THE WHO, DIRECT HITS * RARE UK MONO 1st PRESS * TRACK LABELS * EARLY STAMPERS *
£
39
$
51
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Description
The Who - Direct Hits
I am pleased to offer for sale this exceptional example of The Who's first compilation album, Direct Hits.
Released in October of '68 on both mono and stereo audio formats, the album collated singles, B-sides and album tracks from 66-68. Earlier releases were released on Brunswick and are unavailable.
The album was a flop in comparison to earlier The Who albums and was therefore never reissued. Consequently, original copies are extremely scarce. Mono copies are particularly rare as in the late 60s demand for mono records had significantly reduced due to the popularity of stereo audio equipment.
Consequently, finding a mono pressing in such fantastic condition is very difficult. A copy with the first mother & stamper codes is almost unheard of.
Album Details:
Serial number: 612006
Matrix number: A▽1 420 / B▽1 420
Vinyl Weight: 140g
The 1/1 matrix numbers identify the record as a first pressing. The mother and stamper codes for side 1 communicate that it was produced by the 14th stamper plate of the 1st mother plate. The mother and stamper codes for side 2 communicate that it was produced by the 1st stamper plate of the 1st mother plate. Consequently the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!
The labels and sleeve are both the 1st variant - quite straight forward as there was only ever one variant of each!
The album is complete with the original polythene-lined die-cut inner sleeve.
Condition:
The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself. Please use a desktop PC/laptop and make use of the zoom function to inspect the photographs closely.
Vinyl: EXCELLENT
Labels: EXCELLENT +
The labels are bright, clean and without writing. Only very minor spindle wear is evident.
Visual: EXCELLENT
The vinyl retains beautiful deep-gloss playing surfaces. In bright daylight a handful of light paper scuffs are visible to the surface - more evident on side 1. Under the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of wispy hairlines are visible alongside an iridescent rainbow sheen.
Sound Quality: EXCELLENT -
The audio is superb! Take a listen for yourself:
Please note: the eBay app does not support playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the recordings.
Side 1:
Side 2:
As can be heard from the recordings, this vinyl has clearly been played cautiously on good quality equipment. I have graded EX - as both lead-ins as well as the dead-wax between tracks have audible noise. This may clear out with another ultrasonic clean. The noise does not bleed into the tracks however, which all play through with great clarity and distinction. It's a great listen.
Sleeve: VERY GOOD +
The sleeve looks great. Both the front and back are clean and maintain bright colours. As is common with non-laminated sleeves there is subtle storage rubbing. The is a name written in biro to the rear. The corners, edges and spine all show subtle wear. Certainly not perfect but very presentable.
Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT
The original inner sleeve looks great. It is clean with no writing, no rips and only subtle creasing.
Additional Details:
Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner (using L'art du Son cleaning solution) and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.
After cleaning, the vinyl is housed inside a brand new mobile fidelity audiophile quality, anti-static inner sleeve.
The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve. The album is stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.
The album will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.
Please see my other listings for more vinyl rarities.
Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.
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