THE ANIMALS SELF TITLED DEBUT ALBUM, 1964 UK COLUMBIA MONO 1st PRESS

	£		41
	$		54

It is my pleasure to offer for auction an exceptional example of the debut self-titled R&B studio album by THE ANIMALS, Catalogue Number 33SX 1669. This is a 1964 UK MONO 1st PRESSING on the BLUE & BLACK COLUMBIA RECORD LABEL with a 1st ISSUE GARROD & LOFTHOUSE LTD. "Patents pending" FRONT-LAMINATED FLIPBACK SLEEVE. It comes complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve with "TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR MICROGROOVE RECORDS…" text. [The stamped matrix numbers are the earliest XAX 2717-1N and XAX 2718-1N. The K/T tax code is embossed either side of the Side 1 spindle hole].

The sleeve is in EX condition. There is a surface tear to one of the rear flipbacks and a small inscription near the catalogue number on the back cover, but it is otherwise a superb example with only very light signs of wear. I have taken plenty of photos from all angles which hopefully show the outstanding condition.

The solidly-pressed 160g record is in EX+ condition. The blue & black Columbia labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces each side. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. I can confirm that the record has only received a modest number of careful plays on a high quality turntable. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The mono audio is particularly loud-cut and vibrant. It really is a top-playing copy which in my opinion will be very difficult to improve upon.

The inner sleeve is in unmarked EX+ condition. 

Overall this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a superb 1st press copy of The Animals' highly acclaimed debut album which will grace any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Sony PS-X600 Biotracer turntable fitted with an AT-30E MC 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 which do not sound, and barely any discernable 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.

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 up to £50 value - £12.00

Europe over £50 value - £14.80

Worldwide up to £50 value - £16.80

Worldwide over £50 value - £19.60

Sorry for the high postage costs - but the increases are necessary due to recent Royal Mail hikes in airmail rates and Ebay now charging a 10% final value fee on postage (which seems unfair to me). I don't profit on postage - these are the actual costs to me.