The Beatles : Rubber Soul 1965 ("Loud Cut" 1st Mono Pressing)

This is the first “Loud Cut” pressing.  When “Rubber Soul” was initially mixed it was slightly different to how we hear it today. These early mixes only ever appeared in mono and are distinguished by the matrix numbers XEX 579-1 / XEX 580-1.  It’s argued that these early presses were unbalanced with a muddy bass and with an edgy, aggressive vocal sound. The decision was made to halt production whilst the mother plates were re-cut.

“Loud Cut” copies can be found with both Times New Roman and Sans-serif label types although the latter is the more common.  The one I am selling has the rarer Times New Roman font.

This one is mega rare in that it has 'G1' stamped on the dead wax on S2.  'G' denotes the first Stamper and '1' represents the first Mother, in other words one of the first 300 off the press!  This is definitely the ultimate of any early Beatles pressing when they have a G1 stamper!

  Mono 1/1 "Loud Cut" 1st pressing on Yellow/Black Parlophone label.  'The Gramophone Co. Ltd' etc is printed around the perimeter edge of the labels.

'Sold in U.K. subject to resale price conditions' printed below the Parlophone labels.  This also has the K T tax stamp on either side of the spindle hole on Side Two.

Parlophone PMC 1267

Matrix / Side One XEX 579 - 1 // Mother Stampers OG 2

Matrix / Side Two XEX 580 - 1 // Mother Stampers G 1

The beginning of tracks 1 & 2 are VG+ the remainder of the side is Ex (Ex+ in many sections)

The audio on S2 is Ex+ (Near Mint- in many sections)

The cover is Ex++

The labels are Near Mint

The original inner is Ex+

Visual grading

The vinyl has been very well maintained down the years and has not been played excessively as there is not a great deal of spindle wear.  Side One does have a few hairlines with 2/3 more obvious ones but there are no scratches.  There is one small 'spot' type mark on track two but overall this side remains very clean and is so much better than many you see.  Side Two with the G1 stamper is in lovely condition and under a bright light there are only a small number of hairlines visible.  This side really is visually stunning when you consider it is 52 years old and it is rare to find a record from the 60s that has been as well looked after as this one.  Especially one with a mega rare first G1 stamper!

Play grading  

Side one begins with minimal lead in static and 'Drive My Car' then plays with exceptionally clear audio.  There are a couple of very light clicks and one louder double click sound about one minute in but this is the only interference.  'Norwegian Wood' has 4/5 very light clicks right at the beginning and the remainder has astounding sound quality.   The rest of the side plays with great quality 'Nowhere Man' is a real highlight and the clarity is of the highest quality.  A couple of light clicks only but for a 52 year old first mono pressing the audio has retained its quality incredibly well.  So often you will find them playing with heavy crackle but not this one!  This vinyl has obviously been very well cared for down the years.  You don't expect perfect audio but there is very little interference on this side and I can't see why they halted production of these "loud cut" pressings.  It sounds good to me!  There is some distortion/static in the background on 'Michelle' but apart from that it plays very well.

'What Goes On' on Side Two has faint crackle but do not let this put you off.  It is very much in the background and does not interfere at all.  There are no clicks or pops and the vocals and guitar come through very clearly.  'Girl' plays much in the same way and has wonderful clarity.  If anything 'I'm Looking Through You' has even better audio.  There is barely any static/crackle in the background and the sound quality is first class.  'In My Life' is simply stunning and is close to Near Mint audio.  The final three tracks have no crackle, clicks or pops but I would say there is a hint of distortion but it is only minor.  Again this may be due to a mono record being played through a stereo system.  The richness and depth of sound is still of excellent quality and there is no other interference whatsoever.

  In summary the clarity of this recording is of a very high standard and whilst there are a few clicks on S1 the audio still plays very clearly and S2 with the G1 matrix has even greater clarity and plays incredibly well.  This is without doubt one of the cleanest 'loud cut' first pressings I have heard.

Cover

The G & L flipback cover is in lovely condition and is definitely one of the cleanest examples I have seen in many a year.  The edges and spine are beautifully clean and look as new and only the corners of the opening edge have a little rubbing.  The opening edge itself is very clean and has been very carefully handled.  The laminated front cover remains in wonderful condition and has no lifting or splits and only a handful of tiny creases.  It is visually superb and it would be nigh on impossible to find better.  The back cover has retained its quality down the decades and has only the lightest of marking on what is a predominantly white cover.  The flipbacks are also very clean with only a handful of inconsequential marks here and there.  There are no rips or tears or writing anywhere.  There is a crease mark running from the top edge to the side just below the catalogue number but is really not that obvious.  This is a fantastic example of this cover and is in wonderful condition for its age, not far off Near Mint.

Inner sleeve

The original 'Emitex' poly-lined inner is in great condition with only some creasing and a little age related marking, no rips or tears at all.

Labels

The yellow/black Parlophone labels are in superb condition with not a great deal of spindle wear.  There are no marks or writing anywhere to be seen.  The KT tax stamp is on Side Two.

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

Parlophone PMC 1267

Matrix / Side One XEX 579 - 1 // Mother Stampers OG 2

Matrix / Side Two XEX 580 - 1 // Mother Stampers G 1

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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