovered this man via the hit single ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, that included the sublime B-side, ‘Perfect Day’ also featured on this set. This is still probably Reed’s best-known album and work, produced by an early admirer, David Bowie and Mick Ronson, his then current guitarist who features strongly. Do not under-estimate just how scarce fully laminated, 1E / 1E, real first pressings of this album are, especially ones that have hardly been played.

Original Year of Release: 1972

Matrix Nos: BPRS 7038 1E / BPRS 7039 1E

Musicians: Lou Reed – guitar, keyboards, vocals; Herbie Flowers – bass guitar, double-bass, tuba; Mick Ronson – lead guitar, piano, recorder, backing vocals, string arrangements; John Halsey – drums; Ronnie Ross – baritone saxophone. Other Musicians: David Bowie – backing vocals, The Thunderthighs – backing vocals, Barry DeSouza – drums, Ritchie Dharma – drums, Klaus Voormann – bass.

Brief Info: An absolute classic album and the one that really got Lou Reed noticed. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, it sold well after a promotion kick from the sublime ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ single. A song of shameless sleaze with explicit lyrics that totally bypassed the BBC as it received regular airplay at the time. The B-side was ‘Perfect Day’ which is arguably even better and has become very popular in it’s own right. But not a wasted track or second on this wonderful album that peaked at No 13 in the UK album charts. Initial runs of this RCA title would have modestly low, and only these included the fully laminated cover and it’s not seen too often as such, same goes for the equally prized 1E matrixes, so a wonderful opportunity for collectors who only want the earliest-made copies. This record offers supreme sound and evidence suggests it has hardly been played, also a superb RCA pressing, a label that could at times be variable and even resorting to using Dynaflex, a vinyl substitute material only a short time later – these in most cases, are best avoided. This heavy-pressed, real vinyl record is magnificent and the audio quality and details will not be surpassed. The cover, although fully laminated, is still flimsy, thus lifting is an issue and this has some on the spine. But the ghoulish Reed front and sleazy back under laminate still will blow-away the less impressive matt later version. To experience Reed’s first solo masterpiece as a true first pressing is a joy and this is my first ever – ‘Hey babe’ take a walk on the wild side’ with Lou.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(-): a single format and the much rarer FULLY LAMINATED first printed example. Printed and made in England by Clout & Baker.

Lamination: Front & Back: Overall, the laminate retains a lovely clear shine, but there is some mildish friction rubbing seen under angled light, mainly around the rim shape which is hardly uncommon. Minimal creasing and fine freshness is retained. The main issue on this thin card cover, is lifting which, as per usual, is on the spine edge. Little on the back but more on the front with two areas. This does not encroach to far to the right so any visual impairment is fairly modest for those who do worry about this natural occurrence. One lift is finely cracked and there is a small peel near the front spine bottom and an even smaller one on the bottom edge, these have little visual impact at all. A few light surface marks but what is for certain, the classic artwork of the pale-faced Reed looks infinitely superior with the laminated finish, much darker and classy looking, even with some blemishing. Quite a rare sight to see with most being matt finished, so even though not perfect, it’s still quite special.

Top Edge: Thin but practically unworn and very straight.

Bottom Edge: Little real wear but a little chipping with odd small laminate peel.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean and sharp with little wear and no feathering or trimming. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: A little chipping top and bottom but still solid, if thin with some compression. The text is mainly all present and unworn, the first ‘R’ in ‘TRANSFORMER’ which has rubbed.

Corners: All corners have light to moderate rubbing with mostly fine shape retained.

Cover Summary: A scarcer original laminated cover in highly respectable condition, it makes the famous artwork look much different, darker and more luscious. Not perfect as the grading suggests, but still a strong example. This elusive first version should please many collectors but not the perfectionists.

The Inner Sleeve: NEAR EXCELLENT: the unlined RCA texted inner is in very fine condition and only aged with some browning on the edges. Both the open windows are immaculate and all edges secure with no splits or repairs, and barely a crease to be seen.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(+): a super visual copy that is very clean with fine shine, intense black and heavily pressed, especially so as most later examples with not get close to this 140 gram pressing. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence with any surface marks being very few and ultra fine hairline types that few records this considerable ever avoid totally. Visually a super record that should please many, if not most collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This classic, first-pressed record plays even above it’s high visual grading with nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Superbly produced by Bowie and Ronson, this first run copy has ultimate fidelity, clout and detail – this is why the discerning collector wants first editions, they simply offer the best sound in most cases. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and no pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing. Few copies will outperform this true first pressing I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been clearly carefully handled. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This record will prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - PLEASE SEE MY TYPICAL PACKING BOX PICTURE.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional thick boxes (NOT Mailers or Cruciforms, these do not offer maximum protection). The record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with THREE or EVEN FOUR ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. The thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. Please see my picture of a typical finished box packet that will now be used on ALL transactions as from now. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. These boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.