*RARE* PAUL MCCARTNEY STAO-3363 1970 1st Press STERLING ROBERT LUDWIG LEE HULKO
$
145
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Description
Record Title: McCartney
Artist: Paul McCartney
Label: Apple Records
Catalog Number: STAO 3363
Country of Origin: United States
Release Year: 1970
Format: 12” LP, Stereo
Speed: 33 ⅓ RPM
Matrix / Runout (Side A): STAO-1-3363 Z6 #1 STERLING RL
Matrix / Runout (Side B): STAO-2-3363 STERLING RL/LH
Mastering Engineers:
• Side A: Robert Ludwig (“RL” inscribed)
• Side B: Robert Ludwig & Lee Hulko (“RL” & “LH” inscribed)
Pressing Notes:
This U.S. first pressing of McCartney is distinguished by its mastering pedigree: Side A was cut by acclaimed engineer Robert Ludwig, known for dynamic, high-fidelity lacquer cuts (including Led Zeppelin II and other legendary records). Side B bears the initials “RL” and “LH” for Lee Hulko, co-founder of Sterling Sound, whose cuts are also highly regarded by audiophiles.
Label Features:
• Apple label with “MFD. BY APPLE RECORDS, INC.” at bottom
• “Recorded in England” text present
• Catalog numbers: STAO-3363 / STAO 1-3363 / STAO 2-3363
• Side 2 label includes faint library/archive ink stamp (e.g., “KCLSF” partial)
Condition (Visual Estimate):
• Vinyl: VG+ (light surface marks, no major defects visible)
• Jacket: VG+ (light shelf wear; back cover and edges clean)
• Inner Sleeve: Plain paper sleeve (not original printed sleeve)
Historical Notes:
McCartney was Paul’s first solo release following the Beatles’ breakup. Recorded largely at home and at Morgan Studios, it is famed for its lo-fi charm and McCartney’s one-man-band approach. This pressing’s Side A, mastered by Robert Ludwig, is prized for delivering noticeably greater punch and clarity, especially on tracks like “Maybe I’m Amazed.”
Not all first U.S. pressings of McCartney were mastered by both Robert Ludwig (RL) and Lee Hulko (LH), which makes this copy less common and more collectible than standard early pressings.
1. Robert Ludwig (RL) Mastering
• RL initials are typically only found on Side A of some early U.S. pressings.
• Ludwig’s mastering is praised for its dynamic range and clarity, especially noticeable on “Maybe I’m Amazed.”
• RL on Side B, as in this copy, is very unusual — most known RL pressings only show his initials on Side A.
2. Lee Hulko (LH) Mastering
• LH was co-founder of Sterling Sound and mastered many Apple/Capitol records.
• His initials are more commonly found across both sides on standard first U.S. pressings.
• Copies with only LH on both sides are more typical than ones with Ludwig involved.
3. This Copy’s Uniqueness
This pressing has:
• Side A: LH only
• Side B: RL and LH, both inscribed
• This dual-inscription mastering is rare and indicates dual engineer involvement—which may have occurred during transitional lacquer cuts at Sterling Sound.
• Very few copies have been verified with both RL and LH on the same side, especially Side B.
Collector Insight:
• Among McCartney collectors and audiophiles, copies mastered entirely by Hulko are common.
• Copies mastered by Ludwig (RL), especially if he cut both sides or appears on Side B, are noteworthy rarities.
• These RL-involved variants are known to command higher prices in private sales and Discogs listings.
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