I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.

Queen : Queen II 4U/4U 1st Press 1974

This first pressing plays with stunning quality on both sides with no interference!  I always look to 'White Queen' first because it is the one track that is so often affected by static etc but not here!  It is quite possibly the most 'complete' version I have ever heard, the playback is exceptional.  That pretty much applies to the rest of the album also - the clarity, depth and power of audio is so impressive and there are no clicks or pops.  The vinyl is also visually stunning and looks like it has hardly been played as there is only very minimal spindle wear and the sonic quality certainly suggests that.

The laminated cover is in lovely condition and the only wear is two small 'rubs' on each side of the back cover.  If not for that it would be perfect!  The overall shape and glossy finish is superb!  The original lyric inner (with four cut corners) is unbelievably clean with only one split on the bottom edge albeit a clean one.

EMA 767 // YAX 4̶7̶3̶6̶ 4735-4U / YAX 4̶7̶3̶5̶ 4736-4U // GRG 5 / GGP 4

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio S2 is Mint(-)

The gatefold is Ex

The EMI labels are Near Mint

The lyric inner is Ex

Visual description

The vinyl is in superb condition and still has a pristine glossy sheen with no marks or scratches.  Only under a strong light can I see a small number of very faint sleeve removal hairlines but they certainly are not easy to find!  The run out grooves are super clean and the EMI labels are practically 'as new' with only very minimal spindle wear.

Play grading

The run in on S1 is unbelievably clean and then the drum beat intro 'Procession' plays so clearly with only a hint of barely audible static, it is so quiet.  It continues to play with great clarity and there are no ticks, clicks or pops.  So often this instrumental has some background but not here!  A Mint- start for sure.

The segue into 'Father To Son' is perfect and the intro and opening vocal section are equally as good.  The first high octane vocal from Freddie soon followed by the mid instrumental led by Brian of course play with phenomenal power and depth - turn it up to max the playback is incredible!  The 'A word in your ear...' quiet vocal has no background and this standard is kept up to the very end.  This is a sublime version I cannot fault it and the long fade out section has no background either.  A classic version of a classic track.  Mint

The segue into 'White Queen' is again perfect and the intro has only 3/4 very very faint dull sounds in the background - I only mention them to be 'complete' with my grading - you can scarcely hear them.  The first verse then plays so clearly and this is a genuine rarity.  I say that because this track so often plays with a fair amount of static during the quieter moments but this is a superb start!  The next verse is as impressive and then the more powerful 'Needing - unheard...' vocal is 'as new' and it continues to play with impeccable quality.  Each note is so clean and precise and the mid instrumental and following vocal (My goddess hear...) well mere words cannot express the sonic quality on offer here!  It is STUNNING and only right at the end are there a couple of very light static ticks.  This has to be one of finest versions of this classic I have ever heard and I honestly believe Mint- is richly deserved.  What. A. Version!

'Some Day One Day' also plays to the highest standard possible with no intrusion on the audio.  The clarity, depth and warmth of the audio is first class and the only background is just a minimal touch of mega light static right at the end of the fade out.  Another Mint- track.

The percussive intro on the underrated 'Loser' is faultless and then Roger's opening vocal is equal to that.  There is no let up as it continues and the power, depth and resonance of the audio here is so impressive.  For a final track the sonic quality is incredibly strong and there is no distortion on the top end.  I cannot fault it and the long fade out here has no background whatsoever.  This is Mint no need for a minus here :-)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The build up 'intro' on 'Ogre Battle' plays so clearly with next to no static and as the volume increases the playback is superb.  The opening vocal and chorus then play to perfection.  This high end standard is kept up as it progresses and it plays loud and true and with no distortion.  The mid instrumental is as loud as it is bonkers (!) and the final vocal / instrumental are 'as new' with no interference.  I will grade as Mint- but I'm not the minus is required truth be told.

The quirky 'The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke' plays with pristine audio throughout with no background of any kind.  Perfect sonic quality again and... Mint

Another classic in 'Nevermore' and it plays with wonderful clarity from the piano intro onwards.  Just one mega light tick at the end of the first verse and a couple right at the end.  I'm not sure why I mention them really as they are not on the level of a click if you see what I mean, it's just what you find on vinyl - very quiet and totally non-intrusive.  A beautiful Mint- track.

The piano intro on the prog classic 'The March of The Black Queen' has no interference and the opening 'vocal' is just as clean.  The first verse is flawless and it continues to play with great clarity and precision through every section.  The powerful mid section has no distortion and the quieter 'A voice from behind me...' is nigh on perfect with only a couple of very light background ticks.  The two more up-tempo verses keep up the good work with no intrusion and the piano section that follows plays beautifully with not even a solitary dust tick.  The finale is so strong and clear and I have no hesitation in grading this classic as Mint- such is the quality.

'Funny How Love Is' plays with great depth and clarity from start to finish with no interference.  Maybe the audio isn't quite as clear compared to the previous tracks but I'm sure this is due to it being near the end of the side where the grooves are often pressed closer together.  However, it is so so minimal and still deserves a Mint- grade.

'Seven Seas Of Rhye' plays in a very similar fashion with no real intrusion.  The clarity is very impressive for a final track and there are no ticks or clicks etc.  If there is any inner groove distortion it is hardly noticeable.  Every section plays with genuine quality and even the seaside singalong plays with stunning clarity.  A Mint- finish end to this superb album.

In summary this first pressing plays with a very rare clarity of sound.  I have sold many 4U / 4U pressings down the years but so often there is some static etc on a couple of tracks at least and 'White Queen' is always one of the main culprits.  However, on this occasion it plays beautifully with no intrusion and and that to my mind is very rare!  All of S1 plays with incredible sonic quality and the same applies to S2.  No clicks, pops or jumps and barely any static this LP has been so well preserved down the years and for once the cover is also very clean.  A STUNNING 'package' for sure.

The Gatefold & Lyric Inner

The laminated cover is in lovely condition and still has its original full glossy finish.  It has also retained its original shape and structure with no bends / creasing and has clearly not been handled very much.  The edges of the front cover are perfect and the wide spine is equally as clean with (remarkably) no wear on the corners.  The only downside is a 'rub' on each side of the back cover but the good news is that it has not resulted in a split on either, just surface wear basically.  The opening has only very minimal handling wear and all corners are incredibly clean.  The front cover is unmarked, it really is visually stunning, and the back cover is almost as good with just the 'marks' / 'rubs' on either side.  The inside of the gatefold is immaculate and has lost none of its original colouring which makes a change!  The inner spine has no damage / wear either.  A fine example overall.

The die-cut lyric inner has to be one of the cleanest I have ever seen.  It is totally unmarked, has no creasing and has just one 'clean' split on the bottom edge and a very tiny tear on one corner of the thumb notch.  Not quite perfect but not far from it!

Play tested on my Rega P2 Turntable / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

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

EMA 767 // YAX 4̶7̶3̶6̶ 4735-4U / YAX 4̶7̶3̶5̶ 4736-4U // GRG 5 / GGP 4

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I NOW ONLY SEND ITEMS WORLDWIDE VIA TRACKED SHIPPING. THIS PROVIDES 'PEACE OF MIND' IN CASE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. ALL COSTS ARE SHOWN BELOW AND COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED. ANY OVER-PAYMENT WILL ALWAYS BE REFUNDED BACK TO THE BUYER.

THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE OF £250 SO IF AN ITEM SELLS FOR MORE A COURIER SERVICE MAY BE USED (e.g. Parcelforce, DPD).  AN EXTRA INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL BE REQUIRED BUT I WILL NOT KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT UNTIL THE FINAL SALE PRICE IS KNOWN.  HOWEVER, SOMETIMES I WILL ESTIMATE A COST AND THIS WILL BE STATED IN THE LISTING.  PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH.  MANY THANKS.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PUT IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE OF THE COVER SO AS TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS. THEY ARE ALSO 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.

I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £5.95 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £15.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AFTER PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE, NONE OF THIS WAITING BEFORE I RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM YOU - I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY LISTINGS!  IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO SEND THE ITEM BACK I WILL OF COURSE OF COURSE PAY THE RETURN SHIPPING COST IF I AM AT FAULT.  I AM ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL!