YES - Fragile - SCARCE Genuine 1st Press UK 1971 N/M LP

	£		93
	$		123

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Artist or Band: YES

Album Title: Fragile.

Producer(s): Yes and Eddy Offord.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Roundabout; Cans and Brahms (Extracts from Brahms’ 4th Symphony in E Minor, Third Movement); We Have Heaven; South Side of the Sky.

Side 2: Five Per Cent for Nothing; Long Distance Runaround; The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus); Mood for a Day; Heart of the Sunrise.

Label/Format: Atlantic – original red and maroon (‘Plum’) format (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both immaculate: very clean, fresh and highly attractive with only a mere couple of ultra light and faint spindle traces and no wear around the hole area. This is the way the discerning collector wants their classic albums, barely played with supreme sound. The labels and playing surfaces will remind of an almost new record.

Cat Number: 2401019.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 118 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 135 to 145 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, many records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 50 records from these eras.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Scarce as a genuine original. One of the last albums made on the Plum format before being repressed on Kinney on the more familiar orange and green labels. The inside booklet also then becoming a detached insert rather than attached to the centrefold as per this. The catalogue number also changed. The earliest pressings are also very difficult to find with a decent cover which is massively wear-prone and seldom seen devoid of major rubbing, ringwear and price sticker issues. Indeed this record is so late on the Plum label it’s often seen with ‘transition’ stickers on the back, this one has not got one meaning it’s one of first ever printed and sold. Confirming this still further, this copy includes its original polylined inner which includes the original month-of-issue date code of 1171 (seen in close-up). Yes this album was issued in late November 1971. A Plum copy of this that also plays to perfection is a rare and wonderful experience, a fragile album in more than just name, this often crackles and if played on unworthy old equipment from the distant past, the damage caused to the very challenging short track ‘Cans and Brahms’ is irrepairable. This song is incredibly hard to find that will play devoid of surface noise and distortion, many are rife with it. Only the most lightly played copies on worthy systems have any chance to track and reproduce the complex sounds on this Wakeman instrumental to the standard of a new copy. This track should have NO inherent crackle or noise when suffering no abuse or wear – or indeed any inground debris in the grooves – this album plays this challenging track beautifully with practically nothing unwanted and there lies the difference. Discerning, audiophile sound purists, please apply.

Original Year of Release: November, 1971 (as reitterated by this original inner sleeve, again see my close-up of the date codes).

Matrix Nos: 2401019 A // 1 1 1 1 8 and 2401019 B // 1 1 1 1 3

Musicians: Jon Anderson - vocals; Steve Howe - electric guitar, steel-string acoustic guitar, backing vocals; Chris Squire - bass, backing vocals; Rick Wakeman - Hammond organ, piano, RMI 368 Electric-Piano and Harpsichord, Mellotron, Moog synthesiser; Bill Bruford - drums, percussion.

Brief Info: One of the band’s most cherished albums, their fourth, and first to include the incredible talents of new keyboard player Rick Wakeman who replaced Tony Kaye. Noteworthy also, it was their first album to employ the skills of graphic artist Roger Dean. This was a highly popular album within the progressive rock genre and sold well. Hence finding Plum copies is far from impossible even though it was a very late one prior to the Kinney change. What is harder, as mentioned above, is conditions. Highly gifted musicians and complex music does not tolerate old worn stylus abuse and this includes some very quiet passages and the difficult-to-track ‘Cans and Brahms’, a short instrumental that in most cases crackles and distorts. But it shouldn’t of course. Only user abuse and inground dust and debris is to blame. The cover is equally hard to find attractive and original inners are often lost, torn or replaced. This copy is one hundred per cent original and one of the earliest pressed in superb conditions. The record and audio quality especially so. For those wanting this progressive masterwork, look no further.

Cover Grade and Format: EX+ and in terms of this highly intolerant cover, better still. Most are worn and tired looking, often badly rubbed and ringworn. A heavyweight unlaminated gatefold format with matt finish and original 2401019 number. The booklet is glue-fastened to the inside centrefold, later ones were a lose insert. Printed and made in England by MacNeill Press and marketed by Polydor. Includes original inner.

Cover Front: A really superb looking front and few will even get close to it. Massively prone to rubbing and sticker damage, this has avoided any of that with any friction rubs tiny and ultra faint. With normal viewing, this is nearly as good as these get, it has few marks or creases and practically all ink intact with no erosion or fading or tear marks. One to hold and admire, not hide away awaiting a better one.

Cover Back: The faintest of faint ring traces near the bottom edge and how many will show less? The odd tiny mark or two and ultra faint edge hairline crease when viewed critically, but this unforgiving back again will seldom be found much better and this looks lovely.

Cover Inner Gatefold & Booklet: Firstly, the booklet is still attached and as solid as when first applied, it is pristine Mint and totally unworn, damaged or creased. The two staples untarnished and rock solid with no stressing or loosening at all. Both the inside faces are also practically as made and this inside more than complements the lovely outsides.

Top Edges: Any rub traces are light, small and faint, both thick and straight.

Bottom Edges: Light rub and friction traces, being the resting edges, this is hardly a surprise, few will show less. Odd tiny chip possibily tipped-in, if so, very neatly indeed and not obvious, I am just honest and very critical.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with minimal traces of wear with no feathering, burring or trimming. Record enters on the back edge.

Spine and Text: The vulnerable spine is exceptional: solid, thick, straight, uncompressed and square, both right edges meet up perfectly together and parallel. All text is perfect and unworn and any wear confined to just the end tip areas. Few of these will appear much better.

Corners: The corner tips have rubbed but in terms of a dark unlaminated gatefold, this is pretty light and overall, fine shape is retained.

Cover Summary: A very strong all round example of this very fragile 70’s cover, one that will prove immensely difficult to find much better. This beautiful item should please most collectors, simply compare to others.

The Inner: EX++ and only marked down a little because of mild, natural ageing with some light gum browning on the seams and slightly darkened overall. In terms of real ‘wear’, this has little at all the what is highly important for the serious collector is the fact it’s original and includes the date code of 1171 (seen in close-up). This album was issued right near the end of the Plum run before everything changed, in late November 1971. Many still are unaware of the date codes some inners included and swap them around for similar ones with dates codes pre-dating the album’s issue. Only to be caught-out by the more discerning collector.. This inner has fully intact seams and an immaculate clear window, the lining in place but a loosened near the top opening edge, so care needed. But with a brand new inner included with this (and ALL records I sell), this inner need not be used for storage of the immaculate record.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Mint(-), but where is minus?, I simply will not grade full Mint on any record that has been played, but if any merit it, this surely does. A supreme visual copy that is super clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed. A copy played two or three times most and with practically pristine playing surfaces that will remind of new. This on a popular progressive giant of an album fast approaching forty. Visually a wonderful record that will please all collectors, yes, even the most fanantical sound purists who cherish all the brilliance of quality pure sound. Please also see my ‘Yes Album’ from the same collection also in this type of condition.

Album Played For Grading: Yes – and what a pleasure it was to do so. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This outstanding piece, in evey way, plays up to its high visual grading with nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is of audiophile standard with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. A high fidelity masterwork with complex music from virtuoso musicians. The incredible detail and clarity has to be heard. So cleanly pressed and devoid of surface sounds, pops or clicks, this can be enjoyed on the mega systems I know some of my regulars own. Few copies will even match let alone outperform this early pressing I feel sure. All the intricate sounds, vocals and instruments fully focused and sharp, this is a dream-piece of a copy that will never need upgrading. Truly a journey into the recording studio with mastertape audio quality. The tiny details stand out, can your system detect that small high-pitched cymbal from the left channel near the beginning of ‘The Fish’? That ultra difficult Wakeman solo ‘Cans and Brahms’ is a sheer delight to NO distortion or reverb, clipping or loss of focus and certainly NO crackle – few will even get close to this. Those stunning rich bass-lines from Squire’s guitar twang from the speakers and are beautifully prevalent in the mix. Also the gorgeous acoustic ‘Mood For a Day’, the guitar was simply in the room with me and plays blemish-free. The final test: that door reopening with preceeding silence – no crackle or clicks – so often seen marked by premature lifting of the arm when owner’s thought the album had ended. A pure reference standard original record, no-one could ask for more, so good, I had to stop typing my next piece until it had finished playing. All evidence points to a barely played record that has been clearly well stored and carefully handled, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment. Nothing whatsoever spoilt my immense pleasure when play-grading this wonderful piece. The rare tingle factor was achieved several times on this one, only the cleanest, best recordings ever achieve this. This record will prove as close to impossible to find better as any I have ever heard and merits my highest possible recommendation – like WOW – this is very special indeed.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon 2M moving magnet cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - PLEASE SEE MY TYPICAL PACKING BOX PICTURE.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional thick boxes (NOT Mailers or Cruciforms, these do not offer maximum protection). The record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with THREE or EVEN FOUR ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. The thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. Please see my picture of a typical finished box packet that will now be used on ALL transactions as from now. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. These boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 6,000+ items sold in over 8 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.