SMALL FACES SELF-TITLED, MAGNIFICENT 1966 UK DECCA MONO 1st PRESS, TOP AUDIO!

SMALL FACES SELF-TITLED, MAGNIFICENT 1966 UK DECCA MONO 1st PRESS, TOP AUDIO!

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During this time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet.

On offer here is a superb copy of  Small Faces' eponymous debut studio album, Catalogue Number LK 4790. It's a 1966 UK mono first pressing on the Unboxed Decca Record Label, with a first issue Jemes Upton Ltd. front-laminated single sleeve. It comes complete with the original Decca poly-lined care of record/equipment inner sleeve. [The record matrix numbers are XARL-7217-5A and XARL-7218-4A).

The gatefold sleeve is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only very light signs of wear and a few minor creases. The front cover is in excellent unmarked condition. The un-laminated white back cover has a few age discoloration marks (foxing) but is otherwise very presentable. The spine is solid with perfect text. Overall it's a very well-preserved sleeve indeed. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly-pressed record retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually it is in VG+ condition with just a few light sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not have any effect on the audio playback. The red Unboxed Decca labels are unmarked with only a modest number of spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear around the spindle hole. The punchy mono audio playback is EX+ throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and a minimum of unwanted noise. The sound quality is very powerful and vibrant with strong bass. It's a top-playing copy which should please most collectors.

The Decca poly-lined inner sleeve has no splits or tears, just a few creases and some age discoloration.

Overall this is a wonderful first press copy of Small Faces' brilliant debut studio album which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £8.50

Worldwide - £11.50