YES, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, SUPERB HARD TO FIND 1972 UK ATLANTIC A1/B1 1st PRESS

YES, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, SUPERB HARD TO FIND 1972 UK ATLANTIC A1/B1 1st PRESS

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During that time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet. 

On offer here is a superb copy of the iconic studio album by Yes titled Close To The Edge, Catalogue Number K50012. It's a 1972 stereo 1st pressing on the Atlantic record label, with a 1st issue Roger Dean designed leather effect textured gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct green lyric/credits inner sleeve. [The lower halves of the record labels are a deep brick red colour rather than orange. The stamped record matrix numbers are K50012 A1 and K50012 B1. The lyric/credits inner sleeve has flipback edges along the top and bottom ].

The sleeve is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only light wear and no creases of any significance. The front and back covers are unmarked apart from some light ringwear. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is square and solid with perfect text. It's a very presentable example of this iconic sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record is in EX condition. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks evident under bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The green and orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. It is clear that the record has only received a modest number of careful plays. Both sides play excellently throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops, repeat clicks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is exceptional - very dynamic and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to a first pressing of Close To The Edge and I had forgotten how incredible they can sound. Audiowise it really is an exceptional copy.

The lyric/credits inner sleeve has a short split to one side edge. It is otherwise in very nice condition.  
 

Overall this is a superb 1st pressing of arguably Yes' most accomplished album which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £8.50

Worldwide - £12.50