PINK FLOYD, MEDDLE, MINT- 1971 UK HARVEST *1st PRESS*

	£		103
	$		136

Here for auction is a superb example of the landmark studio album by PINK FLOYD titled “MEDDLE”, Catalogue Number SHVL 795. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the HARVEST RECORD LABEL with the earliest A-1U/B-1U matrix numbers and very early mother stampers. The record labels have “The Gramophone Co. Ltd…” text around the tops. Complete with the 1st issue fully-textured Garrod & Lofthouse gatefold sleeve and the correct EMI poly-lined inner sleeve.

The fully-textured gatefold sleeve (inside and out), printed and made in Great Britain by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., is in VG+ condition with only light storage wear. [The 1st issue sleeve is made of softer card than later sleeves, and is actually quite flexible when handled]. The spine is a bit flattened with some rubbing along the back edge, but all text is still clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a very presentable example of this notoriously fragile 1st issue sleeve.

The top quality Harvest record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is very solidly pressed with a tapered rim edge.

The full matrix numbers and stampers are:

SIDE 1 – SHVL 795  A-1U    1   OG

SIDE 2 – SHVL 795  B-1U    1   OO

Visually both sides are in MINT- condition, with just a few faint sleeve removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and of no audio significance. The beautiful HARVEST labels are unmarked with just a few light spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly detailed and vibrant recording with exceptional sound quality. All frequencies play crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in the sound quality. Both sides play to a very high standard with only very low levels of unwanted noise (just occasional light surface sound which is never intrusive). This is particularly important for this album due to the number of quiet sensitive passages which can so easily be spoiled by excessive surface sound. A significantly better playing 1st pressed copy may be very difficult to find.

Complete with the correct EMI poly-lined inner sleeve which advertises other Harvest albums of the period. This is in very good condition with no splits or tears, just light creasing and some age discoloration.

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 - £9.95

Europe over £36 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £14.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £2.00 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.