FAMILY DOLLS HOUSE REPRISE UK FIRST WITH ELUSIVE INSERT

	£		63
	$		84

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.

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 ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. 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.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: MUSIC IN A DOLL’S HOUSE

Rarity: REMARKABLY RARE AS A COMPLETE UK ORIGINAL – an album which approaches MAXIMUM RARITY in this variant when complete with the ORIGINAL GREEN REPRISE ‘HOLLYWOOD’ COMPANY INNER & THE ELUSIVE PHOTO INSERT which is EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND, even within the earliest first issue examples.  A truly excellent album it had some commercial success peaking at #35 in the UK album charts but there were relatively few FIRST UK PRESSINGS sold, even fewer contained the photo insert and, of those that did, hardly any of them have survived the passage of time - SO this one is UNDOUBTEDLY RARE. A fine UK ORIGINAL FIRST PRESS with the REPRISE TRI-COLOUR RIVERBOAT LABEL (later copies were pressed with the tan label) on a lovely SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL with FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS which delivers EXCELLENT AUDIO all housed in the EARLIEST ORIGINAL UK Garrod & Lofthouse ‘Patents Pending’ FLIP BACK ‘STEREO STICKERED’ COVER***.

***PLEASE NOTE: THERE WERE NO DEDICATED ‘RSLP’ PREFIXED COVERS PRODUCED IN THE UK FOR THIS ALBUM – THEY WERE ALL MONO ‘RLP’ COVERS EITHER USED WITHOUT AMENDMENT OR STEREO OVER-STICKERED IN THE BACK TOP RIGHT CORNER AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS ONE. THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTIC IT WAS COMMON PRACTISE BY THE RECORD COMPANIES FOR A NUMBER OF ALBUMS PRODUCED IN THE LATE 60’S AND IS AN INDICATION OF AUTHENTICITY AND VERY EARLY ISSUE.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST MATRICES, FIRST MOTHERS, EARLY STAMPER & KT CODE
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN NEAR EXCELLENT CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL FIRST UK REPRISE TRI-COLOUR RIVERBOAT LABELS
• FIRST G&L FLIP-BACK STEREO STICKER Patents Pending COVER
• RARE BLACK & WHITE (slight sepia tone) FAMILY PHOTO INSERT
• ORIGINAL REPRISE CO. GREEN ‘HOLLYWOOD’ INNER SLEEVE
• INCREDIBLY HARD TO FIND SUCH A FINE & COMPLETE EXAMPLE

Artiste(s): FAMILY - John ‘Charlie’ Whitney, Jim King, Rob Townsend, Ric Grech, Roger Chapman - Produced mainly by Dave Mason (Traffic) who also wrote ‘Never Like This’ and plays keyboards, bass and guitar on some tracks - Jimmy Miller co-produced ‘The Breeze’ & ‘Peace of Mind’

Produced By: David (Dave) Mason (Traffic)

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL REPRISE TRI-COLOUR (cream, green, gold) LABEL WITH RIVERBOAT LOGO & BLACK PRINT

Catalogue Number: RSLP 6312

Country of origin and first published date: ENGLAND 1968

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:  RSLP 6312 A-3G

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:  RSLP 6312 B-3G

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:  2    P

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:  2    Y

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side A:  KT (era specific purchase tax code)

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side B:  KT (era specific purchase tax code)

N.B. Please note that the matrices and run off data of all first UK press and first issue for this album were hand etched, there are no known commercially released matrix numbers lower than ‘3’ in this first variant and label and all of the above information is correct for the earliest first pressings.

Track listing as per label: SIDE 1: THE CHASE / MELLOWING GREY / NEVER LIKE THIS / ME MY FRIEND / VARIATION ON A THEME OF HEY MR. POLICEMAN / WINTER / OLD SONGS NEW SONGS / VARIATION ON A THEME OF THE BREEZE / SIDE 2: HEY MR. POLICEMAN / SEE THROUGH WINDOWS / VARIATION ON A THEME OF ME MY FRIEND / PEACE OF MIND / VOYAGE / THE BREEZE / 3 x TIME

My opinion and summary of condition: One of my all time all genre favourites and, in my opinion, one of the best psychedelic progressive rock debut albums ever produced. There are plenty of over-used and misused superlatives where progressive rock groups are concerned but it would be hard to find an expression of artistic excellence which does not apply to this group of writers, musicians, singers (and what a unique and amazing voice!) and performers. I was fortunate to see them perform ‘live’ on several occasions in the late 60’s and early 70’s and there was no group of musicians I would prefer to have seen at the time; and that’s a big statement because there were a lot of great groups around between 1967 and 1973 when these guys were on the circuit. With regard to this particular example of ‘Doll’s House’ it’s very interesting from a number of points of view, most of which I have covered in the leader paragraph. But, one point I want to make is that this is one of those albums which is well worth having in both the STEREO AND MONO formats because they are quite different in audio terms and equally interesting. Reprise UK FIRST PRESSING FIRST ISSUE vinyls from this era started with the A3 matrices, I am not certain why but in my experience this is a fact - it is quite possible that there were 1’s and 2’s as industry, test or demo pressings - the EARLIEST FIRST COMMERCIALLY RELEASED PRESSINGS LIKE THIS WERE ‘3’ MATRIX. This has a few minor blemishes consistent with careful ownership and use over 41 years but it remains a fine example of one of the best popular progressive rock albums ever made and it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side 1:  NEAR EXCELLENT, a fair amount of superficial surface ‘movement’ lines and small ‘bag’ marks, and one which is slightly more noticeable - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: NEAR EXCELLENT, a fair amount of superficial surface ‘movement’ lines and small ‘bag’ marks, and two which are slightly more noticeable - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light spindle lines and slight evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 2: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light spindle lines and slight evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT, and definitely on the plus side of that grade. This is the original distinctive single slip cover which was ‘Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., followed by ‘Patents Pending’ which was a feature of first issues and of mid-weight card construction, front laminated with flip-backs onto a non-laminated back (n.b. this is an RLP mono designated cover over-stickered on the back for stereo as explained in the leader paragraph). This one remains in above excellent order through careful handling over 40 years. On the front there are some short light surface crease towards the shoulder with the spine and the edges. There is some light surface rub wear and a little on the edges and corners.  There are three small crescent shaped superficial surface creases on the front towards the leading edges where the vinyl enters, and those entry edges have a few mini dents and tiny pick up. Apart from these minor flaws and blemishes which are fairly insignificant this is about as good as an example as you are likely to find. Overall I consider this to be a comfortably excellent or better example of this classic cover but please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS, physically well formed with square shoulders and pinched ends as they are when new with no defects, just the slightest rub wear at the ends, and it is clean, clear and fully readable - the super-sized photographs show this spine clearly.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT, original Reprise green ‘Hollywood’ company inner depicting orchestra, slightly creased and minor evidence of light handling but no seam splits, no writing and no damage – the anti-static liner is a removable replacement.

PHOTO INSERT: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, the authentic ‘album size’ slightly sepia toned matt finish original in first rate condition which has been with it from new, very minor evidence of storage which is insignificant, no marks, no writing, no tears, no damage – please see photographs

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

Vinyl Weight: 153 grammes (a remarkable REPRISE super-heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: THIS VINYL DELIVERS SUPERB AUDIO WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF CLARITY AND QUALITY - A DELIGHTFUL SOUND WHICH DOES JUSTICE TO THE BRILLIANT VOCALS, SUPERB LYRICS AND CREATIVE INSTRUMENTALS. IT HAS BEEN PLAYED OCCASIONALLY OVER THE YEARS, BUT CAREFULLY AND ON GOOD QUALITY EQUIPMENT, SO THE VINYL, ALTHOUGH LIGHTLY MARKED, RETAINS AN EXCELLENT APPEARANCE. THERE’S A LITTLE SURFACE SOUND ON THE LEAD IN, LINKING GROOVES AND RUN OFF - ON TRACK IT’S REMARKABLY CLEAN WITH JUST THE OCCASIONAL TRACE SOUND OF LIGHT CRACKLE - BUT IT’S NOT IN ANY WAY INTRUSIVE OR UNPLEASANT AND IT CERTAINLY DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH PLAY. I ALWAYS ASK VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS TO 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 CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN LIGHT STATIC - BUT THIS IS THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - ABSOLUTELY REAL, CLEAR AND CAPTIVATING SOUND.

Other: A remarkably rare album in this variant and condition, even more so with the extraordinarily SCARCE PHOTO INSERT. A great collectors album to own, play and enjoy.

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 Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. 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.