CREAM WHEELS OF FIRE ERIC CLAPTON FIRST RARE MONO VINYL

	£		126
	$		150

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular master disc; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first master ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered is one of the earliest produced in the country of origin from the first master or masters. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Album / Record Title: WHEELS OF FIRE

Rarity: This is EXCEPTIONAL and ULTRA RARE because it is one of the EARLIEST FIRST PRESS VARIANTS OF THIS GREAT ALBUM. This is evidenced by a number of key characteristics - the colour of the first labels were more orange than red - the earliest vinyl sets had textured labels on the ‘Studio’ record and smooth labels on the ‘Live’ record and both have a ridge at 15mm diameter from the centre - there was a noticeable mismatch in weight between the ‘Studio’ and ‘Live’ vinyl -  being super heavyweight and ample heavyweight - and they had low numbered stamper codes. All of this is in addition to the other first press features I mention below. There were several variants of this album released in different formats during 1968 as first issue / first pressings. The double albums were first in mono and stereo format, and thought to be issued in about equal quantities, although there’s little doubt that the MONO versions are much more difficult to find today - quite possibly because they are coveted more enthusiastically by their owners; the doubles were followed by two separate single albums again in mono and stereo - one was the Studio ‘half’ of the double and the other was the Live at the Fillmore ‘half’. Hugely popular and a best seller it was re-issued several times throughout the seventies and eighties on the Polydor & RSO labels in the UK. They are all great albums and can be seen going through the market from time to time - but this is a GENUINE VERY EARLY ORIGINAL DOUBLE VINYL MONO SET in BEAUTIFUL EXCELLENT condition with IMPRESSIVE FIRST PRESS CREDENTIALS on two SUPERB HEAVY VINYLS and is the RAREST & BEST variant. One of the features that places this particular album in an even RARER league of its own is the original Ernest J. Day gatefold cover. This design and construction of gatefold causes it to have one of the highest potential to wear factors of any cover from the era, nearly every one you see has considerable ring-wear, rub-wear, edge and corner wear and spine wear - but not this one. There is some wear but it is relatively minor - an OUTSTANDING gatefold; it is difficult to photograph due to reflection from the predominantly shiny surface but the super sized images give a reliable impression. The catalogue numbers are very important on this album and easy to mistake - the original rarer MONOs are 582031/2 whereas the less rare STEREO counterpart is 583031/2. Furthermore the early MONOs have an inverted triangle symbol separating the letters and numbers in the matrices, which I have indicated with a  ’v’  , the later ones and the stereo pressings are more commonly seen with a  ‘//’  separator. I think it would be extremely difficult to find another album to match the EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION AND RARITY of this one    

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />UK ALBUM & FIRST ISSUE

• A UK FIRST PRESS WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS

• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS EXCELLENT OR BETTER

• MONO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING POWERFUL AUDIO

• ORIGINAL POLYDOR ORANGE LABELS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

• ORIGINAL UK GATEFOLD BY E.J.DAY REMARKABLY EXCELLENT

• EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND ONE IN THIS OUTSTANDING CONDITION

Artiste(s): CREAM who were - Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker

Disc Format: 2 X 12” LP’s

Recording Format: MONO

Record label: ORIGINAL POLYDOR ORANGE with

Catalogue Number: 582031 & 582032 (earliest first pressings only displayed these two numbers - the set number was only printed on later issues)

Country of manufacture and first published date: ENGLAND 1968

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side A:     582031   Av1   420 (Record 1)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side B:     582031   Bv1   420 (Record 1)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side C:     582032   Av1   420 (Record 2)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side D:     582032   Bv1   420 (Record 2)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side A:    1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side B:    1   1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side C:    1   2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side D:    1   1   2

Track Listing as per cover: RECORD 1 - SIDE A: WHITE ROOM / SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD / PASSING THE TIME / AS YOU SAID / SIDE B: PRESSED RAT AND WARTHOG / POLITICIAN / THOSE WERE THE DAYS / BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN / DESERTED CITIES OF THE HEART / RECORD 2 - SIDE C: CROSSROADS / SPOONFUL / SIDE D: TRAINTIME. TOAD

Opinion: When this album was released it was a revelation and to this day it remains one of the best blues based progressive rock albums ever produced. An audacious and ground-breaking album which triggered a movement into free form instrumental improvisation and for me it is the best in its genre. There will be the detractor’s but it is hard to deny the monumental importance and influence of this work on the world of progressive rock  from three of the most talented rock musicians the world has ever seen. This is a musical ‘tour de force’ combining creative studio recording, such as on the superb version of POLITICIAN, and culminating with the incredible live version of SPOONFUL which really was at the pinnacle of progressive rock in this era. In this particular case the powerful MONO recording on these BEAUTIFUL FIRST PRESS VINYLS delivers the very best audio you are likely to hear from this album - unreservedly SENSATIONAL.  In my opinion double vinyl albums don’t come any better than this.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side A: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface movement lines, none of which have any tangible depth or significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side B: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface movement lines, none of which have any tangible depth or significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side C: EXCELLENT minus, some superficial surface movement lines, and three which are more noticeable but none of which have any tangible depth or significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side D: EXCELLENT minus, some superficial surface movement lines none of which have any tangible depth, and a small scuff at the start of Spoonful which can just be detected with light finger touch but  nothing that has significant audio consequence. The audio quality is absolutely superb throughout all four sides of these two magnificent vinyls

Label Visual Record 1 side A: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear. There’s also a small darker patch but I am not going to minus grade it as it’s most likely to have been there from new and not detrimental. Please note that due to the nature of the soft paper used for textured labels there is always a tendency for light fluffing or feathering around the spindle holes.

Label Visual Record 1 side B: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear.

Label Visual Record 2 side C: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear.

Label Visual Record 2 side D: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no apparent spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT MINUS, iconic classic gatefold of mid weight card construction Printed by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London W.11. which won Martin Sharp the artist a New York art award for best album cover. This is an almost full excellent example which displays very few of the characteristic weaknesses of the original ‘foil laminate’ (as opposed to ‘laminated’) cover. There is a little light surface rub wear, some corner and edge rub wear, with a few dinks and light bruises and light surface creases. The inside centre spread is NEAR MINT. This is far better than most you will see, and one of the best examples I have seen, with just a few genuine flaws caused by wear with careful handling over time. Please take a look at the super sized photographs and make your own assessment.

Spine: EXCELLENT and it would grade + without the light corner and slight edge rub wear and the line down the centre caused by careful opening and closing over time. I have included ‘close up’ sectional photographs in the listing so please take a look and make your own assessment. As with the cover this is one of the best examples I have seen for a long time.

Inner Sleeves: VERY GOOD, and here’s another feature which points to early issue. These are original white paper without the standard issue blue printed cautionary notes - they just have the Made in England and Patents Application number in the bottom corners and antistatic poly-liners; some browning and creasing with age.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 165 & 145 grammes (two powerful POLYDOR heavyweights)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT+

Audio Performance: THESE ARE POWERFUL AND IMPRESSIVE POLYDOR MONO VINYLS DELIVERING SENSATIONAL SOUND. THE DEEP MONO GROOVES IGNORE THE LIGHT SURFACE LINES AND MARK DRIVING OUT THE SOUND AT MASSIVE VOLUME - I COULD DETECT NO SIGNIFICANT INTERFERENCE ACROSS ALL FOUR PLAYING SURFACES AND WAS UNRESERVEDLY DELIGHTED WITH THE OUTPUT. THESE VINYLS HAVE BEEN PLAYED CAREFULLY IN THE PAST AND THAT IS REFLECTED IN THE CLEAN AND CLEAR AUDIO PERFORMANCE. THERE IS SOME OCCASIONAL LIGHT SURFACE SOUND WHICH DID NOT CONCERN ME AT ALL. I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC, OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS WAS COMPLETELY ENJOYABLE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - ABSOLUTELY REAL, FULL BODIED AND BRIGHT SOUND - IN PURE AUDIO REPRODUCTION TERMS THIS MAY BE THE BEST YOU WILL EVER HEAR THIS ALBUM.

Other: A great and important album which is becoming extremely hard to find with these credentials, and a really rare ‘must have’ collector’s and player’s piece which is in every way this is right up there with the best examples of this album I have ever seen or heard.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use ‘Premium Quality 600 Micron Card Mailers’ with ‘Ultra Safe’ double 3.5 cm. wide latex strips across the whole of the mailer which provides excellent adhesion and protection. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.