The Beatles : Abbey Road 2/1 (1st Stereo Pressing)

This is the first stereo pressing of 'Abbey Road' as denoted by the matrix numbers and the statements as below.  This is also the first known cover with the green tint.

Stereo 2/1 Second Apple label.  "An EMI Recording" printed on each label.  Apple logo on cover is out of alignment with the track listing and 'Her Majesty' is not credited on both the label or the gatefold.

PCS 7088

Matrix / Side One YEX 749 - 2 // Mother Stampers ORD 3

Matrix / Side Two YEX 750 - 1 // Mother Stampers MDO 1

The audio on S1 is VG+ (Ex in some sections from track three onwards)

The first two tracks on S2 are VG+ and from then on is Ex-/Ex

The cover is Near Mint-

The labelsare Near Mint-

The inner is Ex

Visual grading

Under a bright light I can only detect a small number of fine hairlines and no scratches.  There are also a few tiny marks that may explain some of the crackle.  Overall though considering it is nearly 50 years old the vinyl remains very clean and the labels do not have an excessive amount of spindle wear.

Play grading  

'Come Together' on Side One does play with some crackle but becomes less intrusive as the track progresses.  'Something' also has some rather loud crackle but the track actually still plays very clearly.  'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' again is afflicted with crackle but to a lesser degree I would say and again the track plays with excellent clarity despite the interference.  'Oh ! Darling' is a vast improvement and only has a minor amount of crackle and the audio here is of an excellent standard.  There are 5/6 clicks at the beginning of 'Octopus's Garden' but the remainder plays very clearly with only a little background interference.  'I Want You' on the whole plays very clearly but does have some crackle and some 'hiss' on the top end here and there.  In saying that the loud ending plays superbly well.

The classic 'Here Comes The Sun' plays very clearly but does have some obvious crackle throughout but there are no skips or jumps.  'Because' also has crackle but to a lesser degree and the harmonies still come through strong and clear.  'You Never Give Me Your Money' is an improvement and plays with excellent clarity and definitely less crackle.  'Sun King' continues in the same fashion with only a little crackle in the middle.  The 'Mean Mr Mustard' suite plays with excellent clarity and very little interference.  'Golden Slumbers' plays very clearly with only a little background interference in the quieter sections.  'Carry That Weight' plays loud and clear with some distortion here and there but still sounds great.  'The End' plays with only a little interference and whilst there are some pops between that track and 'Her Majesty' the final track does play with extremely clear audio.

 Cover

The iconic laminated G & L cover is in superb shape with only mild shelf wear.  The edges and thin pinched spine are immaculate and only the two bottom corners have a small amount of rubbing.  The laminate remains in great condition and has no lifting or splits, only a handful of small creases.  The opening edge looks practically untouched and the back cover is also in superb condition with only a few tiny creases running down alongside the spine.  This is without doubt one of the best first press covers I have ever seen, if not the best.  There are no marks or writing anywhere.  At nearly 48 years old this this cover is stunning and it would be nigh on impossible to find better in my humble opinion.  What a fantastic example!

Inner sleeve

The original plain white inner sleeve, with 'Patents Applied For' and 'Made In Great Britain' printed on it is in very good condition with no splits or tears.  It has some creasing and age related marking.

Labels

The labels are in great condition with some spindle wear, not too much, and no markings or writing at all.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers

PCS 7088

Matrix / Side One YEX 749 - 2 // Mother Stampers ORD 3

Matrix / Side Two YEX 750 - 1 // Mother Stampers MDO 1

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SHIPPING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" AS TOO MANY ITEMS GO MISSING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £6.00.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THIS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKED IN PROFESSIONAL MAILERS WITH CARDBOARD STIFFENERS.  THEY ARE ALSO PLACED IN SEPARATE SLEEVES AND PLACED OUTSIDE THE COVER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST.

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK AS SOON AS I RECEIVE FEEDBACK - SO I KNOW THE ITEM WAS RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT.  IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!

In the coming weeks and months I will be putting plenty of Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis and Marillion items on the site so please keep a look out!  Many thanks.  Please look at my other items on now!

FOR ITEMS SENT OVERSEAS I WOULD SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" ESPECIALLY FOR ITEMS SELLING OVER £40.00.  IT PROTECTS US BOTH IF ITEMS GET LOST OR DAMAGED IN THE POST AND COSTS AN EXTRA £6.00 SO PLEASE JUST ASK IF YOU WOULD PREFER THIS. 

UK POSTAGE RATES (SECOND CLASS)

LPs/12" singles : £4.95 (recorded) then £0.75 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE 

LPs/12" singles : £7.95 then £1.25 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £3.95 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD  

LPs/12" singles : £10.95 then £1.75 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £4.95 then £0.95 per extra