The Beatles

 RUBBER SOUL

Parlophone records No. PMC 1267

 first press RARE 'loud cut'  version, issued 1965 in UK

with Matrix nos. XEX 579-1  &   XEX 580-1

Yellow/Black label with   & 'sold in the UK' label text and The Gramophone Co. rim text

tracks.....see label photos

Vinyl condition:  VG the surfaces retain a bright gloss. Close inspection under a direct spot light reveals several visible but in the main quite light surface lines - evidence that this LP has seen some useage. On side 1 there is a very visible mark, about 0.5cm long between tracks 1 and 2. It plays through this OK with the odd click, otherwise the record still sounds as refreshing as it did 50 years ago.

Labels; no writings or sticker marks, minimal spindle hole wear, there are some spindle trace marks.

 Sleeve condition: (VG) Front has  some creases along the opening edge. Some corner wear.The  spine print is intact  but a tiny part of the spine print is worn (the letter 'L' in Soul). The back has lost some of it's original whiteness through ageing but the printed area and photos are still strong.A tiny bit of pen mark at top right - check the photos.

a Beatles rarity, plays very nicely for it's age. Getting harder to find in any condition, this is not a mint copy but will not be too many around - this is a very acceptable copy.

GRADING GUIDELINES

Although record gradings can often be a matter of personal opinion, we have to find some common ground, and so my gradings are essentially based along the guidelines laid down by the Record Collector publication. However, I will elaborate here in order that you will understand how my gradings are made.

MINT (M)

A record described as Mint should be absolutely as new, just as it came out of the factory and in truth, never have been played although this is often difficult to prove or disprove. The sound should be crystal clear with no background noise or deterioration in sound quality.

The cover and any additional items such as posters,inner sleeve or lyric sheets should also be as new, with no creases, stains or writing(an acceptable exception would be the shopkeeper's hand-written price on the rear of the sleeve) which was commom-place in the 60's and 70's, before the days of bar-coding and automated pricing machines.

NEAR MINT (NM) or (M-)

This grading means that the record and/or it's cover are just marginally short of qualifying as being Mint. The vinyl may just show signs of having been played once or twice. The area around the spindle hole should be pretty much free of spindle trace marks, or at least only have the minimum of these marks. In other words, it is close to being Mint but not quite close enough to describe as such.

There may be the very slightest crease marks on the sleeve, or the laminate may have lifted in small areas without detracting too much from it's overall appearance

EXCELLENT (EX)/(EX+)/(EX-)

There will be indications on the vinyl surface that the record has been played, possibly several times but at the same time, it has been well cared for. There should be very little deterioration in the listening experience.

The sleeve/jacket could have minor creasing and/or signs of storage wear/discoloration, particularly on the back. EX- would indicate that the record would qualify for an EX grading apart from perhaps a small initial written on the label or sleeve or a scuff on the label or other very minor defect which does not affect the overall appearance or sound quality of the item.

VERY GOOD (VG)/(VG+)/(VG-)

the record will show significant signs of having been 'well played', it will show surface scratches and/or scuffs but will still play nicely without too much background noise. The cover and extras (lyric sheets etc) will also have creases or normal wear characteristics which are usually acceptable for this grade. VG+ and VG- are simply up and down variations on this grading, depending on the degree of wear and tear.

GOOD

The record has obviously been played or mis-treated so much that the sound quality is not what it used to be, but may be acceptable depending on the criteria of the individual collector. It will have several surface scratches and/or other defects but may still be useful as a 'gap filler' within a collection. The sleeve will probably be creased badly, torn or repaired with sellotape. Album sleeves may have crushed or damaged spines caused by bad storage etc.

FAIR

This grade may be  only just about playable, with 'skips and jumps' and not really worth having UNLESS it is exceptionally rare, in which case it could serve as a 'gap filler'. I will not list any item in this condition unless it was mega-rare and this would be shown clearly in the description, so that there is no doubt about it.

Please note that my shipping costs cover the postage, plus the packing materials. All my items are carefully packed as I want them to arrive at your end in the condition I would expect if I was the buyer. I feel confident that my shipping costs are fair and reasonable, and my feedback backs this up, but please make sure you are happy with this before buying.  

For multiple purchases, I will calculate the best price/shipping method, so please wait for invoice.

Please note that any records which sell for £30 or more, will be sent by Recorded Delivery to UK . To destinations outside the  UK, items will be sent using International Signed For service . This will incur an additional charge of £5.30. I make no exceptions to this as too many items are allegedly not delivered, and Paypal charge my account for them. This is therefore for both your peace of mind as well as mine. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Please wait for invoice after buying.

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