THE WHO, WHO'S NEXT, MINT- 1971 UK TRACK A1/B2 1st PRESS PRE-HEAD HUNTERS INNER

THE WHO, WHO'S NEXT, MINT- 1971 UK TRACK A1/B2 1st PRESS PRE-HEAD HUNTERS INNER

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During that 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 superb MINT- copy of the iconic studio album by The Who titled "Who's Next", Catalogue Number 2408 102 DELUXE. It's a 1971 stereo 1st pressing on the Track record label, with a 1st issue MacNeill Press Ltd. matt-finish single sleeve. It comes complete with its original white poly-lined inner sleeve. [The sleeve is the earliest design with crimped spine ends. The stamped record matrix numbers are the earliest 2408102 A//1 and 2408102 B//2. "MG 128882" is etched in the run-out of Side A. Contrary to popular belief Head Hunters inner sleeves were not produced until late September 1971, several weeks after the release of Who's Next on 14th August. This is proven by the fact that the Head Hunters inner sleeves feature albums released a month later than Who's Next. The initial copies of Who's Next came in the standard Polydor white poly-lined Company inner sleeves, some date coded "08 71" and some not].

The sleeve is in VG(+) condition with just light wear and a few creases. The front and back covers are unmarked with virtually no ringwear which is very unusual. The spine is solid with all text lagible. Overall it's a very presentable example of this iconic sleeve with no serious defects. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record is in MINT- condition. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light which are only superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The matt black Track labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole which still retains a sliver of plastic swarf from manufacture. It is clear that the record has only received a modest number of careful plays. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are two little pops during the lead-in to Side One before the music begins, then it's MINT- playback all the way. There are no loud pops, repeat clicks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is exceptional - very dynamic and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to a first pressing of Who's Next and I had forgotten how incredible they can sound. Audiowise it really is a top copy.

The white poly-lined Company sleeve has some age discoloration and a short piece of clear tape to the middle of one side edge. It is, however, the original one.  
 

Overall this is a superb and complete first pressing of arguably The Who's most accomplished album 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 - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50