LOU REED Transformer SCARCE ORIG UK 1972 1E/1E with RARE FULLY LAMINATED COVER.

	£		68
	$		90

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World in Quality, Safe Packing.

Postage: UK £4.75 (£1 per extra record). Europe (including Russia) £12.50 (£2 per extra record). Rest of World (including ALL parts of the USA) £16.50 (£3 per extra record). All boxes signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all – in fact I think these things should be banned as records WILL arrived damaged in them at some time. More details on my packing nearer the end of the listing.

Posting to Russia: Yes, I do post to Russia. But delivery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the UK. So please be patient. I will submit a tracking number to the winning bidder, and when the packet arrives there it can be followed online using the Russian post website.

ALSO: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important to any small business. I will always keep my P&P prices as low as possible, and even after yet another Royal Mail price hike from April this year, I have NOT raised my prices and will never compromise on solid, safe packing that is invariably heavier than most you will get. My P&P offers probably the best value-for-money for vinyl records available, and I even will pay for full insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives.

FINALLY: Late payers will now be blocked at my discretion. As will any bidder who cancels a bid. I do not like this practice as it is most often used to phish out the price to beat. Ebay does not approve and neither do I – so only bid on my items if you want them.

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.

Label Conditions: Both in superb clean and fresh conditions and just a couple of very faint spindle traces on side two seen under light. These are as clean and fresh as labels get and both have a lovely gloss sheen. This an ultimate first pressed copy with all details of that fact further down.

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: 115 grams. A fairly typical weight for this difficult year for vinyl manufacture.

Country of Manufacture: England.

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.

Rarity & Info: An absolute classic album and the one that really got Lou Reed noticed, it peaked at No. 13 in the UK album charts. However, first pressings of this landmark album 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 six to eight months or so, some covers of ‘Transformer’ were FULLY laminated as per this. 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 rose 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. Few would have predicted this song would break Reed into the singles charts – the fact it was played on UK radio at all was surprising due the explicit lyrics – it has been joked no-one at the BBC knew what the words meant. ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ was censored in many countries, or banned altogether. A short song covering a mix of taboos and with the return of Candy Darling, featured on his first solo album as ‘Candy Says’. The whole album has an erotic feel and hints of sleaziness, all very much part of glam-rock scene of the early 70s. This single has become Reed’s trademark song, but arguably the single’s B-side was even better, and over time, has become equally famous.

Few fully laminated covers were made – this album, probably to RCA surprise sold quite well – nothing he had made previously had even dented the charts. Either due to cost, or simply to get units into shops, the laminate was halfed and then dropped entirely. I have seen very few of these first-made examples, and all those I have seen have had laminate adhesion issues. Logically, this could have been another reason it was dropped as well. One thing is for certain, this classic sleeve’s beauty is really bought to the forefront when laminate was applied. The vivid colour and sharpness really stands out, and like most-all seen, even with spine edge lifting, it is still a class act – just the man himself. This is still Reed’s best-known album and work, produced by an early admirers, 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. Lastly, the most important factor, this copy plays superbly well with no pressing issues or unwanted noises. As I have said before in my listings, when RCA were no longer pressed by Decca from late 1968 onwards, the standard dropped and I have had many classic RCA albums that have looked fine, but disappoint for poor sound. Indeed I have had a few copies of ‘Transformer’ that have had pressing rasps and distortions, but this is NOT one of them – this plays beautifully – or I would not offer it. So this daring and quite groundbreaking, evergreen classic can be enjoyed to the maximum – “Hey babe, Walk on the Wild Side”.

Cover Cosmetic Improvements: None Apparent.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(+): a single format and FULLY LAMINATED. Only made in very limited numbers and for the briefest of time like this. The back laminated only on initial runs, then relatively briefly just on the front. Most seen are unlaminated with matt smooth surfaces. Printed and made in England by Clout & Baker.

Lamination – Front & Back: My grading above is based on real wear, which this cover has hardly any of. It has moderate lifting on the spine edge of both sides which is almost the norm on this cover. Although I have seen very few fully laminated versions, all I have seen have lifted and I have not downgraded because of it. Laminate lifting (in most cases) has nothing to do with wear, sometimes the cover’s surface is less receptive to adhesion, thus many are seen lifted from day one. Or as most collectors will know, laminate tightens and lifts (or bows the cover). As I have suggested further up, if adhesion was an issue, it may be one reason it was dropped altogether, but I think logically it was speed up production to get units into shops and save cost as well. Anyway, this laminate has not peeled and any cracking is fine and few, this care, there should be no issues. Simply store inside a protective cover – always provided here of course. The laminate retains a very fine shine, freshness and clarity. A little rim dulling seen under light but hardly any creasing or marks. Deep vivid colour from the classic artwork makes non-laminates appear second-best and dull. The fine non-protected edges of the entrance are neat and and clean with minimal wear at all, importantly, they are still present emphasising the lack of trimming or cosmetic improvements to this vulnerable edge. Although ‘Transformer’ is regularly seen and offered, few will be fully laminated and these first examples are greatly collectable and scarce.

Top & Bottom Edges: Smooth, straight with barely any wear at all. All the laminate unchipped or peeled.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, very sharp with barely any hint of wear. Any thickening or burring minuscule even viewed end-on. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: Solid, if thin with some compression, but unbowed and straight with no chipping or peeling. All text unworn but centred a little high, so visible via front viewing.

Corners: Any tip rubbing tiny and light, no dinks with any tip creasing minute. Excellent or better shape retained.

Cover Summary: Something of a collector’s piece, and I would be confident finding one with no laminate issues will be beyond difficult. But this is the only issue of any note for the cover purist, these look very different to the duller looking non-laminates. Rare and attractive, this will please many collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(++): the unlined plain white inner is in very clean and barely worn condition. Two crisp undamaged window circles and no edge splits or repairs. This inner has no text.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT: arguably better still. A very fine visual copy that is very clean with fine shine and quite solidly pressed. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence with any surface marks being very fine and faint as seen under bright angled light – there are NO penetrating scratches on either side and this record plays beautifully. Visually a lovely, fresh looking record that should please many 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 1E/1E record plays even above it’s high visual grading with barely anything 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, punch and detail – this is why the discerning collector wants the early editions, they simply offer the best sound in most cases. Any surface sound minimal and mostly none at all, overall an exceptional clean pressing. The lack of any distortions or pressing rasps always a plus for RCA at this time. I have heard many Bowie and other RCA albums from this period that have them, invisible menace that ruins the experience, but avoided here. 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. It 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 Terrarium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

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 new VPI-17 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 boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are 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 at least TWO, 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. When larger boxes are used, 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. 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. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners 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 10,000+ items sold in over 12 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 stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

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] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £8. (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 [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; 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 [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an 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: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. 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 necessarily 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’.