PAUL & LINDA McCARTNEY, RAM, 1971 UK APPLE 1st PRESS

	£		80
	$		106

Here for auction is a lovely example of the studio album by PAUL AND LINDA McCARTNEY titled ‘RAM’, Catalogue Number PAS 10003. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the APPLE RECORD LABEL, with the earliest 1/1 Matrix Numbers, and complete with a stunning 1st issue UK-made laminated gatefold sleeve.

The fully-laminated gatefold sleeve (inside the opening gatefold as well), printed and made in England, is in EX+ condition (strictly graded) with barely any wear at all. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful sleeve which will be very difficult to improve upon.

The top quality Apple record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is a nice solid pressing with a tapered rim edge.

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – YEX 837-1 :    3    R A  

Side 2 – YEX 838-1      1    R D  

Visually I would grade Side 1 as being in close to EX condition, and Side 2 as VG+, as there are some noticeable sleeve removal type surface marks and stylus rub marks (not scratches) evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The beautiful Apple labels are unmarked with only a few small spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole. 

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant recording which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. Both sides play perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks and barely any unwanted noise at all. A significantly better playing copy of this wonderful album may be difficult to find. 

Complete with the correct Apple plain white inner sleeve which is in very good condition. This has a few creases and a small nick to one side edge.

GRADINGS

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 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG+ Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.