THE WHO QUADROPHENIA EXCEPTIONALLY RARE NEAR MINT VINYL

	£		81
	$		107

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by 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. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use 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. I believe in 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 cleaning. 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 take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid 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 master disc; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first master ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered is one of the earliest produced in the country of origin from the first master or masters. 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; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a 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.

Album / Record Title: QUADROPHENIA

Rarity: This is quite possibly the BEST EXAMPLE you will ever see of the RAREST VARIANT of this album, and considering that Pete Townshend notably said of it "The music is the best music that I've ever written and I think it's the best album that I will ever write", you could not find a better recommendation. There are plenty of variants offered for sale, you can see them often, but you will be either hard pressed or very lucky to ever find another one like this, for a whole list of genuine reasons. I will start with the practical; if you do find one similar then it will probably come with the 22 page HEAVYWEIGHT BOOK as a separate feature, this one is FULLY ATTACHED as new - that, in itself, makes it a rarity. But it’s also the VINYLS and technical pressing aspects that make this example OUTSTANDING; these are GENUINE UK FIRST PRESSINGS with FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS - the matrices with the first inverted triangle separators I have shown as a ‘v’ as opposed to the later double slash ‘//’ - all this on original MID-WEIGHT VINYLS with their FIRST ORIGINAL TRACK LABELS, matt finish and slightly grey, a characteristic of the very earliest first pressings. It is only with this complete combination of characteristics that you can be fairly certain that it is an ORIGINAL FIRST - there are so many others which have some of them, but only when they have ALL of them do you know you have the real thing. What makes these VINYLS even RARER & MORE SPECIAL is that they are both NEAR MINT delivering BRILLIANT SOUND QUALITY - you hardly ever find them in this condition. The soft card, lightly surface printed, complex gatefold printed by Euro Albums Holland B.V. which supports the unusually heavyweight book has a few minor flaws but again is the best I have seen. Serious collectors and those who enjoy listening to the music of The Who will realise how EXCEPTIONALLY RARE this is. The key features are summarised below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK VINYLS & FIRST ISSUE
• A UK FIRST PRESS WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS
• SUPERB MID-WEIGHT VINYLS IN NEAR MINT CONDITION
• ORIGINAL TRACK MATT BLACK (GREY TINGE) LABELS IN NEAR MINT CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SUPERB AUDIO
• ORIGINAL GATEFOLD BY EURO ALBUMS HOLLAND B.V.
• ORIGINAL LP SIZE 22 PAGE PHOTOGRAPH BOOK IN NEAR MINT CONDITION & FIXED IN GATEFOLD AS NEW
• ORIGINAL WHITE POLY-LINED INNER SLEEVES WITH BLUE PRINT
• HARD TO OVERSTATE HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO FIND ONE LIKE THIS, THEY ARE IN EXTREMELY SHORT SUPPLY AND MANY COLLECTORS WILL STRUGGLE TO OBTAIN ONE FOR THEIR COLLECTION.

Artiste(s): THE WHO who were - Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwhistle, Keith Moon

Discs Format: 2 x 12” LP’s

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL TRACK MATT BLACK (charcoal grey tinge) WITH SILVER TEXT & TRACK LOGO

Catalogue Number: 2406-110 & 2406-111 Track Deluxe Double Set No. 2657 013

Country of origin and first published date: Made in Gt. Britain 1973

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1A: 2406110 Av1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1B: 2406110 Bv1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2A: 2406111 Av1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2B: 2406111 Bv2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1A: 1   1   2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1B: 1   1   2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2A: 1   3   6

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2B: 1   2   6

Track listing as per label: SIDE 1A - I AM THE SEA / THE REAL ME / QUADROPHENIA / CUT MY HAIR / THE PUNK AND THE GODFATHER / SIDE 1B - I’M ONE / THE DIRTY JOBS / HELPLESS DANCER / IS IT IN MY HEAD / I’VE HAD ENOUGH / SIDE 2A - 5:15 / SEA AND SAND / DROWNED / BELL BOY / SIDE 2B - DOCTOR JIMMY / THE ROCK / LOVE, REIGN O’ER ME

My opinion and summary of condition: For Pete Townshend, writer of some of the best Rock music ever written, produced and performed by one of the best Rock groups ever, to say that this is his best piece of work is a sufficient endorsement in itself - so I don’t need to add anything to that; other than to say that I agree with him. This is a highly rated album with outstanding qualifications for anybody who enjoys listening to The Who or collects their work. This is another album where it’s not hard to find a version but it’s almost impossible to find one with these credentials in this NEAR MINT condition. I have explained why this is such an important album in the lead paragraph of this listing, so I will not repeat the points. This is a scarce and excellent opportunity to own a lovely example of this brilliant album.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual side 1A: NEAR MINT, some superficial surface movement lines which do not have any tangible depth or audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 1B: NEAR MINT, some superficial surface movement lines which do not have any tangible depth or audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2A: NEAR MINT, some superficial surface movement lines which do not have any tangible depth or audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2B: NEAR MINT, some superficial surface movement lines which do not have any tangible depth or audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1A: NEAR MINT, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear

Label Visual side 1B: NEAR MINT, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear

Label Visual side 2A: NEAR MINT, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear

Label Visual side 2B: NEAR MINT, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT, original ‘mod’ lambretta image charcoal grey classic surface printed gatefold of soft mid-weight card construction, non-laminated, printed by Euro Albums Holland B.V. still containing the original LP size 22 page heavyweight photo album still fixed in place from new. Cautiously graded due to a tiny amount of surface rub wear back and front, some small dents at the leading edges where the vinyls enter, tiny bruises on the corners and a thin straight ‘slide’ line on the front caused by sliding it out from next to another album which had a rough edge - but it is only a very thin surface line and could be restored. Possibly as good an example as you will see.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS, wide spine in excellent physical shape with lovely square shoulders, all clean clear and fully readable - please see super-sized photographs.

Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT MINUS, original standard white paper inners with antistatic poly-liners printed with blue cautionary notes, Made in England and British Patents, lightly creased and discoloured with age.

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

Vinyl Weight: 130 & 132 grammes (two terrific original TRACK DELUXE mid-weights)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT+

Audio Performance: TRACK VINYL RECORDINGS THAT HAVE BEEN WELL CARED FOR ALWAYS DELIVER A SENSATIONAL AUDIO PERFORMANCE AND THESE ARE TWO OF THE BEST EXAMPLES I HAVE SEEN OR HEARD. 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, OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC, OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT IT’S COMPLETELY ENJOYABLE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - ABSOLUTELY REAL, CLEAN AND BRIGHT SOUND - IN PURE AUDIO REPRODUCTION TERMS IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIND A BETTER EXAMPLE OF THIS ALBUM.

Other: If you are looking for a first rate example of this album for your collection, to play and enjoy, this is the one you should have - another highly recommended double.

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.

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: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. 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 but otherwise this was not usually the case. 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 pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but 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. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. 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). 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.

Finally: 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 the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

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 ‘Premium Quality 600 Micron Card Mailers’ with ‘Ultra Safe’ double 3.5 cm. wide latex strips across the whole of the mailer which provides excellent adhesion and protection. 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 always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values 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 below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ 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.