The Beatles, With The Beatles: VERY RARE UK 1st Press STEREO * EX AUDIO *

	£		35
	$		46

For sale is a copy of The Beatles second album, With the Beatles.

This is an original UK 1st Press Stereo album produced in 1963 which features the sought-after yellow and black Parlophone labels.

This example features the so called ‘version 3’ labels which are the first to be produced without error.

Additionally, the sleeve is an early example in which the song title for track 3 side 2 is incorrectly printed as ‘You Really Gotta Hold On Me”. This error was rectified on later editions.

In 1963 most records sold were MONO and therefore STEREO copies are much, much rarer.

In short, this is an extremely rare record that is in fantastic condition.

Many vinyl records are mis-sold on eBay. There are several details which identify this copy as a true 1st pressing. They are:

·      Front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse flip back sleeve. 

·      Large STEREO on the front of the sleeve.

·      Black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver writing.

·      STEREO printed in silver above Parlophone on the labels.

·      ‘Recording first published 1963’ printed over two lines on the label.

·      ‘PCS 3045’ catalogue number.

·      Matrix numbers YEX 110-2 (side 1) & YEX 111-2 (side 2)

Version 3 labels can be distinguished by two features on the label of side 2:

1.    The publisher’s credit for track 3 is correctly spelt as ‘Dominion’. This was misspelt as Domion in alternative versions. 

2.    The publisher’s credit for track 7 is correctly listed as ‘Dominion. Belinda’. This was incorrectly listed as ‘Jobete’ in alternative versions.

Whilst many would label this as a later pressing – I have owned 5 different copies of this record which feature a variety of different labels and can confirm that the Mother Stampers do not correlate with the different label versions. 

The Mother Stampers for this record are: 3 GO (side 1) and 3 GO (side 2) indicating that this record was produced early in the production run.

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 is in superb condition.

Both sides of the vinyl surface retain the original gloss sheen.

The residue from the application of a cleaning agent can be picked up in bright light. I have cleaned the record thoroughly several times but cannot remove this. It does not effect playback.

The labels are bright and clean but do show rubbing around the spindle hole.

The audio on both sides is superb; accurately graded as Excellent.

There is great channel separation, clear vocals and punchy basslines.

Sleeve: Very Good +

The sleeve is in great condition.

The front is very clean without any signs of discolouration.

There is a sympathetically repaired tear to the front sleeve at the opening edge. A small piece of the sleeve has been lost. Someone was obviously too eager to listen to the record at some point!

This rear is remarkably clean and without any damage to the fragile flip backs.

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

Inner Sleeve: Very Good +

The original Emitex die cut inner sleeve is in great condition.

It is very clean but does show some subtle signs of discolouration. 

Otherwise, it shows minimal creasing and no seam splits or tears.

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

This is a fantastic example of an increasingly rare and extremely sought after record that would be a fantastic addition to any record collection.

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

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

For UK shipments I use Royal Mail guaranteed next day delivery. 

Similar options are available for international bidders.  Please enquire for more details and an accurate estimate of the postage cost. 

If you have any questions, please ask! 

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