THE DOORS SELF TITLED 1st ALBUM, 1967 UK ELEKTRA

	£		69
	$		91

Here for auction I am pleased to offer a rare copy of the debut studio album by THE DOORS simply titled “THE DOORS”, Catalogue Number EKL-4007. This is an ORIGINAL 1967 UK MONO 1st PRESSING on the ORANGE ELEKTRA RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue laminated sleeve. [The matrix numbers are etched EKL 4007A / (COL) and EKL-4007B / (COL), and the orange Elektra labels are rough-textured].  

The fully-laminated single sleeve, Manufactured in Great Britain by Polydor Records Limited, London, is in EX condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers are unmarked and the spine is square and solid with perfect text. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent sleeve which should please most collectors.

The record is solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. It retains a nice shine and has obviously not been played very many times. Visually I would grade the record as being in between G and VG condition as there are a few obvious stylus marks caused by careless handling. The matt orange rough-textured labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a top quality Elektra pressing which plays with outstanding sound quality. The mono playback is particularly loud-cut and vibrant. Both sides play completely free from distortion with all frequencies crystal clear. The stylus marks mentioned above do cause pops and clicks is a few places. Track 3 of Side A is the worst affected – and the pops here are quite intrusive. That said the punchy mono audio generally ensures that the music can still be enjoyed. If you are looking for a perfect-playing copy, this is not the one for you – but it may do until a nicer one comes along.

The plain white inner sleeve is in EX condition.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are 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 which do not sound, and barely any discernable 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. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £39 value - £8.95

Europe over £39 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £14.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs