THE WHO TOMMY TRULY EXCEPTIONAL 1969 UK TRACK 1st PRESS C/W NUMBERED BOOKLET

THE WHO TOMMY TRULY EXCEPTIONAL 1969 UK TRACK 1st PRESS C/W NUMBERED BOOKLET

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During this time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet.

On offer here is a magnificent copy of The Who's rock opera studio double alblum titled "Tommy", Catalogue Number 613 013/4. It's a 1969 UK stereo first pressing on the Track Record Label, with a first issue Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. fully laminated trifold sleeve. It comes complete with the numbered 12-page colour picture booklet and the original matching white poly-lined inner sleeves. [The Track record labels have a matt finish. The record matrix numbers are the earliest stamped 613013 A//1, 613013 B//1, 613014 A//1 and 613014 B//1].

The gatefold sleeve is in EX condition (a true EX!) with only the lightest signs of wear and no creases of any significance - just a couple of tiny laminate creases by the bottom edge of the back cover. The front and back covers are unmarked with only the lightest of storage wear. The opening trifold spread is pristine. Unusually for this fragile sleeve, the internal record pocket has no damage whatsoever. The spine is square and solid with virtually no signs of wear at all. Overall it's a beautiful example of this most iconic of sleeves which is almost impossible to find in such fine condition. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight Track records retain their just-pressed shine and rotate evenly on the turntable. Visually both records are in EX condition with just the faintest of sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The matt black Track labels are unmarked with just a moderate number of short spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear around either of the spindle holes. Both records play excellently throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no repeat pops, distortion or anything else to interfere with the listening experience. The sound quality is very powerful and dynamic with lots of wonderful guitar and sound effects. I've listened to lots of other editions and re-mastered pressings of Tommy and still prefer the original Track mix. It really is a top playing copy in every respect.

The 12-page colour picture booklet, Limited Edition No. 21749 is in unmarked EX condition with no splits, tears or creases. The front and back pages have some light foxing from long-term storage, which is very  minor but mentioned for complete accuracy.

The original matching white poly-lined inner sleeves, with "17 & 18/049" number text, have some creasing and age discoloration, but are otherwise very presentable.

Overall this is a magnificent and complete numbered first issue of The Who's rock opera masterpiece which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is 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 and virtually no discernible 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 but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £12.50

Worldwide - £18.50