ROLLING STONES - Beggars Banquet UNBOXED Decca UK MONO

$

72

 This is a rare early unboxed pressing of Beggars Banquet on Decca. Label has "J/T" written above "LK 4955" which I was told by someone indicates a first pressing, but it is an early pressing regardless. Side one matrix is XARL-8476-4A and side 2 is XARL-8477-3A.

I have graded very conservatively as follows:

The visual condition of the vinyl is a strong VG+, with some surface marks here and there that don't seem to be audible. Record plays VG++ with a little bit of crackle and the odd tick that doesn't detract from listening enjoyment. The mono sound is awesome and makes for a totally different listening experience from the stereo version. Overall, condition is very nice for such an old pressing and the best copy of this album I have come across.

The inner sleeve is VG++ with no tears. Stamp says "The Disco Bar, Vernon Collard, 113/115 High St., Rayleigh Essex, Tel 795"

The Garrod and Lafthouse sleeve is easily graded as VG+ with only minor storage wear and crinkling. Laminate is still clean and glossy with no laminate lift or air pockets. It is more cream colored than portrayed in the photo. Inner gatefold photo is in beautfiul condition except for one smudge.

I will do my best to answer any questions you may have and describe the item accurately. No reserve and sold as-is.

 The first picture I posted has too much contrast. Here is a better one of the cover.

Given the increase in popularity of this auction, I decided to re-assess the condition of the vinyl and provide more detail as follows:

I have graded this according to Goldmine standards for VG+. The record has a light superficial spiral scuff on the first track of each side that runs the entire circumference. I played the first tracks at a loud volume and did not detect a change in tracking performance, so I deemed these inaudible. The rest of the surface has a few more light scuffs that also don't seem to affect play. If I hold up the surface to the light, I can see micro hairline scratches that don't look very significant and are the same type found on most vinyl of this age. I played a sample portion from most of the problem areas and didn't detect any obvious defects in playback. There is the odd 'pop' now and then, but I couldn't really pin them down to particular surface marks, so I assume they were just from dust. Audio quality again, is somewhat crackly in parts but the loud and clear mono sound easily overpowers any noise that is present. Overall the surface retains a nice gloss as you can see from the photo. This fact paired with the great audio quality, I feel this copy is a very good example and falls easily into the VG+ catagory. I have also pasted the Goldmine reference that I used below. Please send me a message if you have any questions.

VG+ VINYL: Now for LP's (the big ones ). VG+ will show wear, surface scuffs, (or spiral scuffs that came from turn table platters or jukeboxes for 45 singles) and some very light scratches. Surface scuffs are caused from blunt (not sharp) objects. Often the minor scuffs are caused from inner sleeves. The vinyl should still have a great luster, but the flaws will be noticeable to the naked eye. Sometimes holding the record up to a very bright light, you will see many tiny lines across the surface. If the flaws don't cause any surface noise, the vinyl can still make the VG+ grade.