THE BEATLES, RUBBER SOUL, 1965 UK PARLOPHONE RARER STEREO 1st PRESS, EX+ AUDIO

THE BEATLES, RUBBER SOUL, 1965 UK PARLOPHONE RARER STEREO 1st PRESS, EX+ 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 that 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 lovely copy of The Beatles' iconic studio album titled Rubber Soul, Catalogue Number PCS 3075. It's a 1965 stereo first pressing on the Parlophone record label, with a first issue Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. "Patents pending" front-laminated flipback sleeve. It comes complete with the correct white lined "Emitex" inner sleeve. [The record labels have "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD..." and "SOLD IN U.K..." text. The record matrix numbers and stampers are YEX-178-2  1  G and YEX-179-2  1 GH. The K T Tax Code is embossed either side of the Side 2 spindle hole].

The sleeve is in VG+ condition with just light signs of wear and only a few laminate creases, mostly near the edges. The front and back covers are unmarked and the flipbacks on the back cover are fully intact and undamaged. The back panel is nice and clean with only minimal age discoloration. The spine is solid with all text clear. There are some tape residue marks inside the sleeve opening. It's a very well preserved example of this iconic sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly-pressed record is in EX condition. It retains a nice shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal type surface marks which are only superficial and do not have any impact whatsoever on the audio playback. The Parlophone labels are unmarked with only a moderate number of short spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play excellently throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The stereo mix is dynamic and vibrant with an excellent soundstage and great bass. It's a while since I've listened to a stereo first pressing of Rubber Soul and I had forgotten how wonderful they can sound. Audiowise it's a top playing copy.

The original white "Emitex" inner sleeve is in excellent shape with no splits or tears.
 

Overall this is a superb and complete stereo first pressing of one of The Beatles' most iconic albums 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 - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50