RARE BIRD, SELF TITLED, 1969 UK CHARISMA *1st PRESS*

	£		137
	$		182

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 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a superb example of the first album by RARE BIRD simply titled “RARE BIRD”, Catalogue Number CAS 1005 on the CHARISMA LABEL. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* with the EARLIEST TEXTURED PINK SCROLL LABELS, and 1st ISSUE FRONT-LAMINATED SLEEVE with “B&C RECORDS” credits on the back. Seriously hard to find in the lovely condition offered here!!

The single front-laminated sleeve, with the B&C Records logo and address printed on the back, is in close to EXCELLENT CONDITION (strictly graded). The front laminated cover, with psychedelic winged bird design, is unmarked with only a few light creases, mostly near the edges. There is no lifting or damage to the laminate, and the vivid colours have not faded. The back cover is also unmarked, with just a little creasing by the opening corners. The top edge is near perfect. The bottom edge has some feathering from the centre to the opening edge. The opening edges are undamaged with only very light wear. The corners are in nice shape with just light rubbing. The slim spine is in excellent condition with all text clearly legible. Overall, a lovely example of this magnificent 1st issue sleeve!!

The record is very solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. It retains a deep mirror-like shine.

The matrix numbers are:

Side 1 - CAS+1005+A+A+G

Side 2 – CAS+1005+B+G

Visually both sides are in near EXCELLENT CONDITION with just light surface marks evident (mostly from taking the record in and out of the inner sleeve). These marks are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The beautiful textured “Pink Scroll” labels are unmarked with just a few light spindle traces near the centres. 

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut pressing. The 1st press mix is quite different to that of later pressings and sounds sensational played at loud volume. Both sides play to a high standard – all frequencies crystal clear and a minimum of unwanted noise (just occasional light surface sound which is never intrusive).

Complete with the original plain white inner sleeve which is in very good condition. This has no splits or tears - just light creasing and minor age discoloration.

TEXTURED PINK SCROLL LABELLED 1st PRESSINGS OF THIS CLASSIC ALBUM ARE SERIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO FIND - DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.