THE WHO Who's Next 1971 UK TRACK A1/B2 1st Press NM VINYL + HEADHUNTERS, SUPERB

	£		126
	$		167

THE WHO - Who's next

A truly outstanding condition copy of this increasingly rare and highly sought after 1971 very 1st UK press Who rock classic, with earliest A1, B2 vinyl matrix numbers on the TRACK record label, STEREO, 2408 102

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1   2408102  A//1  with stampers "1 1 and "1 0" at 2.30 o'clock and 3.30 o'clock respectively and hand etched "MG 12888" at 5o'clock

Side 2    2408102 B//2  with stampers "1 1 and "8" at 3 o'clock and 3.30 o'clock respectively 

Note the "1 1" mother stampers, confirming this to be a very early 1st pressing - such a rarity, especially considering it's outstanding condition.

Other 1st pressing identifiers include :

1. The textured nature of each label;

2. Vertical "Sleeve printed..." text on the outer sleeve reverse side in the bottom right corner;

3. A1, B2 side 1 and side 2 respectively dead wax matrix numbers.

The appearance and overall condition of the flat and nicely weighted vinyl is near mint (NM). It is not very often that I use "near mint" grading, especially on 49 year  vinyl, but the truly outstanding condition of this vinyl certainly warrants that on this occasion. Each side of the vinyl gleams, giving off a gorgeous jet black sheen and comes across as being completely unmarked. In fact, even close scrutiny under a bright light reveals no marks whatsoever - quite incredible. To my knowledge this vinyl has been played twice : once by the previous owner who played it once to record onto a blank cassette tape, and once by myself for play grade purposes for this advert. There cannot be many UK 1st pressings of this wonderful LP in such pristine condition as this. 

The labels are similarly near mint (NM). Gorgeous condition labels with silver writing upon the lightly textured jet black background and the black TRACK logo all in perfect condition. Try as I might I cannot even detect the usual one or two very faint spindle trails - brilliant!

The condition of the non-laminated outer sleeve is excellent (EX). All edges, including the spine (which is the rarer first press "pinched ends" variant), remain firm with barely any scuffing : just some very light scuffing on the bottom edge towards each bottom corner. Each corner remains a near perfectly defined right angle with absolutely minimal rubbing, all spine text is perfectly intact, the opening edges remain firm with no fraying or feathering, and there is no obvious creasing at all. Remarkable. If you look very closely when the sleeve is tilted at the right angle in a good light it is just possible to make out a 2cm surface crease about 4cm above Roger Daltrey's head, and on the reverse side there is some very light vertical surface crease marking adjacent to the spine, which I have tried to show in my photos. Considering that these UK 1st press outer sleeves are fragile and notoriously prone to wear and tear (and mis-use) it is now very difficult to come across this sleeve in condition as truly excellent as this. 

The quality of the audio is excellent near mint (NM). Outstanding tone and clarity throughout, even at higher volume and on higher frequencies. No skips, jumps, repeats, sticks or clicks, and barely any crackle or interference - just the hint of some extremely mild background crackle at the very end of side 2 during the dead wax run-off...nothing really. Every track on this wonderful, timeless LP makes for great listening.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1.  BABA O'RILEY

2. BARGAIN

3. LOVE AIN'T FOR KEEPING

4. MY WIFE

5. SONG IS OVER

Side 2 :

1. GETTING IN TUNE

2. GOING MOBILE

3. BEHIND BLUE EYES

4. WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN

Comes with rare and excellent condition poly-lined "HEAD HUNTER'S" inner sleeve, with no rips, tears, obvious creasing or seam splits and of course remaining fully functional. Note that I always use a new, plain white replacement inner sleeve for shipping purposes in order to protect the original.

In summary a superb condition copy (there can't be many better condition UK 1st pressings) of this increasingly rare and sought after 1967 UK very 1st press Who rock classic - the whole LP remains a tremendous listen....timeless, in fact. A "must" for any serious vinyl collection and will only continue to gain in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 50 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 65 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl thick cardboard "crucifix" style mailer along with at least two thick cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be UK £5.00, Royal Mail Special Delivery; 

Continental Europe £11, and Rest of the World £15 respectively, Royal Mail 1st class international Airmail tracked and signed for

 I DO discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding!

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler