ROLLING STONES EXILE ON MAIN STREET GENUINE UK A1 FIRST

	£		101
	$		134

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Previous visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums which range from very good plus to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Vinyl Cleaning: I use machine cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by using this method. If I think a vinyl will benefit from this I carry out the procedure with great care using my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. My preferred method with little used vinyls is by soft ‘light touch’ hand brush with natural fine hair gently moved in the direction of the microgrooves. In all methods of cleaning I use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol with a spot of gentle detergent to lubricate and clean the playing surfaces. I am aware that cleaning can be a controversial subject with vinyl collectors, audio purists and enthusiasts so I will state on each individual listing if, and how, the vinyl(s) have been cleaned in the section just before the ‘Play Grade’.

Specific notes concerning this album: This section highlights specific aspects regarding condition of the album(s) offered. These comments will still appear in the dedicated sections but I hope that this ‘headlining’ will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. This particular album has not been played or handled very often during the last 39 years and is consequently generally ‘excellent plus’ or better in audio and visual terms. The cover has just a few superficial signs of wear, some tiny edge dents and corner bumps, and just the slightest evidence of handling and storage consistent with little use over the years. The superb gatefold displays minimal discolouration and much less than most examples you are likely to see. The superb and well matched mid-weight (127 & 132 grammes) vinyls both retain their brilliant high gloss with just a reasonable quantity of light superficial surface based hairlines caused by brushing against the inner, and some which have been caused by light stylus contact – but they are only visible under a bright halogen light and have minimal consequence to the audio performance producing just a few infrequent ticks a little general background on the lead ins, run offs and linking grooves. The record labels have only a few light spindle lines but are in at least excellent plus condition and generally indicative of relatively little use over the years. The original square cut heavy card printed inner sleeves are almost as new. The original set of 12 postcards remain attached although a few have just started to separate at the perforations and there are two pinholes in the top one – please see photograph – they are fully genuine originals and still grade excellent to plus overall even taking into account the minor flaws mentioned. The promo flexi-disc originally distributed in the New Musical Express is almost as new. This really is an absolutely outstanding example of a classic collectable.

Album / Record Title: EXILE ON MAIN STREET

IMPORTANT NOTE ON AUTHENTICITY: BEFORE EXPLAINING MY OPINION OF RARITY AND DESCRIBING THE ALBUM I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC 100% ORIGINAL EXAMPLE OF ‘EXILE ON MAIN STREET’.  I EMPHASISE THIS BECAUSE IT IS BECOMING EVER MORE DIFFICULT FOR SERIOUS COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS TO BE CERTAIN THAT THEY ARE BIDDING FOR AND BUYING THE REAL THING. THERE ARE SO MANY ‘MIX & MATCH’ ALBUMS BEING TOUTED AROUND THE MARKET WITH THE WRONG POSTCARDS, WRONG INNER SLEEVES AND PROMO FLEXI-DISC (WHICH ANYWAY DID NOT ACCOMPANY THE ORIGINAL, THEY WERE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE NME) – IN SOME EXTREME CASES EVEN THE WRONG VINYLS; SO I GUARANTEE THAT WHEN YOU BUY FROM ME YOU WILL ALWAYS GET A COMPLETE AND ALL ORIGINAL ALBUM. TO ASSIST WITH IDENTIFICATION I AM LISTING BELOW THE KEY FEATURES WHICH CHARACTERIZE THE UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE ALBUMS AND DISTINGUISH THEM FROM OTHER VARIANTS.

First pressings of EXILE which were distributed in the UK were produced primarily in four countries – UK, Germany, USA and the Netherlands. There were slight and significant differences between all of them. I will start with the gatefold cover and move inwards.

THE GATEFOLD: The UK album has an inside centre loading gatefold, similar in design to all other variants but it carries the following print in a single line just above the bottom seam on the back Rolling Stones Records TM Musidor N.V. Distributed by Kinney Record Group Ltd p 1972 by Shorewood Packaging Co. Ltd., ENGLAND. Perhaps obviously variants from any other country of origin do not carry the Shorewood…England text but it is worth stating because occasionally covers are transferred between countries. The first UK issue does NOT carry the catalogue number in the top right hand corner at the back – most other variants do - and they all seem to carry the Rolling Stones ‘tongue’ logo bottom right corner on the back. The UK gatefold is also made from the heaviest and most rigid card of all the variants I have mentioned, typically weighing between 155 and 160 grammes empty.

THE PRINTED INNER SLEEVES: Both UK originals carry the COC 69100 catalogue number and, as with the gatefold, are made from a heavier card. They are cut square, as are the original German and American variants, but the Dutch, and later re-issues, have rounded corners. The least obvious, but important difference, is the way they load. The entry edge of the UK inners is to the right as you read the track titles whereas the German loads from the top and the American and Dutch load from the left when all viewed in the same orientation.

THE VINYLS & MATRICES: The UK first pressed vinyls can vary in weight considerably, even within the same set – in my experience they range from 125 up to 150 grammes. The German first pressings are a similar weight whereas the American and Dutch pressings tend to be lighter. All UK first pressings appear to have been sourced from a set of two masters marked 1 & 2 and used in various combinations between all four sides – this one is typical with A1,B1,C2,D1 – I really don’t think it makes much difference what the combination is providing it’s made up of just 1’s and 2’s, but the mothers appear as a letter – presumably the earlier in the alphabet the better – and the stampers are progressively numerical. The catalogue number COC69100, masters, mothers and stampers are machine imprinted whereas the ST codes are hand etched as are the ‘ROLLING STONES RECORDS’ credit and a hieroglyphic in the form of two small concentric circles with a ‘V’ from the centre which I have always presumed was an engineer’s moniker, but that is just a guess on my part. The German and American masters are just marked as A,B,C,D, with an occasional inconsistent # and numerical suffix and the Dutch read A-1,B-2 etc. The matrices on all other variants tend to be all hand etched and the catalogue number is the same on the German variant but changes to COC-2-2900 on the American and CUNSP 69100 on the Dutch.

THE RECORD LABELS: All variants have similar design yellow labels with ROLLING STONES: “EXILE ON MAIN STREET” in handwritten facsimile on the UK, German and American variants, but the Dutch has only the title and it’s printed. They all carry the red ‘tongue’ logo albeit in slightly different positions, and the German labels prominently display GEMA the acronym of a performance rights organization frequently seen on records made and/or just sold in Germany (it is a common misconception that all records carrying this acronym are made in Germany as International manufacturers making records elsewhere acknowledged the organization in order to comply with national requirements – Decca is an obvious example – however in this case the acronym does appear only on the German record labels because they were intended to supply the German market). All early U.K. issues had the Musidor N.V. publishing credit on the labels which may have been due to a combination of the Rolling Stones complex UK tax status at that time coupled with the fact that Atlantic / Kinney were then the sole distributors for Rolling Stones Records; and their European base was in the Netherlands. There is no mention of the country of manufacture on the UK labels however the Dutch pressings were made by Promotone B.V which makes another distinction between these two variants alongside all of their other differences.

THE POSTCARDS: Perhaps the most commonly confused component of the album. There were 12 cards with many of the first pressing variants, all joined together by perforated seams – originally! However, the UK ORIGINALS ARE EXCLUSIVELY AND ONLY BLACK AND WHITE PRINT WITH NO OTHER COLOURS WHATSOEVER, AND THEY HAVE A MATT SURFACE FINISH. The GERMAN has the same size cards but the group name and record title are printed in ORANGE, and the AMERICAN has larger cards with the name and title in RED, BOTH OF THESE HAVE A NOTICEABLY SMOOTHER SURFACE FINISH THAN THE UK ORIGINALS, THE AMERICAN MORE SO TENDING TO AN ALMOST GLOSS FINISH. These are often mixed up and mismatched by sellers so be careful if you are a buyer.

PLEASE NOTE: My comments about the characteristics of the albums of different origin mentioned above are based on an actual study of all of those variants – I have examples of each in my current collection of albums for sale. Therefore, although it is not possible to be totally definitive in matters concerning vinyls and albums from this era, due to the many anomalies, I do expect this information to be generally reliable.

Rarity: SIGNIFICANTLY RARE AND IMPORTANT– AS A COMPLETE UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE ABSOLUTELY GENUINE ORIGINAL WHICH IS AUTHENTIC IN EVERY DETAIL. As I have mentioned on other current listings I determine rarity based on two key factors – one is the estimated quantity in circulation and the other is condition – in my opinion they are equally important. The result of testing this album with these criteria is that it achieves exceptional rarity status.

These completely genuine UK original first press first issue albums are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and they will only become scarcer in the future. This is an unusually fine example in every way, one of the best you are likely to find, and I thoroughly recommend it to anybody who has a serious interest in having one to collect, play and enjoy.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• UK FIRST PRESSING WITH FIRST MATRICES & EARLY STAMPERS
• SUPERB MID-WEIGHT VINYLS IN EXCELLENT TO PLUS CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL ROLLING STONES MUSIDOR CREDIT COC 69100 LABELS
• ORIGINAL CENTRE LOADING SHOREWOOD ENGLAND GATEFOLD
• ORIGINAL PICTURE MONTAGE THICK CARD SQUARE CUT INNERS
• ALL 12 ORIGINAL ONLY BLACK & WHITE POSTCARDS ATTACHED
• ORIGINAL PROMO FLEXI-DISC FROM THE NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS
• EXTREMELY RARE FULLY AUTHENTIC & COMPLETE UK ORIGINAL

Artiste(s): ROLLING STONES - Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and a classic collection of illustrious guest musicians and contributors including Nicky Hopkins & Bobby Keys.

Produced By: Jimmy Miller & The Rolling Stones

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 2 X 12” LP’s & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL ROLLING STONES YELLOW WITH RED TONGUE LOGO & COC 69100 UK CATALOGUE NUMBER

Catalogue Number: COC 69100

Country of origin and first release date: UK 1972 (12th. May)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 1 side 1:     COC 69100 A1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 1 side 2:     COC 69100 B1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side 1:     COC 69100 C2

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side 2:     COC 69100 D1

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper Record 1 side 1:    A   6 

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper Record 1 side 2:    A   2 

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper Record 2 side 3:    A   0

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper Record 2 side 4:    A   4

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 1 side 1:  ST-RS-722507

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 1 side 2:  ST-RS-722508

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side 3:  ST-RS-722509

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side 4:  ST-RS-722510

(n.b. matrices, mothers and stampers are all machine imprinted, ST codes are hand etched, all sides are hand etched ‘ROLLING STONES RECORDS’ and have a hand etched hieroglyphic which is two small concentric circles with a ‘V’ from the centre – perhaps an engineers moniker)

Track Listing as per cover: RECORD 1 - SIDE 1: ROCKS OFF / RIP THIS JOINT / SHAKE YOUR HIPS / CASINO BOOGIE / TUMBLING DICE / SIDE 2: SWEET VIRGINIA / TORN AND FRAYED / SWEET BLACK ANGEL / LOVING CUP / RECORD 2 - SIDE 3: HAPPY / TURD ON THE RUN / VENTILATOR BLUES / I JUST WANT TO SEE HIS FACE / SIDE 4: ALL DOWN THE LINE / STOP BREAKING DOWN / SHINE A LIGHT / SOUL SURVIVOR

Background information & summary of condition: The comings and goings at ‘Nelcotte’, Villefranche, during the making of this album are well documented so there are plenty of sources for the background. Despite all of the ‘social’ difficulties which occurred in its development it turned out to be possibly one of the best albums from the genre ever made. This is a genuine FIRST UK ISSUE album with a FIRST PRESS VINYLS; and you hardly ever see one of these with the FULL SET OF 12 POSTCARDS, they are usually part used or missing altogether - and the flexi-disc is another added feature which completes the package. Opportunities to buy this album with such IMPRESSIVE CREDENTIALS in this EXCELLENT TO PLUS OR BETTER CONDITION are rare. Absolutely perfect for any lover of great rock music or serious collector of ROLLING STONES albums. There are a few minor flaws but overall this is an exceptional album of outstanding quality

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks or print smudge, misalignment or slight shrinkage marks / lines on labels caused in original pressing; they are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT PLUS and that is a cautious grade due to a few light indents and minor slight marks. This is the original classic non-laminated centre loading gatefold of heavyweight card construction by Shorewood packaging Co., Ltd. ENGLAND and you are unlikely to see a better one. There is the minimum of discolouration, a few tiny edge dents and corner bumps but frankly it is hard to imagine how there could be fewer signs of wear on a near 40 year old gatefold cover. In my opinion it certainly deserves an excellent plus grade and almost near mint. Please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS & EXCELLENT PLUS, two grades because there are two spines, the left hand side one which serves as the hinge is just a little discoloured with tiny bumps at each end. The right hand side spine is in similarly brilliant condition holding its original square shape and with all text clean, clear and fully readable. The same grading comments apply as for the gatefold generally – please take a look at the photographs.

Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT PLUS original thick card printed with photo-montage, credits, titles and catalogue number. Apart from the slightest signs of ageing they are almost as new and again perhaps near mint.

Postcard Inserts: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a clever and interesting insert / feature based on ‘the fall from Exile on Main Street’ a bizarre mini-play with comments from the group. Remarkably and fortuitously all 12 are still with this album from new, they remain fully attached with just partial separation on some of the perforations and two pinholes in the top corners of the first card – please see photograph.

Promo flexi-disc: NEAR MINT almost as new.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 127 & 132 grammes (two remarkable ROLLING STONES mid-weights)

Vinyl Cleaning: By hand only, light touch soft brush, very little required.

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL AUDIO PERFORMANCE FROM TWO FINE VINYLS DELIVERING SUPERB SOUND QUALITY. THE CLARITY IS VERY IMPRESSIVE AND THE CLEANLINESS OF PLAY IS ONLY MARGINALLY LESS SO, DUE TO SOME OCCASIONAL MINOR UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS NOT INTRUSIVE, NOT SIGNIFICANT AND, MOST OF THE TIME, IMPERCEPTIBLE. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS WAS COMPLETELY ENJOYABLE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - CLASSIC STONES SOUND, REAL AND UNCOMPROMISING - A THOROUGHLY EXCELLENT PLUS EXAMPLE WHICH WILL BE A FINE PERMANENT ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes.

Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections.

Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please read my terms and conditions of sale below which are there to inform bidders and prevent any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and early ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Please Note: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. As stated in the previous paragraph for overseas deliveries I will also only dispatch to UK destinations using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.