The Beatles, Help : RARE UK Original MONO 1st Press * COMPLETE *

	£		27
	$		35

For sale is a copy of The Beatles fifth studio album, Help!.

This is an original MONO UK 1st Pressing produced in 1965 which features the sought-after yellow and black Parlophone labels.

Help! Is regarded as a transitional album between the Beatles early British invasion, pop sound to the more experimental work that came after. 

This is a great, original copy of this superb record that would make a great addition to any collection. 

Please see below for further details.

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

·      Side 1: XEX 549-2 & 4 ROL mother stampers

·      Side 2: XEX 550-2 & 4 RLD 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 549 & XEX 550 are the lacquer reference numbers. 
• The mother plates were created from the second (-2/-2) master plate. No records produced by the first master plates were ever sold for Help!.
• Both of the stampers were created from the fourth (4/4) mother plates.
• Side 1 and 2 were pressed using the ROL = 258th &  RLD = 280th stampers, respectively.

This copy comes with the original sleeve and the fourth variation of the labels for Help!. There are several features that can be used to identify this:

·      Front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse flipback sleeve. 

·      Medium sized ‘outline’ MONO on the top right corner of the sleeve.

·      Black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text in the Sans Serif font.

·      ‘Northern Songs. NCB’ is printed above the band name.

·      The lacquer reference numbers are very close to the publishers’ year.

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 vinyl surface retains the original gloss sheen.

The labels are bright and clean without rubbing to the spindle hole and with minimal spindle wear. 

Both sides have plenty of surface marks that keep the grading to VG only.

Despite the surface marks, playback is VG+ for the most part with crisp vocals and punchy instrumentation.

There is the odd pop here and there but nothing that overtly distracts the ear from the music.

Overall, it is a pleasurable listening experience.

Sleeve: Very Good

The sleeve is in great condition.

The front and rear have subtle signs of discolouration but are both very clean overall.

The flip-backs are well attached and without damage.

The corners are strong and the spine and edges are distinct.

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 features similar subtle staining as the exterior sleeve. 

Although there is a split to the seam on one side it still supports the record.

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

This is a great copy of a great album that can still be played and enjoyed 56 years after it was first made. 

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!