Beatles LP 1965 Help First Pressing LA Error 1st Catalog Number Correction, EX

$

31

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READ THIS! These records are NOT sold for perfect sound quality. They’re sold for their scarcity and VISUAL grading. They’ve been in storage for a decade, and they WILL play with surface noise that can be addressed with D4 or a VPI cleaning.  I can’t test-play at the minute. Please don’t bid if this is a problem for you.

Beatles LP 1965 Help! First Pressing Los Angeles First Catalog Number Correction, EX!

Some collectors are aware that the very first Los Angeles plates prepared had used the wrong prefix for the catalogue numbers on both sides in the dead waxes.  These are incredibly hard to find.  I’ve only seen one in my entire life of collecting, and it’s in poor condition.  This copy has that number from the first plates, but it has been hand-etch corrected.

The preparer of these plates had inadvertently used the “ST” prefix, indicating “STEREO” grooves.  So the catalogue number read, “ST-2386” in the dead waxes.  This copy has that original error, but the catalogue number has been scratched over to read, “SMAS-2386,” which is the correct catalogue number.  “S” standing for “STEREO,” “M” was the universal price code for U.S. record stores, “A,” the first letter of the alphabet, meaning that this was a single album as opposed to a double album (which would have had a “B”), and the last “S” indicating that the cover has a gatefold.

Vinyl--- EX/EX.  Both sides are nearly free of any scratches at all.  But both sides also have manufacturer’s cloudiness, which might affect play.  I don't remember, and I didn't note it one way or the other.  Lots of good shine, both sides.  My notes mention a very slight warp that doesn’t affect play from Side 1.  Not noticeable at all from Side 2.

Plates--- A11/A11.  Definitely among the earliest plates prepared for this LP.  Machine-stamped asterisk in the dead wax makes this copy pressed in Los Angeles.

Cover--- VG++.  Just shy of EX.  The only issues are that the front cover has a small air pocket, and the bottom has some light water damage.  Damage carries through the gatefold and back cover, but fortunately, it’s moderate on the front and light after that.  No deforming of the cover at all.  NO SPLIT SEAMS.

Labels--- NM/NM.  Labels look as brand new now as they did when they were first printed in 1965.  No credits on the Side 2 label after “The Bitter End” makes this a first pressing.

Inner Sleeve--- NM.  Original Olive Green Capitol inner sleeve is present.  Full colors, lies flat.  NO SPLIT SEAMS.

A generic inner sleeve will be provided, so as not to damage your original inner sleeve en route.

RIAA: N/A

As these records have been in storage for many years, they will play back with crackling and tics, however; a good moisturizing and cleaning with either D4 Discwasher or a VPI machine always clears them up.  Thanks!)

Note:  All LP’s ship outside of their album covers in order not to damage the covers during shipment.

CAUTION!  There has been a startling increase in bidders canceling their bids.  A word to the wise, I have started blocking any and all bidders who retract their bids regardless of the reason.

Please don’t bid unless you’re willing to honor your amount, okay? Thanks!

(Please note:  Regarding play-testing, my Technics turntable has somehow seized.  The tone arm is stuck in the up position, and I can’t get it to fully return to its cradle.  Is there anyone out there, who can tell me if this is an easy fix?  Thanks!) 

**Check out my other auctions for more hard-to-find vinyl!

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