THE BEATLES RUBBER SOUL UK PARLOPHONE MONO BOTH -1 FIRST RARE ERNEST J DAY COVER

	£		180
	$		239

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Previous visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums which range from very good plus to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Vinyl Cleaning: I use machine cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by using this method. If I think a vinyl will benefit from this I carry out the procedure with great care using my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. My preferred method with little used vinyls is by soft ‘light touch’ hand brush with natural fine hair gently moved in the direction of the microgrooves. In all methods of cleaning I use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol with a spot of gentle detergent to lubricate and clean the playing surfaces. I am aware that cleaning can be a controversial subject with vinyl collectors, audio purists and enthusiasts so I will state on each individual listing if, and how, the vinyl(s) have been cleaned in the section just before the ‘Play Grade’.

Specific notes concerning this album: This leader paragraph highlights and describes specific aspects regarding condition of the album(s) offered. The dedicated sections below gives my assessment of the appropriate grade for each component based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2012’, followed by a ‘play grade’ and ‘audio performance’ report. I hope that this format, including the extensive photo gallery, will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. Please read the following description and take a careful look at the comprehensive photographs which show the actual item clearly and provide an informative and accurate representation.

THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM HAS EXPERIENCED RELATIVELY LITTLE USE DURING THE LAST 47 YEARS, THE RARE ERNEST J. DAY COVER GRADES EXCELLENT TO PLUS AND BOTH VINYL & AUDIO ARE A FULL EXCELLENT PLUS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A ‘GLITCH’ ON ONE TRACK (PLEASE READ FULL DETAILS BELOW).

I should point out that I mention age in my listings not as an excuse for condition but as a matter of fact. I do not regard condition as age related, it is primarily dependant on care, and if you ever see something described as ‘good for its age’ I recommend you avoid it like the plague. Also, I use photographs as an aid to bidders, not a sales tool, and I always ‘frame’ the shots to highlight any flaws or blemishes – not to obscure or avoid them. My photo galleries always feature photos taken from as many angles as reasonably possible with ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ facilities because I want visitors to have the best opportunity to examine visual condition.

The earliest UK first issue front laminated single slip cover with flip-backs is in remarkably clean and tidy condition – one of the best examples you are likely to see with only a few minor blemishes. This one is the much rarer variant printed and made by Ernest J. Day – approximately 90% of Rubber Soul covers were made by Garrod & Lofthouse, which I explain in the rarity section below, and there are very few of this variant in worthwhile condition left in circulation today. As well as being extremely rare in terms of the small quantity originally made this particular example has the added scarcity factor of being in brilliant condition. Almost all examples of originals seen these days are plagued by extensive creasing to the front laminate – this one is notably well preserved with very little creasing and, the few creases it does have are short, superficial and towards the seam – barely noticeable to the point of being almost negligible. Also, the laminate retains a high gloss surface and no significant scratching or dulling. There’s a tiny amount of superficial edge and corner rub wear, a modicum more on the right corner at the bottom, but overall it is so minimal as to be unimportant within the context of such a fine cover. The non-laminated back bordered by the flip-backs is also well worth a mention as it defies the norm remaining remarkably clean with crisp edges where the fold over flaps meet the flat surface. The spine shows a few small blemishes with light discolouration where the laminate has split but it is not peeling and spreading and is physically well formed with fully readable text. The legendary ‘loud cut’ classic heavyweight (153 grammes) vinyl looks first rate with a brilliant high gloss surfaces and deep lustre; it has a small quantity of the lightest hairlines caused by brushing against the inner which have absolutely no consequence on the audio performance whatsoever. There is a small mark at the end of ‘Michelle’ which I cannot hear at all but on side 2 track 4 ‘In My Life’ there are two stylus scratches which cause momentary skips and a very short slur – they are not spoilers and can be countered by setting the anti-skid on a back bias but they are over so quickly that I was happy to let them play through. This minor glitch does not impede play, but it is obvious – the remaining 99% of the audio is absolutely brilliant, crystal clear and bordering on near mint…easily the best I have ever heard by a noticeable margin. The record labels have some light spindle trace lines, one on side 2 crosses half the label as you can see but they are still excellent plus. The inner sleeve is the original era specific EMITEX cream in colour with opaque antistatic liner and the usual advertising text on the front and back - I rarely grade standard inner sleeves beyond very good plus and that’s about right for this one which shows just slight discolouration, creasing and general age related wear. This is a noteworthy example of a rare variant of one of the pre-eminent popular rock classics which was highly influential in many ways pivotal in the development of twentieth century music and culture - it is well worth distinguished status in any cherished collection.

Album / Record Title: RUBBER SOUL

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE AS THE UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE FROM THE 579-1 MATRIX AND 580-1 MATRIX IN THE MUCH RARER ERNEST J. DAY SINGLE SLIP COVER ALL IN NOTEWORTHY CONDITION. In general terms Rubber Soul is not a rare album, it was a massive commercial success and pressed in hundreds of thousands if not millions, but this specific variant is very rare indeed – for a number of very good reasons which I explain as follows. First there is the legendary ‘loud cut’ aspect derived from the -1 matrix on both sides. When it was first released in 1965 record player technology was, in general, fairly crude and there was some difficulty experienced with audio reproduction due to the volume at which the record was cut on the -1 matrices. Anecdotally this was most noticeable on ‘Michelle’ where it led to sound distortion. This was quickly realised, a new master was made for side 1 designated -4. The records first pressed from this master retained the original on side 2 so the matrix combination moved to -4 & -1 which is now often referred to as a transitional pressing because shortly after it was decided to replace the matrix for side 2 as well so the final combination became -4 & -4. The vast majority of records were pressed using the latter before eventually they were replaced with -5 & -5 also in common use for a considerable time. As a result of this the original short lived -1 & -1 ‘loud cut’ has become a highly sought after and collectable rarity – and today with the benefit of modern record players and the latest technology it sounds brilliant…well this one does on my system!

Secondly, and probably even rarer than the rare ‘loud cut’ aspect, is the cover. The vast majority of covers for Rubber Soul were made by Garrod & Lofthouse who were the lead supplier for this album. Ernest J. Day were a more expensive, and they would probably claim better quality, maker so they were retained as back up source for this album. There are also claims that there were commercial negotiations underway between the two companies at the time which moved the contract in G&L’s favour but, whatever the reason, the outcome was that G&L covers outnumber EJD covers by a factor of at least 10:1. This particular one is a fine example as I have already explained above displaying very few of the blemishes which often characterise these covers. Just as a point of interest these EJD covers can be recognised from the front by the fact that they omit the text ‘TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD.’ from underneath the circled £ logo in the lower right hand corner (they are of course clearly credited to Ernest J. Day on the bottom flip-back – on the back.

In summary a very rare and fine example of a superb album with just the glitch on ‘In My Life’ to consider on the downside – but, in my opinion, that’s a small price to pay for a primarily superb album.      

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS & FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST MATRICES, EARLY MOTHERS AND MID TERM STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVY VINYL IN MAINLY EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION
• MONO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL UK PARLOPHONE YELLOW/BLACK KT CODE LABELS
• ORIGINAL UK ERNEST J. DAY FLIP-BACK SLIP COVER SUPERB
• ORIGINAL EMITEX ADVERTISING INNER SLEEVE OPAQUE LINER
• AN EXTRAORDINARY RARITY ESPECIALLY IN THIS CONDITION

Artiste(s): THE BEATLES

Produced By: George Martin

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m

Recording Format: MONO

Record label: ORIGINAL PARLOPHONE LABEL ‘KT’ TAX CODED – please see label photographs for details

Catalogue Number: PMC 1267

Made in & first published date: Gt. BRITAIN 1965 (December)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix side 1: XEX 579-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix side 2: XEX 580-1

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother side 1: 2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother side 2: 3 (or it could be 8 – not clear)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper codes side 1: HD

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper codes side 2: GD (there may be an O as well – not clear)

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 1:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 2:  none visible

N.B. Please note that all matrices, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Track listing as per labels: Please see label photographs for full details.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2012’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT (allows for small glitch ‘In My Life’)

Label Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS

Label Visual side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, slight shrinkage marks, stretch marks / lines on labels, misalignment or marginal print bleed caused in original pressing; these features are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, please see leader paragraph and photos.

Spine: EXCELLENT, please see leader paragraph and photos.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD PLUS, please see leader paragraph and photos

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 153 grammes (a powerful PARLOPHONE heavyweight)

Vinyl Cleaning: Carefully cleaned by me on a ‘Moth’ RCM2.

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: FROM 99% OR MORE OF THE PLAYING AREA THIS VINYL DELIVERS SUPERB AUDIO OF REMARKABLE CLARITY AND QUALITY. IT IS A SHEER DELIGHT TO LISTEN TO WITH THE POWERFUL MONO FORMAT PROJECTING PURE BEATLES. THE ONLY NEGATIVE IS THAT WHICH I EXPLAINED IN THE LEADER PARAGRAPH FOR LITERALLY MOMENTS ON ‘IN MY LIFE’ THERE ARE TWO MINI SKIPS AND A SHORT SLUR. THIS DOES NOT IMPEDE PLAY IN ANY WAY BUT OBVIOUSLY THAT PARTICULAR TRACK IS SLIGHTLY LESS THAN PERFECT. THIS DID NOT CAUSE ME ANY TROUBLE IT’S A GENUINE ONE-OFF INCIDENT ON AN OTHERWISE WELL CARED FOR CLASSIC – BUT IF YOU DECIDE TO BID BE AWARE THAT YOU DO SO IN FULL KNOWLEDGE AND YOU WILL REQUIRE A MODICUM OF TOLERANCE WHEN YOU PLAY THIS PRIMARILY SUPERB VINYL. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK – BUT THIS IS A BEATLES ‘TOUR DE FORCE’ SO DYNAMIC, POWERFUL AND IMPRESSIVE.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes.

Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections.

Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please read my terms and conditions of sale below which are there to inform bidders and prevent any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices, mothers and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first, or extended first, production run; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first matrix sets, first or early ‘mother(s)’ and first or early ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Please Note: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured and Signed-for delivery service.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will only dispatch using a fully insured and Signed-for delivery service.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.