PINK FLOYD DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 1973 UK SOLID BLUE 1st Rarest A2B2 COMPLETE VG+

	£		570
	$		755

PINK FLOYD - THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

An impressive condition and highly presentable copy of this increasingly rare and highly sought after 1973 UK 1st press Pink Floyd masterpiece, with earliest A2, B2 vinyl matrix numbers on the coveted "solid blue" triangle Harvest record label, STEREO, SHVL 804

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1    SHVL 804 A - 2 with stampers "7"  and "G D 1.1" at 8 o'clock and 1 o'clock respectively

Side 2    SHVL 804 B - 2 with stampers "2"  and "T R" at 4.30 o'clock and 10.30 o'clock respectively

The appearance and overall condition of the flat and heavy vinyl is a solid very good (VG). In normal daylight each side of the vinyl comes across as in gleaming, truly excellent condition : with close scrutiny under a bright light some wispy hairlines and light scuff marks do come into view - nothing "feelable" or obviously below the surface. However, it is clear that this record has had a reasonable number of plays whilst at the same time being well looked after, and playback does reveal the odd light click and some light background crackle which does support this view. Nonetheless, still impressive condition for this 47 year old antiquity - and now becoming very difficult to come across a UK 1st pressing of this prog rock classic in any condition, let alone in condition as impressive as this and with all of it's components.

The labels are excellent (EX). Lovely condition labels with all silver writing upon the jet black background and, of course, the coveted solid blue triangle, each in near perfect condition. There are some light, faint and non-obvious spindle trails on each label. Note "THE GRAMOPHONE CO...." text on the circumference of each label - again, an indicator of a very first pressing.

The condition of the non-laminated Garrod & Lofthouse outer gatefold sleeve is a solid excellent (EX). This gatefold is the rarer variant where the right front opening of the gatefold cover is sealed with the two sides glued and no fold over flap (although on this copy the opening edge has come away from the glue, revealing the interior glue residue - easily repairable but I have left as is so the next owner can choose whether they wish to re-glue or not), and when tilted at the right angle a blue hue/tint can be identified on the outside of the gatefold - each being indicators of very 1st UK pressings. All edges remain rigid, including the spine, with just a few sporadic, small light scuff marks on the top edge and towards the bottom right corner -amazing! The corners themselves remain near perfectly defined right angles with minimal rubbing and the opening edges are firm with no sign of fraying or feathering. The art work, colouring, and text of both the exterior and interior of the gatefold remain in iconically beautiful condition with still vibrant colouring and perfect definition throughout. Remarkable condition, especially considering it's age.

Comes with the original "Pyramid" and band posters (each have the rarer matt/slightly rough surface) which are both in truly excellent plus condition with no tears, rips, fraying, pin holes, blue tac residue, etc...near perfect; and of course the original (not cheap copies that you can buy off the internet) unused perfect condition matt textured stickers with "FASPRINT and "CRACKBACK"" stamped on the back of each.

The quality of the audio is overall very good plus (VG+). Great tone and clarity throughout, even at higher volume and on higher frequencies. No skips, jumps, repeats, or sticks and just the occasional light background click (I noticed two such clicks at the beginning of "On The Run", x2 small clicks at the end of "Time" and x2 light clicks at the very beginning of "The Great Gig In The Sky"). There is also some light and occasional background crackle during some of the quieter moments and interludes (slightly more in evidence on side 1, where there is some light background crackle in evidence during the first half of this side)...there is no obvious reason for this and I have played side 1 three times and each time I clean the vinyl (with luke warm soapy water) the sound quality improves, so I am assuming that a professional clean would improve the sound quality even further. To be a little more precise I would grade the sound quality on side 1 as VG and on side 2 as bordering on excellent...still a great listen throughout, despite these minor blemishes. Vintage, early 70's, prog at it's very best. Truly one of the all time great prog LP's, that's for sure.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1.  SPEAK TO ME

2. BREATHE 

3. ON THE RUN

4. TIME

5. THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY

Side 2 :

1. MONEY 

2. US AND THEM

3. ANY COLOUR YOU LIKE

4. BRAIN DAMAGE

5. ECLIPSE

Comes with original very good plus (VG+) condition black HARVEST/EMI poly-lined, "Patent Nos...." and "MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN" inner sleeve with no rips, a 3cm seam split in the middle of the left edge, and some mild vertical creasing...and of course remaining fully functional. Note that I always use a new, plain white replacement inner sleeve for shipping purposes in order to protect the original.

In summary a highly presentable copy of this increasingly rare and sought after 1973 UK very first 1st press Pink Floyd prog rock classic, and becoming very difficult to find 1st pressing copies in condition as impressive as this now, even taking into account the aforementioned (relatively minor) imperfections, and with all of it's components remaining wonderfully intact - the whole LP remains a great listen. A "must" for any serious vinyl collection and will only continue to gain in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 50 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 65 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl thick cardboard "crucifix" style mailer along with at least two thick cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be UK £6.00, Royal Mail special delivery; 

Continental Europe £12, and Rest of the World £16 respectively, Royal Mail 1st class international Airmail tracked and signed for

 I DO discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding!

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have 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, without any major defects, 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, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler