PINK FLOYD MORE UK EMI EARLIEST FIRST ISSUE

	£		113
	$		150

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular master disc; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first master ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered is one of the earliest produced in the country of origin from the first master or masters. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Album / Record Title: soundtrack from the film MORE

Rarity: ULTRA RARE - to find this variant as a UK EARLIEST FIRST PRESSING in this EXCELLENT TO PLUS CONDITION. Pink Floyd’s third album and first without any contribution from Syd Barrett, it is based on the film score but excludes two of the titles used in the film and includes re-arrangements of others. At the time of first commercial release in 1969 it was met with mixed reviews from the critics and a measure of indifference from the music buying public. Even Floyd enthusiasts were generally cool towards it resulting in a modest UK chart peak of #9 with relatively few FIRST PRESSING sales in Pink Floyd terms (as is often the case with more complex and interesting pieces of work it has subseqently been recognised as a masterpiece). It was issued in three variants between 1969 and re-release in 1973, with different labels but all of those first pre1973 three having claims to first press status according to matrices, stampers, vinyl weight and cover design. This variant is said to be the EARLIEST AND RAREST VARIANT due to the fact that it has THE SINGLE BOXED EMI LOGO and the ‘SOLD IN THE UK…SUBJECT TO PRICE CONDITIONS’ text. Prior to this White & Silver on Black Label EMI Columbia its predecessor, the Blue on Black Columbia Label which was discontinued prior to the release of ‘MORE’ and therefore never used on this album, carried this text and for a very short time on the EARLIEST FIRST PRESS OF ‘MORE’ the text was continued, but it was quickly removed to leave ‘Made In Gt. Britain’ only as the second variant, and then a second boxed EMI Logo was added giving rise to the third variant. That said, in my experience all of these three FIRST PRESS variants are EXTREMELY RARE and one like this in OUTSTANDING SUPERB CONDITION throughout is EXCEPTIONALLY RARE. The album features all of the other characteristics necessary to validate a FIRST ISSUE, FIRST PRESS which includes the FIRST PRESS MATRICES and STAMPERS on HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL, the ORIGINAL front laminated COVER with flip-backs and GREEN TINTED non-laminated back featuring the couple looking to the WEST, or the left as you look at it, Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. It has the standard poly-lined inner sleeve, in my experience the Columbia Company inners advertising other albums were not issued with all of the earliest first pressings. This is probably as good an example as you will ever see or hear of this album.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM AND FIRST ISSUE
• A UK EARLIEST FIRST PRESS WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• FIRST VARIANT ONE EMI BOXED LOGO COLUMBIA LABELS EXCELLENT PLUS
• EARLIEST FIRST ‘SOLD IN THE UK…..PRICE CONDITIONS LABEL TEXT
• ORIGINAL FRONT LAMINATED COVER BY G & L WITH ‘FLIP-BACKS’ EXCELLENT CONDITION
• EARLIEST FIRST G&L COVER VARIANT GREEN TINT, COUPLE FACE WEST
• ORIGINAL PLAIN WHITE INNER SLEEVE ADVISORY NOTE AND ANTISTATIC POLY-LINER
• POSSIBLY THE BEST EARLIEST ISSUE ORIGINAL OF THIS ALBUM YOU WILL EVER SEE OR HEAR

Artiste(s): PINK FLOYD, who were - Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Rick Wright, Nick Mason

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL EMI COLUMBIA MATT BLACK LABEL WITH ONE EMI BOXED LOGO, SILVER & WHITE PRINT, ‘SOLD IN THE UK SUBJECT TO RESALE PRICE CONDITION, SEE PRICE LISTS’ TEXT ON THE LOWER PERIMETER AND 'THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. ALL RIGHTS....' TEXT ON THE UPPER PERIMETER. 

Catalogue Number: SCX 6346  (1E 062 o 04096)

Country of manufacture and first published date: Gt. BRITAIN 1969

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     YAX 3868-1G

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     YAX 3869-1G

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    1    GR

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    1    GL

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: CIRRUS MINOR / THE NILE SONG / CRYING SONG / UP THE KHYBER / GREEN IS THE COLOUR / CYMBALINE / PARTY SEQUENCE / SIDE 2: MAIN THEME / IBIZA BAR / MORE BLUES / QUICKSILVER / A SPANISH PIECE / DRAMATIC THEME

My opinion & summary of condition: This is a superb example of Pink Floyd doing what they did best - making unique and superb atmospheric music which is entirely engaging and captivating, often subliminally moving the listener into another dimension. This particular example is also highly collectible for its OUTSTANDING CREDENTIALS, all of which are listed above. In terms of condition it is hard to imagine how a 39 year old album could be much better. The only signs of wear that are evident are those that you would associate with careful handling and use over time. The audio delivery is EXCELLENT or better throughout, and the only very slight reservation to declaring it audio ‘near mint’ is a light surface mark across the last two tracks of side two which cause a very soft tick in the quietest moments of those tracks, but without that minor blemish it would most certainly qualify for my top grade . In my opinion this is truly outstanding and a highly recommended collectors buying opportunity.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS, some superficial surface lines and small bag marks, none of which are tangible with light finger touch and they have no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface lines and small bag marks, none of which are tangible with light finger touch and they have no significant audio consequence (n.b. this is without the PLUS grade only because of the slight blemish I have explained in the previous paragraph)

Label Visual side 1: NEAR MINT, some light spindle lines which are few and hard to see, no visible wear in the spindle hole, generally a lovely, first rate label.

Label Visual side 2: NEAR MINT, some light spindle lines which are few and hard to see, no visible wear in the spindle hole, generally a lovely, first rate label.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT, and perhaps deserves a PLUS in my opinion but the super-sized photographs show it very fairly and accurately so please take a careful look and form your own opinion as well. The original front laminated single slip cover of lightweight card construction, design and photography by Hipgnosis. Text on bottom right of flip back reads ‘6907 TPS’ which is the code and reference for first commercial release date in July 1969, followed by ‘Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., Patent No.943,895 SCX 6346’; top right flip back reads ‘File under POPULAR : Films and Shows’. Short light surface creases in the laminate close to the spine and two small but slightly more noticeable crescent shaped creases towards the leading edge where the vinyl enters the cover, along with some mini-dents on the leading edge. Minor light creasing at the top and bottom edges, very light surface, corner and edge rubbing (small, narrow laminate separation bottom edge to right - see photographs), and some general light rub wear on the front laminate but not easy to see. A tiny bruise at the bottom back left corner. Laminate slightly off register at the front in a line adjacent to the spine and leading edge which in my experience is a characteristic of the first issue covers. The non-laminated back has light handling wear marks mainly where the laminate shortens on the top and side flip backs, with a few small brown spots next to the spine flip back but nothing unpleasant or out of the ordinary - overall a comfortably excellent cover.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS, just about as good a spine as you will ever see, physically well formed with square shoulders and pinched ends, as new -  clean, clear and fully readable. Please take a look at the super-sized photographs.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD+, standard original white paper with blue printed patents and advisory notes, fitted with antistatic poly-liner, lightly creased and slightly discoloured (n.b. in my experience the Columbia Company inners were not issued with all of the earliest first pressings).

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 143 grammes (an enthralling EMI COLUMBIA heavyweight)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT TO PLUS

Audio Performance: TRULY DELIGHTFUL AUDIO, THE LIKE OF WHICH I HAVE ONLY HEARD ON ONE OTHER PRESSING OF THIS ALBUM. BRIGHT, CLEAR, FULL BODIED AND POSITIVE WITH JUST THE MINIMUM OF SURFACE SOUND & INTERFERENCE. THE ONLY BLEMISH WORTH A MENTION IS THE ONE I HAVE STATED ABOVE ON SIDE TWO WHICH CAUSES SOME VERY SOFT TICKS IN THE QUIETER MOMENTS BUT IT DID NOT SPOIL MY LISTENING PLEASURE. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, OCCASIONALLY THERE MAY BE A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT I WAS DELIGHTED WITH THIS - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - ABSOLUTELY MESMERIZING AND BRILLIANT.

Other: This is an opportunity to buy an extremely rare album in outstanding condition which is unlikely to be repeated in the foreseeable future. In any event it represents a first rate music investment, and will remain one of the best examples you are ever likely to find.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.