FRANK ZAPPA, RUBEN & THE JETS, 1969 UK VERVE 1st PRESS

	£		94
	$		125

Here for auction is a superb example of the album by FRANK ZAPPA/MOTHERS OF INVENTION titled “RUBEN & THE JETS”, Catalogue Number VLP 9237. This is a 1969 * UK MONO 1st PRESSING* on the VERVE RECORD LABEL, with the 1st issue Garrod & Lofthouse flipback sleeve. The Side 1 record label has the K T tax code either side of the spindle hole. It is very difficult to find original 1st pressings of this album – especially in the truly excellent condition offered here.  

The front-laminated single sleeve, printed and made in the UK by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., is in close to EX condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest signs of wear [only 1st pressings came with single flipback sleeves – all later pressings were issued with gatefold sleeves]. The 3 flipbacks are just about perfect. There is no wear to the top and bottom edges. The spine is superb with all text clearly legible. There is a little feathering of the opening edges. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved example indeed, which should please most collectors.

The top quality Verve record is very solidly pressed and retains a deep mirror-like shine.

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – V 5055  A-1   1   O

Side 2 – V 5055  B-1   2   R

Visually both sides are in EX+ condition with only a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The beautiful black Verve labels are unmarked with only a few light spindle traces near the centres. I am confident that the record has not been played many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut mono pressing with superb sound quality. The record plays perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. You simply will not find a significantly better playing original copy of this incredibly rare album!

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG+ Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.