Beatles Let it Be Box Set * FACTORY SAMPLE * NEAR MINT * POSTER * UK 1st Press

	£		2,050
	$		2,447

The Beatles - Let it Be

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK 1st pressing of The Beatles final studio album, Let it Be.

** RELISTED due to none payment by eBay member "POWERFUL14". This is the second time this particular eBayer has not paid for an item that they have purchased. Incredibly, they also sell vinyl! Hopefully their customers pay better than they do. **

To commemorate the end of the Beatles, Let it Be, their final studio album, was issued along with a 164 page 'studio diary' book and packaged within a cardboard box. The offering was only available between May and December of 1970 and, as it was significantly more expensive than the stand alone LP, it was not a massive commercial success. 

Due to the somewhat cumbersome design of the box the majority of copies still in existence today have either lost their box altogether, have missing parts or have significant damage. Frustratingly, many of the copies that appear to be in fantastic condition contain replacement parts that are easily available on eBay (disernable by a dull colour to the inner trays). Finding a complete and original box set in near mint condition, such as that which is advertised in this listing, is therefore an extremely rare occurrence. 

In addition to the box set being in fantastic original condition, this particular copy is an extremely rare 'Factory Sample'. EMI produced 'Factory Sample' records for promotional purposes; they were generally sent to a music journalist for review and critic. Genuine factory samples can be discerned due to the presence of a sticker on one of the labels which reads: "FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR RESALE". Early stickers, such as that seen on this record, are rectangular with triangular ends.
Along with all the other albums listed for sale in this set of listings, this record was a part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper and was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon. 

Album Details:

Serial number: PXS.1 / PCS 7096

Matrix number: YEX 773 - 2U / YEX 774 - 2U

Stamper codes: 6 AL / 5 RT

Tax Codes: N/A

Vinyl Weight: 140g

The -2U / -2U matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing - there was no -1U / -1U Let it Be pressing. 

The dark green apple labels are the first variant as is evident from the 'narrow margins' on label 1. The margin was increased for later variants.

The fully laminated vinyl sleeve is the first variant as is evident from the red apple logo to the reverse.

The original 'patents pending' white inner sleeve is included.

The box is complete with all original parts: fully laminated outer slip cover, inner tray and book support. Also included is the original 'Get Back' book and the extremely rare Apple publishing advertising poster.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: MINT -

Labels: MINT -

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The Factory Sample sticker shows no damage. No spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT +

The vinyl retains superb deep gloss playing surfaces to both sides. In bright daylight several light surface marks are visible. None can be felt and I would not describe any as being a scratch. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp barely visible wispy paper hairlines can be seen (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

 

Side 2:

 

As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been seldom played on good quality equipment. The lead ins are quiet. During the dead-wax between tracks only the sound of a rotating stylus can be heard - no pops or clicks. There is great channel separation, the bass is punchy, the vocals are clear. This is about as good as it gets.

Sleeve: MINT - 

The sleeve is in fantastic, as-new condition. Both sides are bright and clean. The laminate to the front side retains the original lustre. The cover art is vibrant. The rear is a brilliant white. The spine is still square with a beautiful crisp edge and the pinched ends are well defined. The top, bottom and opening edges are all without wear. The bottom right hand corner is slightly softened. The other three corners are strong.

BOX, BOOK & POSTER: EXCELLENT +

The outer box is very clean and retains the original gloss finish. The cover art shows a deep full colour. The inner tray is in great condition. The book support has a small tear to one corner. The book looks great. All pages are present and attached to the spine. It is extremely difficult to find the original box with all components in better condition than this.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT +

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

 

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

 

Please see my other listings for more Beatles vinyl rarities.

Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.