The Beatles A HARD DAYS NIGHT * FACTORY SAMPLE * MINT- * STEREO * UK 1st Press
  £   400
  $   530

 


£ 400 Sold For
Oct 15, 2023 Sold Date
Oct 5, 2023 Start Date
22   Number Of Bids
  Great Britain Country Of Seller
eBay Auctioned at
 
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Description

The Beatles - A Hard Days Night



I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, Factory Sample copy of The Beatles 1st film soundtrack, Songs From the Film: A Hard Days Night.


As well as being extremely rare, the LP is in fantastic condition. The audio sounds as crisp as it did the first time it was played. Here is a fantastic opportunity to add this museum piece to your own personal collection.


The second half of the 'Mann' collection, which contains the remaining Beatles titles, shall be sold in the coming weeks.


General Information:


EMI produced 'Factory Sample' records for promotional purposes and were generally sent to journalists for review. Genuine factory samples can be discerned due to the presence of a sticker on one of the labels which reads: "FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR RESALE". Early stickers, such as that seen on this record, are rectangular with triangular ends.

This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper. His article "What Songs the Beatles Sang" was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon.  



Album Details:


Serial number: PCS 3058


Matrix number: YEX 126 - 1 / YEX 127 - 1


Stamper codes: 3 RM / 2 GP


Tax Codes: KT


Vinyl Weight: 165g


The -1/-1 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!


The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text are the first variant as is evident from the 'chubby text' and the position of the side indicator underneath the zero of the PCS 3058 catalogue number. 


This copy comes with the first variant front laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve with solid 'STEREO' aural indicator text printed to the front side and a square spine with pinched ends.


The album is complete with the original polythene lined die-cut Emitex 'protect your records' inner sleeve.



Condition Report:


The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.



Disc: MINT -


Labels: MINT -


The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The Factory Sample sticker shows no damage. A single dull spindle trail can be seen around each unworn centre hole.


Visual: EXCELLENT +


The vinyl retains superb deep gloss playing surfaces to both sides which are blemish free in bright daylight. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairlines (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. Splendid!


Sound Quality: MINT -


Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.


Side 1:



Side 2:



As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been played seldom on good quality equipment. The lead ins are quiet. There are no aural interruptions whatsoever. If I was brazen I would grade the audio as Mint. I cannot believe there is a better sounding copy left 'in the wild' - certainly not a Factory Sample. 



Sleeve: EXCELLENT +


The sleeve is in fantastic, nearly-new condition. Both sides are bright and clean. The laminate to the front side retains the original lustre. The cover art is vibrant. The spine is square with a beautiful crisp edge and the pinched ends are well defined. The top and bottom edges are without wear. The opening edge shows only extremely minor storage wear. 



Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT 


The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

 


Additional Details:


Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.


After cleaning, the vinyl is placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.


The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.


The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

 

Please see my other listings for more Beatles Factory Samply rarities.

Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.


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