QUEEN II (4U / 4U 1st Press)

This is a final upgrade, archive first press on offer here.  The audio plays to an impeccable standard and has only been played once, maybe twice in its 44 years.  It is just so clean and comes complete with a stunning gatefold and lyric inner with no splits.

EMC 767 // YAX 4736 (crossed) 4735 - 4U / YAX 4735 (crossed) 4736 - 4U // GGP 5 & GDR 4

The audio on S1 is Mint-

The audio on S2 is Mint-

The laminated cover is Near Mint

The lyric inner is Ex (no splits though!)

The EMI labels are Mint

 Visual grading

  This vinyl is in immaculate, pristine condition the likes of which I don't think I have ever seen on a 4U/4U pressing before.  It has a stunning glossy, jet black sheen and in all honesty looks as new.  Hardly played there is only one mega small spindle trace on each label and I can only detect a couple of very faint sleeve removal hairlines on S1, none on S2.  This really is beautiful looking first press and I'm glad to say it plays as good as it looks.  The run out grooves are also in incredible clean.  An archive copy for certain.

Play grading

There is barely any static on the 'Procession' intro and only three dull 'ticks'.  It begins well but gets even better!  The clarity throughout is of an extremely high standard.  The fade out and then the intro on 'Father To Son' is of an immaculate standard and this continues to the end.  This is one of the most impressive versions of this classic I have heard.  The power and range is 'high end' and the quiet sections play in stunning style also.  The long fade out is just sublime.  The quiet 'White Queen' intro then has to be heard to be believed!  This track does not disappoint either and the clarity and separation is again of a spectacular standard.  A handful of mega quiet dust ticks only this is audio from the heavens!  'Some Day One Day' and 'Loser In The End' bring S1 to a close with exceptional sound again with no flaws whatsoever.

'Ogre Battle' has barely any static on the long build up intro again confirming what a masterpiece this vinyl is!  The power and sonic quality is then just breathtaking, the bass is so strong in the mix and there is no 'background' at all.  100% Stunning.  For fear of being repetitive 'The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke' is Mint- from start to finish and 'Nevermore' is quite simply astounding for such a quiet track.  There is not one single dust tick let alone any crackle, clicks or pops.  Again Mint- and yes the minus is being utilised as the album isn't sealed!  The intro on 'The March Of The Black Queen' has a minimal amount on non-intrusive static and the remainder then once again is immaculate.  I'm running out of superlatives for this incredible first press!  Even the quiet mid section plays to perfection with no 'background'.  Wow!  'Funny How Love Is' plays with perfect precision and 'Seven Seas Of Rhye' ends this classic album with a little distortion perhaps (as is always the case) but again there is no tangible interference.

In summary I would go so far to say that this is the most impressive 4U/4U first pressing I have ever heard.  With next to no interference this is how audio should be heard.  The clarity is first class and it is obvious this vinyl has been hardly played.  There is not one single loud click or pop and whilst I don't like using the word 'rare' it is indeed a rarity to find this 44 year old record playing to such an immaculate standard.

Gatefold cover

The G & L laminated cover does not disappoint either.  There is no damage to the laminate and the edges and spine are in near perfect condition and there is barely any corner wear also.  The opening edge has no handling wear and only one end has a very slightly rough feel to it, very very minor though.  As I say the laminate throughout is in superb shape with no splits or lifting and there are only a handful of tiny, barely noticeable creases around the edges.  The inside of the gatefold is almost as new with only one small 'spot' mark and the colours remain strong and vibrant.  So often the inside spine is damaged but not here!  Overall this a fantastic example of this iconic gatefold and would be nigh on impossible to improve upon.

Lyric inner

This original inner with four cut corners has no splits to the sides which is relatively rare today.  There is just one tiny tear on the thumb notch but there is hardly any creasing.  There are a few small age related 'spotting' marks but aside from that it is very clean.  Pretty good for a 44 years paper sleeve!

The labels

The original EMI labels are in fantasic condition with no writing/marking and only one tiny spindle trace on each side.

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

EMC 767 // YAX 4736 (crossed) 4735 - 4U / YAX 4735 (crossed) 4736 - 4U // GGP 5 & GDR 4

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

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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Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SHIPPING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £6.00. PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE. WHEN ITEMS EXCEED A SALE PRICE OF £50.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT INTERNATIONALLY EXTRA INSURANCE IS NECESSARY AND COSTS AN EXTRA £2.50.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (Second Class)

LPs/12" singles : £4.95 (recorded) then £0.75 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE 

LPs/12" singles : £7.95 then £1.25 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £4.95 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD  

LPs/12" singles : £11.95 then £1.75 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £5.95 then £0.95 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE IT HAS BEEN LEFT FOR ME. THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!

In the coming weeks and months I will be selling plenty of Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Genesis and Marillion items so please keep a look out!  Many thanks.  Please look at my other items on now!