The Beatles, A Collection Of Oldies: RARE MONO UK Original 1st Press * Superb *

	£		35
	$		46

For sale is a copy of The Beatles first compilation album, A Collection of Beatles Oldies

This is an original MONO UK 1st Pressing produced in 1966 which feature the sought-after ‘Yellow & Black’ Parlophone labels.

A Collection of Beatles Oldies collated many non-album singles and some greatest hits into one album.

Whilst often overlooked, it is a fantastic album to listen to with many of the Beatles best songs from their early pop phase.

Please see below for further details.

The matrix numbers confirm that this record is a 1st pressing:

·      Side 1: XEX 619-1G & 1 PM mother stampers

·      Side 2: XEX 620-1G & 1 OD mother stampers

We can understand the above as follows. Songs were recorded using 4, 8, or 16 track tape. The sound is transferred from a tape by a lacquer engineer to a 'lacquer', sometimes referred to as a 'master plate'. Master plates are used to create 'mother plates' and mother plates are used to create 'stampers'. Stampers are then used to press grooves into vinyl. EMI used the code: GRAMOPHLTD to denote the stamper plate used, where G=1, R=2 ... D=0.Using this, we can say that:

• XEX 619 & XEX 620 is the recording tape reference number. 
• The mother plates were created from the first (1G/1G) master plate.
• The stampers were created from the first (1/1) mother plates.
• The record were pressed using the PM = 64th & OD = 50th stampers.

There are several details which identify this copy as having 1st edition labels and the corresponding, original sleeve. They are:

·      Front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve. 

·      Small ‘MONO’ text printed in the top right corner.

·      Front, bottom and side flip-backs on the rear of the sleeve.

·      Black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text.

·      “Sold in U.K. …” text equidistant between the Parlophone logo and the catalogue number, PMC 7016.

·      Perimeter text that begins: “THE GRAMOPHONE CO …”.

I try to take pictures which provide a fair representation of the condition of a record and the sleeve. If interested, please read below for a detailed discussion including an audio description. 

I use the Goldmine standard as a reference for grading. 

Vinyl: VERY GOOD +

The record is in great visual condition with superb playback.

The vinyl surface retains the original gloss sheen.

The labels are bright and have minimal spindle wear. 

There are one or two subtle hairline marks which can be picked up in bright light.

There is a half a turn of groove wear at the end of ‘Ticket to Ride’ on side 2 that plays Very Good.

Otherwise, the audio on both sides is a strong VG+; crisp and clear with very little dust crackle.

Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The sleeve is in great condition.

The front is bright and clean without any laminate ripples.

As the rear is not laminated it is prone to becoming dirty.

This copy is still nice and clean, and the flip-backs are well attached and without damage.

The corners are strong, and the spine and edges are sharp. 

There are no rips, tears or writing present anywhere on the sleeve. 

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The original polythene lined die-cut ‘Protect Your Records’ EMITEX inner sleeve is included. 

It is very clean and has just a couple of creases around the corners. 

Also included in the sale is an audiophile quality inner sleeve which provides the best possible protection for the record. 

This is a great opportunity to buy one of the most underrated Beatles albums. If you are a fan of their early work this is a must-have in your collection. This is a great copy of it to own! 

The album is housed within a premium quality polythene outer sleeve. The vinyl will be packaged separate to the sleeve.

The album will be sent within a padded vinyl record mailer.

For UK shipments I use a Royal Mail insured service. 

Similar insured postage will be utilised for international shipments. Please wait for an invoice if successful to ensure accurate postage costs. 

If you have any questions, please ask! 

Check out my other items. I’m selling some rarities from my collection!