ROLLING STONES, EXILE ON MAIN STREET, 1972 UK 1st PRESS

	£		95
	$		125

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 an exceptional example of the iconic double album by THE ROLLING STONES titled “ EXILE ON MAIN STREET”, Catalogue Number COC 69100. This is an *ORIGINAL 1972 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING* on the ROLLING STONES RECORDS LABEL, with A2, B2, C2 and D1 MATRIX NUMBERS, and 1st ISSUE “BOX-STYLE” SLEEVE MADE BY SHOREWOOD PACKAGING. This particular copy has been in my personal collection since I bought it back in 1972, and has only been played a few times on top quality equipment (very carefully).

As this LP was re-pressed throughout the 70s it is important to explain the first press credentials. Firstly, the records are more solidly pressed (and less flexible) than later pressings. Secondly, all 4 matrix numbers end in either 1 or 2 (later pressings had at least 1 matrix number ending in 3 or higher). Thirdly, the picture inner sleeves are printed from much thicker quality card than later pressings. Lastly, the earliest style first press “box shaped” gatefold sleeve is made from thicker card than later pressings.

The *1st ISSUE* “box style” gatefold sleeve, printed in England by Shorewood Packaging Co. Ltd., is EXCELLENT CONDITION (strictly graded). The front and back covers are unmarked with only a few small creases near the edges. There is just light age discoloration. The edges and corners are in fine shape with only very light handling wear. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. There are no rips, stickers or writing. Overall a beautiful example of this notoriously fragile 1st issue sleeve!!

Both solidly pressed records retain a deep mirror-like shine and sit flat and true on the turntable. All 4 sides are visually in NEAR MINT CONDITION (EX+ for the hyper critical) with only a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks visible under bright light, which are of no audio significance. The BEAUTIFUL YELLOW ROLLING STONES LABELS are unmarked with only a few light very spindle marks evident near the centres. There is no wear around the spindle holes.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

What superb quality pressings! This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant recording which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. All 4 sides play without fault! I don’t make this statement lightly – I am very critical. There are no pops or loud clicks, and an absolute minimum of unwanted noise. Several of the tracks have quiet sensitive passages which are easily spoiled by excessive crackle and surface sound. Not on this example – all play beautifully with very low levels of unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience. You simply will not find a significantly better playing copy!!

The thick card photo inner sleeves are both in NEAR MINT CONDITION.

Complete with the original plain white inner liner sleeves which are also in EXCELLENT CONDITION. These are slightly different in design, but came with the LP when new. 

SUPERB EXAMPLES LIKE THIS ONE WITH NEAR MINT PLAYBACK ARE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND. DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!!

International postage costs: Europe £6.50, Worldwide £10.50

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.