VAN HALEN "Van Halen" Debut Vinyl LP Original 1978 WB BSK3075 First Pressing VG+

$

85

This is the 1978 first pressing of Van Halen on Warner Brothers with Palm Tree labels.
I play tested this for grading purposes, it has been in my collection for years and not played too often as I recorded to cassette when I originally bought it back then.
Side 1 - has some light surface noise at lead-in wax and between songs, but songs are clear and sound amazing. Grade: strong VG+
Side 2 - light surface noise at lead-in wax, Jamie's Crying has about 8 light to medium pops as the song fades out and continues into the track transition, but once Atomic Punk starts no surface noise or pops. Again, light surface noise between songs, a hint of surface noise at start of Ice Cream man but not distracting and quickly goes away. Grade VG+
Overall I am amazed at how bright, clear and deep the sound is on this pressing. I get great soundstage; cranked up Eruption and Little Dreamer and the sound is rich and dynamic.
Cover is still in original shrink wrap, on back shrink has been torn away a bit and has price sticker on shrink. Overall I don't see any real wear on the cover, maybe a hint along the sleeve opening. Comes with original printed inner sleeve which looks great with only a couple minor creases. Grade strong VG+ if not NM.

General Notes:

Vinyl has been cleaned unless NEW/MINT. It is stored in archival inner sleeve and cover in plastic outer sleeve, ready to go!

All records come from my personal collection that have been carefully handled and stored since the 1980's.

LPs Shipped with USPS Media Mail in secure professional packaging with records removed from sleeve to avoid seam splits during shipping. If priced over $19, insurance included.

Check out my other Vinyl LP auctions, I am selling a lot from my collection of 1000+ as I can list them.

I try to be meticulous and grade all my records based on Goldmine standards as noted below:

Mint (M) Vinyl

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.  

Near Mint (NM or M-) Vinyl

A nearly perfect record. A NM or M- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.  

Very Good Plus(VG+) Vinyl

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.  

Very Good (VG) Vinyl

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time. Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price. 

Good (G), Good Plus (G+) Vinyl 

A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.