Pink Floyd : The Final Cut A1 / B2 1st Press

This stunning first press is a FINAL UPGRADE album in that you could not find one with audio as impressive as this.  The clarity and definition of the sound is superb and the beautiful visual quality cannot be underestimated either.  I suspect this record has only been played the once and maybe not at all!  There is no spindle wear at all and I cannot remember when I last heard a first pressing play with such sublime quality.

The gatefold is also in superb condition and it is obvious it has hardly ever been touched.  It is so strong and robust is almost perfect.  The original black inner is also in great shape with no side splits.

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SHPF 1983 // A - 1U / B - 2U

The audio on S1 is Mint-

The audio on S2 is Mint- (Track 4 Near Mint)

The gatefold is Mint-

The original inner is Near Mint

The labels are Mint

Visual grading

This is as close to perfect that you will find!  The vinyl has an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen with no marks or scratches and I can only detect one faint hairline on S1.  As stated it looks and sounds like it has hardly been played and to back up this theory there is just one very faint barely visible spindle trace on the S2 label.  The labels are in perfect condition.  The run out grooves are also supremely clean with no marks.  A visually stunning album that has hardly ever been handled.

Play grading  

The opening few grooves are of course so quiet on 'The Post War Dream' and yet the clarity is stunning.  With only a small number of barely audible dust ticks this is as close to perfect audio as is possible.  Indeed as the vocal begins the audio is perfect!  This track is so often affected by static or crackle but not here and it continues to play superbly to the very end with no interference whatsoever.  A Mint- start to the side.

I am pleased to say 'Your Possible Pasts' is of the same immaculate quality.  Again there are so many quieter sections and yet the clarity is quite simply astounding.  It is playing as a  barely played vinyl should and from start to finish this is Mint there is no need for a minus here!

'One Of The Few' is equal to this and has not even a solitary dust tick.  Mint once more.

By now you're getting the general ideal of the audio on this first pressing!  'The Hero's Return' also plays with Mint quality.

The delicate piano intro on 'The Gunners Dream' is just stunning and is easily the 'cleanest' I have heard in many a year.  It continues to play with remarkable definition and again the quieter sections have no 'background' at all.  The sax solo plays 'as new' much like the rest of the track.  I just cannot believe the clarity and sonic quality on this album!  So far there is literally no intrusion on the audio and this classic track is no exception.  It is a beautiful version and every note plays with sublime precision.  I have no hesitation in grading this as Mint   

The segue into 'Paranoid Eyes' is perfect and have you ever heard the cat 'miaow' on the intro?!  You can hear it three times and whilst it may be a minor thing it just gives you an idea of the wonderful clarity.  The remainder plays without fault and ends the side with sublime Mint audio.   

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'Get Your Filthy Hands Off My Desert' plays perfectly from the first groove and the 'bomb' has no distortion.  The remainder is of the same immaculate standard with no 'background'.  

I know I may be repeating myself now but this album is worth it!  The opening vocal on 'The Fletcher Memorial Home' is 'as new' and that quality is maintained throughout.  With only a handful of barely audible dust ticks the clarity is again sensational and Gilmour's solo could not play any better.  This is also worthy of a Mint grade.

'Southampton Dock' again makes you think is this record really 37 years old!  Another fantastic Mint track from beginning to end.

Incredibly there is not even a dust tick on 'The Final Cut' intro.  The second verse has a handful of very light static ticks but in no way are they intrusive - they are very quiet.  From then on the audio cannot be faulted and each note plays with supreme definition.  The 'chorus' sections are 'as new' and overall this underrated track is Near Mint just because of the very minor 'background' near the start.

'Not Now John' plays loud and true and with no distortion which is rare.  It is quite possibly the strongest version I have ever heard there is just no interference at all.  The sonic quality is breathtaking and the mega powerful end section is just amazing!  No distortion just pure Mint audio all the way through.  

'Two Suns In The Sunset' provides further evidence of a vinyl that has hardly ever seen a turntable!  It plays with wonderful precision from the first groove to the last and the fade out plays perfectly.  

In summary this has to be the most impressive first press I have ever put up for auction.  The clarity and sonic quality on both sides is stunning and this is why we listen to vinyl as this depth and warmth cannot be replicated by any other medium.  The playback is immaculate and 99% is 'as new' no exaggeration!  There are only a small number of very faint ticks on the title track on S2 and that is the only 'background'.  I cannot overstate the tremendous quality of the audio here and not only that but the gatefold is also in fantastic condition as is the original inner.  A FINAL UPGRADE album of that I have no doubt.

The Gatefold

This is without doubt one of the most impressive versions of this cover that I have seen and it clearly has hardly ever been handled.  It remains strong and robust and has no marking at all.  Stunning!  The edges have only 3/4 mega small rubs and the wide spine is near perfect aside from a couple of tiny white 'spots'.  All of the corners are in fantastic shape with barely any wear and the opening edge has no handling wear either.  The front cover with the original sticker firmly attached is 'as new' as the day when first released in '83 and the back cover is just as good.  The inside is immaculate - there really are no negatives and this is a fine example of this first press cover.  They don't get much better than this!

The Inner

The original black inner has no side splits or marks and barely any creasing.  Almost 'as new'!

The Labels

They are practically 'as new' with only one mega tiny spindle trace as mentioned.  Stunning!

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been professionally cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

SHPF 1983 // A - 1U / B - 2U

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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