Beatles LP - Revolver - Original 1966 Earliest UK 1st Press in STEREO

	£		281
	$		372

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The Beatles – Revolver 1966 – UK 1st STEREO pressing on the yellow & black Parlophone label, PCS 7009 dating to August 5th 1966.

An early STEREO copy in stunning condition. 

20th century collectables is pleased to offer for sale this ultra rare STEREO copy of The Beatles masterpiece – Revolver with the rare and incorrectly abbreviated Dr. Robert label text. An advanced order production copy pressed ahead of the release date.

In 1966 EMI were still producing vast quantities of mono records. Stereo records were being pressed in comparatively tiny numbers and as such are far scarcer than their mono counterparts.

Whilst label copy is useful to the consumer to establish which songs appear in which order (and who wrote them) it is not there for this purpose but as a legal requirement to protect copyright. John Lennon had wanted the ‘White Album’ to be released with blank white labels with no reference to any songs or music but on advice from the lawyers at EMI was persuaded otherwise. There are many examples; the publishing credit to ‘Money’ on ‘With the Beatles’ and the inclusion of the song ’Her Majesty’ on later copies of Abbey Road were all changed for legal reasons; and so it was with Revolver; no publishing agreement existed for a song spelled ‘Dr. Robert’ only an agreement for the song ‘Doctor Robert’ and so the label copy had to be changed quickly to protect copyright in the song.

This may all seem rather insignificant but between 1965 and late 1969 the Yellow & Black Parlophone labels underwent no changes. It is therefore sometimes difficult to determine whether a pressing dates to its initial release date or is a later pressing from say 1968 or ‘69.

This can be especially difficult when assessing stereo records from this period. Production of stereo records in ’68 and ’69 was stepped up as fans replaced their worn out mono copies with stereo ones, consequently many ’68 and ’69 stereos are often passed off as 1966 originals. All this makes the abbreviated Dr. Robert label text highly significant (not the text that appears on the sleeve as this was changed much later) as it positively dates the record to its original release date and confirms that it is a genuine 1966 UK 1ststereo pressing.

Whilst the Beatles were still living up to their ‘mop top’ image on tour a completely different side was emerging in the studio. Revolver is both melodic and experimental, it pushed the boundaries of music to a new place and is considered to be a masterpiece. This stereo version differs from the mono version in various aspects and sounds as fresh today as it did when it was originally released.

Happy Bidding and good luck!

Matrix numbers: YEX 605-1 & YEX 606-1

Stamper codes: 2/G0 & 2/GR (early two digit stampers)

Please check out the pictures and read on for further details:-

Cover

MINT-

A stunning 1966 1st issue STEREO Garrod & Lofthouse patents pending cover. This is by far the best example I have ever come across. The front panel is in pristine condition, has no thumbnail creasing and retains its original high gloss laminate sheen. The back panel which is so easily marked on these Revolver covers  is in equally stunning condition making this a true rarity. All flipbacks are strong and intact. The spine is uncrushed. There is some light discolourartion on the spine caused through natural ageing, but other than this the sleeve is very difficult to fault. A true and desirable rarity in investment grade condition. Grades at near MINT.

Inner-sleeve EXC+ to MINT-

Original 1966 ‘PATENT APPLIED FOR’ inner sleeve. Clean and fresh with no seam splits.

Disc

Visual: EXCELLENT

Well preserved vinyl of this ultra rare and very early stereo pressing. There are some faint marks visible on the vinyl in daylight caused by general handling and sleeve removal but nothing feelable or anything that could be described as a scratch. The heavy duty vinyl lies 100% flat on the turntable. Grades at excellent possibly excellent+.

Labels:  Side one EXC+to MINT- Side two EXCELLENT

A superb set of fresh and unworn labels. Side one has two faint spindle trails. Side two has some spindle marks visible across the label becoming apparent when angled towards the light. The KT tax code is visible on side two. There is no writing or personalization to any of the labels. Side 2 carries the early abbreviated ‘Dr. Robert’ label text positively identifying this as an early 1966 pressing.

Audio:  EXC+ to MINT-

Superb analogue sound throughout. There is some occasional light surface noise audible at high volume, mainly on side one, but overall very little to fault with no groovewear or deterioration to the music signals. The easily damaged track For No One plays superbly, the brass section on Got to Get you into My Life comes alive on this early 1966 stereo pressing as do the ‘seagull’ sounds on Tomorrow Never Knows. There are no loud pops or ticks and the record does not jump or stick.

Any questions please ask

PLEASE NOTE: 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 8.50 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price.

This record has been strictly and conservatively graded to ‘UK RECORD COLLECTOR' standards.

 All text & images © 20th Century Collectables 2016