THE BEATLES WHITE ALBUM No. 0228954 UK APPLE ALL -1 FIRST STEREO RACOON MISPRINT

	£		128
	$		169

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 been played occasionally during the last 44 years and is generally ‘excellent towards plus’ in audio and visual terms, with just reasonable evidence of handling and use over time. I must 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. For this album, which has so many components, I have decided to give a brief overview in this paragraph and more information alongside the grades in the individualised sections below. The cover has just a few superficial surface creases on the laminate, some small edge dents, corner mini-bumps, small scratch and spot on the front in the bottom right corner and general evidence of handling and storage consistent with its use over the years. The superb gatefold also displays the slight yellowing which is a characteristic of the earliest originals and is much the same as the patina which develops on top quality antiques over time (bidders should note that it is very difficult to reproduce exact colour tone in photographs of these covers and in reality it may be slightly darker than it appears in the listing). The superb centre spread with group portraits photographs, track titles, G&L cover maker’s credit and The Gramophone Company credit is in first rate condition with just light signs of age and slight even discolouration. The impressive heavyweight (159 & 149 grammes) vinyls both retain much of their original shine, they appear to have had much less use than the average, with just a reasonable quantity of light superficial surface based hairlines mainly caused by brushing against the inners, and just a few which have been caused by gentle stylus contact. This has no significant consequence to the audio performance producing just a few infrequent ticks and, just occasionally, a little underlying surface sound. The record labels have some light spindle lines but are in at least excellent plus condition and generally indicative of relatively little use over the years. The original black inners made from their inner textured soft black paper show light signs of edge fray, some creasing and a few small tears, but no side splits and no seam splits – please see photographs and details below. The photographs, complete with original protective sheet, are at least excellent plus; and the lyric / poster insert is almost as new with just the shortest of separation at the edges of two of the folds and slight thinning at the intersection, or cruciform, of the folds…to find one in this rarely opened, almost near mint condition, is an extreme rarity. The few flaws are very minor when compared with those normally found on most examples of this classic collectable but, in the light of the fact that the album is in otherwise remarkable condition, they are all mentioned.

Album / Record Title: THE BEATLES aka THE WHITE ALBUM No. 0228954

IMPORTANT NOTE ON AUTHENTICITY: BEFORE EXPLAINING MY OPINION OF RARITY AND DESCRIBING THE ALBUM I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC 100% ORIGINAL EXAMPLE OF ‘THE BEATLES WHITE ALBUM’.  I EMPHASISE THIS BECAUSE IT IS BECOMING EVER MORE DIFFICULT FOR SERIOUS COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS TO BE CERTAIN THAT THEY ARE BIDDING FOR AND BUYING THE REAL THING. THERE ARE SO MANY FAKE AND REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS BEING TOUTED AROUND THE MARKET; IN PARTICULAR THE BLACK INNER SLEEVES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND LYRIC INSERTS SO I GUARANTEE THAT WHEN YOU BUY FROM ME YOU WILL ALWAYS GET A COMPLETE AND ALL ORIGINAL ALBUM.

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE AS ONE OF THE EARLY ORIGINAL UNIQUELY NUMBERED COMPLETE UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE ALBUMS IN NEAR EXCELLENT OR BETTER CONDITION - not the earliest, but early enough in the scheme of things to be of significant interest. All of the numbered originals are unique in that respect alone and there are a number of other factors and features which justify UK pressed and numbered copies of THE WHITE ALBUM being described as RARE. The outer cover concept originated by pop artist Richard Hamilton was a spoof on ‘limited editions’, being plain white and numbered - subsequently and ironically becoming one of the ‘largest limited editions’ ever produced. This is, in relative terms, a very early first issue as the UK production capacity was about 100,000 per week and as there were over 250,000 advance orders for the album this one, at 0228954, would probably have been made just prior to the release date ready to be in the record shops on the first day of release. All of the numbered copies with the key first issue characteristics, described below, and which have survived in NEAR EXCELLENT OR BETTER CONDITION - which are relatively few - have become highly collectable. This one even more so due to the fact that it FEATURES THE WELL DOCUMENTED ‘ROCKY RACOON’ MISPRINT ON THE SIDE 2 RECORD LABEL WHICH SHOULD READ ‘ROCKY RACCOON’ AS PER THE COVER. Not only does the error mean that this is an even rarer collectable it also serves another purpose in that it supports the album’s provenance because anecdotally this error occurred on stereo albums around this number. There are said to have been about 5,000,000 numbered copies produced worldwide, and 30,000,000 sold in total - so this is by any measure a VERY EARLY FIRST PRESSING in terms of the overall production. I REPEAT THAT THIS ONE IS EVEN RARER because it is a GENUINE COMPLETE UK ORIGINAL all components and inserts are those which have been WITH IT FROM NEW. Many of these White Album sets have been ‘assembled’, which means that where parts are missing, or are in poor condition, sellers have swapped, changed or inserted replacements, often of a later manufacture and/or lesser grade, to make up ‘complete sets’. NOT with this one – it is all ABSOLUTELY ORIGINAL.

In summary the outer Gatefold Cover is the original ‘mono’ TOP LOADER by GARROD & LOFTHOUSE International; it is the heavier thick card only found on the first albums, which has a tendency to ‘yellow’ as this one has done. The title THE BEATLES is EMBOSSED under the laminate, as it should be, on the bottom right quadrant of the front cover above the LIMITED EDITION NUMBER, in this case No. 0228954 - which is also lightly EMBOSSED under the laminate. The UK ORIGINAL G & L gatefold cover has fold over edges to the inner; it is FULLY LAMINATED and printed on the spine with the title and both mono & stereo catalogue numbers. The INNER SLEEVES are soft BLACK paper single side die cut with one circular ‘window’ at the front and closed at the back, lightly textured internal surfaces and smoother outer surfaces. Both HEAVY VINYLS are in the ORIGINAL STEREO format, machine stamped in the vinyl run off areas with ALL THE FIRST -1 MATRICES, A MIXTURE OF MOTHERS 1,2,4 & 7 AND A RANGE OF STAMPERS – PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS. The original dark green labels with apple white on the reverse have the ‘Sold in U. K.’ text and other text consistent with first pressings – they all have EMI CREDITS – these were omitted from some of the earlier numbered copies. The INSERTS are all present and correct - all FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS (each 20 x 29 cms or about 8 x 11.5 inches) on the original THICK PHOTO CARD - not the later thin card – and the large PHOTO-MONTAGE with LYRIC SHEET on the back (size 57 x 87 cms or about 22.5 x 33.5 inches). ALL OF THESE INSERTS ARE IN REMARKABLE EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION.

These uniquely numbered UK original first issues are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and they will only become scarcer in the future. This is an unusually fine example in every way, one of the better originals you are likely to find, and I thoroughly recommend it to anybody who has a serious interest in having one to collect, play and enjoy.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE
• ALL -1 MATRIX, OVERALL EARLY MIX OF MOTHERS & STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS NEAR EXCELLENT OR BETTER
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL LIGHTLY STIPPLED DARKER GREEN APPLE LABELS
• WITH ‘SOLD IN THE UK….SEE PRICE LISTS’ TEXT ON THE LABELS
• EMI RECORDING CREDITS ON ALL OF THE FOUR RECORD LABELS
• RARE 'RACOON' FOR 'RACCOON' MISPRINT SIDE 2 RECORD LABEL
• UNIQUELY NUMBERED 0228954 LIMITED EDITION RARE ORIGINAL
• FIRST G&L TOP LOADING FULLY LAMINATED HEAVY CARD GFOLD
• ORIGINAL SOFT BLACK PAPER SINGLE WINDOW DIE CUT INNERS
• ORIGINAL THICK CARD BEATLES PORTRAIT PHOTOS & COVER
• ORIGINAL PHOTO MONTAGE & LYRIC SHEET INSERT NEAR MINT

Artiste(s): THE BEATLES – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr

Producer: George Martin

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 2 X 12” LP’s & 33 1/3  r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL APPLE DARK GREEN / APPLE WHITE, ‘matt black lightly dimpled surround’ with ‘Sold in U.K.’ text, ‘Mfd. In U.K.’ text, ‘All Rights…’ & ‘Unauthorised Public Performance…’ text and EMI credits on all of the four labels, as mentioned above. RACOON MISPRINT SIDE 2.

Catalogue Number: PCS 7067 & PCS 7068

Country of origin and first release date: U.K. 1968 (22nd. November)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 1 side 1:     YEX 709-1 (first)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 1 side 2:     YEX 710-1 (first)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 2 side 3:     YEX 711-1 (first)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 2 side 4:     YEX 712-1 (first)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 1:    4

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 2:    2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 3:    1

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 4:    7

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side 1:   PH (decodes as stamper 67)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side 2:   GR (decodes as stamper 12)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side 3:   GPP (decodes as stamper 166)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side 4:   GMT (decodes as stamper 149)

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

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 1 side 2:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side 3:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side 4:  none visible

N.B. Please note that all matrices, masters, 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: RECORD 1 - SIDE 1: BACK IN THE U.S.S.R. / DEAR PRUDENCE / GLASS ONION / OB-LA-DI, OB-LA-DA / WILD HONEY PIE / THE CONTINUING STORY OF BUNGALOW BILL / WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS / HAPPINESS IS A WARM GUN / SIDE 2: MARTHA MY DEAR / I’M SO TIRED / PIGGIES / ROCKY RACOON / DON’T PASS ME BY / WHY DON’T WE DO IT IN THE ROAD / I WILL / JULIA / RECORD 2 - SIDE 3: BIRTHDAY / YER BLUES / MOTHER NATURE’S SON / EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT FOR ME AND MY MONKEY / SEXY SADIE / HELTER SKELTER / LONG LONG LONG / SIDE 4: REVOLUTION 1 / HONEY PIE / SAVOY TRUFFLE / CRY BABY CRY / REVOLUTION 9 / GOOD NIGHT

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 Record 1 side 1: NEAR EXCELLENT, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 2: NEAR EXCELLENT, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 3: NEAR EXCELLENT, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 4: NEAR EXCELLENT, a fair amount of light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are more noticeable, but nothing which causes interference with play.

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS some light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, misalignment, or slight shrinkage marks / lines on labels caused in original pressing; they are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects. In this particular case there is a slight difference in colour density between the two green Apple labels but in my experience slight colour variation of this kind is a common occurrence on most examples of this album and during the course of almost all large print runs.

Outer Cover: NEAR EXCELLENT, the original classic fully laminated double gatefold top loader with fold-over flaps to the centre, Printed and made in Great Britain by Garrod and Lofthouse International Ltd. I would also grade it higher based on the above excellent physical condition but I grade overall by comparison with new and this white, heavy duty, card elegantly aged like a top quality antique with practically unavoidable light but even discolouration and yellowing does have some minor blemishes to take into account. There is some minor edge and corner rubbing, a few tiny bumps, a short scratch and a scratch spot - but for the main part all open edges are clean, neat and sharp with just a few mini-dents; and the flip-backs are first rate. There are a few light rub marks front and rear, some minor indents, a bit of spotting and some light rub marks but none of this is significant. The centre spread is excellent with just edge yellowing and discolouration evenly across the surface. All in all this is a physically complete, highly presentable genuine and authentic original, with just the minor flaws I have outlined caused by careful storage and handling in use over time. Please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: VERY GOOD PLUS TO NEAR EXCELLENT, I am spreading the grade to allow for physical shape through to text visibility. The original wide spine which has been compressed and has the usual fold recess down the centre caused by opening and closing during the last 42 years with some consequent cracking and slight peeling of the laminate allowing some staining in the centre and at the ends, but there is no significant laminate lift and the text is generally clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeves: VERY GOOD original soft black paper single side die cut paper inners with the front round window and closed back, general creasing (see photos), slight fraying of the entry edges, a few small tears at the flip-backs, entry edges and from the centre window.

Photograph Inserts: EXCELLENT PLUS, all four originals ON THE THICKER PHOTO CARD are still with this album and in near new condition with just a few tiny indents.

Photo Montage / Lyric Insert: EXCELLENT PLUS ‘lipstick’ ORIGINAL, rarely if ever seen like this, retaining original vibrant colours – almost as new except for a few age and storage related light brown spots - please see super-sized photographs and make your own assessment.

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

Vinyl Weight: 159 & 149 grammes (two admirable APPLE heavyweights)

Vinyl Cleaning: Carefully cleaned by me on a my ‘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 TO PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: DURING THE LAST 42 YEARS I HAVE LISTENED TO MANY VARIANTS OF THIS ALBUM AND IN AUDIO TERMS THIS MAKES THE HIGH END OF MY AUDIO PERFORMANCE GRADES DELIVERING WITH GREAT CLARITY AND QUALITY. THERE IS SOME UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND, A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE AND A FEW LOW LEVEL TICKS FROM TIME TO TIME DURING THE QUIETER TRACKS AND NON RECORDED GROOVES, BUT NOTHING INTRUSIVE OR UNPLEASANT, AND CERTAINLY NOTHING WHICH INTERFERES WITH CONTINUOUS SMOOTH PLAY. OVERALL THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES I HAVE LISTENED TO SINCE THE LAST ONE I SOLD ABOUT NINE MONTHS AGO WHICH WAS ALSO BRILLIANT. THE CLARITY IS EXCELLENT AS GRADED AND THE CLEANLINESS GRADE REFLECTS MY COMMENTS. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY 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 I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS – THE REAL AND BRILLIANT BEATLES SOUND FROM VINYL, DELIVERED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD WHICH I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO LISTEN TO ANY TIME.

Footnotes: The ninth Beatles album released at the height of their popularity worldwide; it became their best seller and the ninth best selling album of all time in the U.S.A. where it went platinum nineteen times, a supreme classic in every way which excited a generation and stands the test of time. I find it interesting that the number nine figures so frequently in its legend, particularly as none of those factors can have been known when they decided to include the controversial track ‘Revolution 9’. In many ways it represents a definitive and classic example of how some of the best creative endeavours can benefit from personal and artistic differences. According to my a combination of various specialist reference sites there are thirteen significant differences between the original mono and stereo variants of this album which make it essential for the serious collector to have one of each. The beauty of this particular example is that it is a genuine, authentic original, it is just slightly flawed; the cover shows minor signs of age and wear as do the vinyls but they play through really well delivering highly enjoyable audio. One of the all time great albums and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a complete respectable quality example where all components are original - there are plenty of bad ones about - in more ways than one. This one is really honest; it has been used, but it has not been abused and the wear is not excessive, not offensive and not a spoiler; a thoroughly worthwhile example of a supreme classic.

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 and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; 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 ‘mother(s)’ and 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.