JIMI HENDRIX ELECTRIC LADYLAND TRACK UK CORRECTED FIRST

	£		160
	$		212

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Previous visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums which range from very good plus 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 grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Vinyl Cleaning: I use machine 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 using this method. If I think a vinyl will benefit from this I carry out the procedure with great care using 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. My preferred method with little used vinyls is by soft ‘light touch’ hand brush with natural fine hair gently moved in the direction of the microgrooves. In all methods of cleaning I use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol with a spot of gentle detergent to lubricate and clean the playing surfaces. I am aware that cleaning can be a controversial subject with vinyl collectors, audio purists and enthusiasts so I will state on each individual listing if, and how, the vinyl(s) have been cleaned in the section just before the ‘Play Grade’.

Specific notes concerning this album: This section highlights specific aspects regarding condition of the album(s) offered. These comments will still appear in the dedicated sections but I hope that this ‘headlining’ will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. This particular album has been played occasionally during the last 43 years, and it remains generally ‘excellent towards plus’ visually and a full excellent plus in audio performance, with just reasonable evidence of handling and use over time. The cover has just a few minor surface creases on the laminate, corner crease bottom right on the front, some small edge dents, a scratch on the back in the top left corner and general evidence of handling and storage consistent with its use over the years. The superb heavyweight (149 & 148 grammes) vinyls both retain their brilliant shimmering high gloss with just a sparse quantity of light superficial surface based hairlines caused by brushing against the inner, and some which have been caused by light stylus contact – but they are only visible under a bright halogen light and have minimal consequence to the audio performance producing just a few infrequent ticks a little general background on the lead ins, run offs and linking grooves. The record labels have some light spindle lines but are in at least excellent plus condition and generally indicative of relatively little use over the years. The original inner sleeves are of the type which preceded the Polydor company standard and, as such, are a clear indication of just how early a UK first pressing and first issue this is. The few flaws are very minor when compared with those normally found on most examples of this classic collectable but, in the light of the fact that the album is in otherwise remarkable condition, they are all mentioned.

Album / Record Title: ELECTRIC LADYLAND

IMPORTANT NOTE ON AUTHENTICITY: BEFORE EXPLAINING MY OPINION OF RARITY AND DESCRIBING THE ALBUM I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE EARLIEST AUTHENTIC 100% ORIGINAL UK EXAMPLE OF ‘ELECTRIC LADYLAND’.  I EMPHASISE THIS BECAUSE IT IS BECOMING EVER MORE DIFFICULT FOR SERIOUS COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS ENTERING THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME TO BE CERTAIN THAT THEY ARE BIDDING FOR, AND BUYING, THE REAL THING. THERE IS SO MUCH CONFUSION (AS BOTH DYLAN AND HENDRIX SAID) OVER WHAT IS A FIRST UK PRESSING OF THIS ALBUM, AND SO MANY MISLEADING CLAIMS MADE BY SELLERS LACKING IN KNOWLEDGE THAT KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE BUYING CAN BE A VINYL OBSTACLE COURSE. I GUARANTEE THAT WHEN YOU BUY FROM ME YOU WILL ALWAYS GET COMPLETE ALL ORIGINAL ALBUMS AND YOU WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE.

EARLY VARIANTS OF ELECTRIC LADYLAND: ANECDOTALLY MOST OF THE DIFFICULTIES WITH ‘LADYLAND’ STEM FROM MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND ERRORS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE PLAN TO FORMAT IT FOR AUTOCHANGERS. IT WAS DEEMED A GOOD IDEA BY THE RECORD COMPANY TO PUT SIDES A&D BACK TO BACK ON ONE DISC AND B&C BACK TO BACK ON THE OTHER SO THE DOUBLE ALBUM COULD BE CONVENIENTLY PLAYED THROUGH IN SEQUENCE (THIS PARTICULAR EXAMPLE HAS NEVER BEEN PLAYED ON AN AUTOCHANGE RECORD PLAYER AS THEY DID FAR MORE DAMAGE THAN GOOD). HOWEVER, THE BEST LAID PLANS OVERLOOKED MURPHYS LAW (IF SOMETHING CAN GO WRONG IT PROBABLY WILL) AS COMMUNICATION FELL SHORT AND EVERY PROCEDURE SUBSEQUENT TO THE IDEA WENT WRONG. FIRST THE TRACK ORDER ON THE GATEFOLD WAS PRINTED INCORRECTLY IN SIDE BY SIDE ORDER. THIS WAS THEN OVERPRINTED IN BLUE TO TRY AND AVOID DELAYS, BUT UNSATISFACTORILY BECAUSE THE SILHOUETTE OF THE MISTAKE COULD BE SEEN BEHIND THE BLUE, AND SO WITHDRAWN - BUT NOT BEFORE A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF BLUE PRINT TEXT COPIES HAD ‘LEAKED’ INTO THE RETAIL CHAIN (THESE RARITIES HAVE BECOME HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER BY COLLECTORS BUT THERE ARE EQUALLY EARLY FIRST ISSUES WITH THE WHITE TEXT – LIKE THE ONE IN THIS LISTING).  THE ARRANGEMENT ALSO CAUSED CONFUSION WITH THE MATRIX IDENTIFICATION IMPRINTING ON THE TOOLING RESULTING IN THE CATALOGUE PREFIX AND SIDES BEING MARKED INCORRECTLY AND THEN HAND ETCH DELETED, CORRECTED AND RE-CORRECTED (SEE DETAILS BELOW) UNTIL THEY WERE SORTED ON LATER PRESSINGS WHICH DO NOT HAVE CORRECTIONS. THE ORIGINALS ALSO HAVE THE INVERTED CATALOGUE NUMBER AND SIDE LETTER IN BRACKETS JUST ABOVE THE OPEN CATALOGUE NUMBER ON THE RECORD LABELS. ON TOP OF ALL THIS THERE WERE CHANGES TO PORTRAIT PHOTO SIZES AND POSITIONS IN THE CENTRE SPREAD OF THE GATEFOLD. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE FIRST PRESSING SO THIS ONE IS A FIRST PRESSING WITH THE SECOND GATEFOLD VARIANT AND ONE OF THE EARLIEST UK PRESSINGS PRODUCED. THE ENTIRE FIRST PRESSINGS HAVE //1 MATRIX ENDINGS ON ALL FOUR SIDES, THE EARLIEST BEING HAND CORRECTED. THESE WERE FOLLOWED BY A MIXTURE OF //1 & //2 ENDINGS, STILL ON THE TRACK LABEL UNTIL LATER, EARLY 70’s, PRESSINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH THE POLYDOR RED LABEL.

THERE IS ALSO SOME DISCUSSION ABOUT THE TECHNICAL COMPLEXITIES OF THE ‘SOUNDSCAPING’ ON THE ALBUM BUT PERSONALLY I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SUBSTANTIATE THAT THIS HAPPENED OR, IF IT DID, HAD ANY INFLUENCE ON THE FIRST PRESSING VARIANTS OR SEQUENCE AND THERE ARE MANY LATER VARIANTS IN DIFFERENT FORMATS WHICH I WILL NOT OUTLINE HERE AS THEY ARE REMOTE FROM THE SOURCE AND NOT RELEVANT TO THIS LISTING.

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE AS ONE OF THE EARLIEST ORIGINAL UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE ALBUMS IN EXCELLENT OR BETTER CONDITION - All of the copies with the key first issue characteristics, described above, and which have survived in EXCELLENT OR BETTER CONDITION - which are relatively few - have become highly collectable. I REPEAT THAT THIS ONE IS EVEN RARER because it is a GENUINE COMPLETE UK ORIGINAL all components are those which have been WITH IT FROM NEW; including the earlier inner sleeves.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST //1 MASTERS, FIRST MOTHERS AND  EARLY STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS EXCELLENT PLUS OR BETTER
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• HAND ETCH DELETED AND CORRECTED MATRIX ON ALL SIDES
• ORIGINAL ‘BLACK’ TRACK LABELS ‘INVERTED’ CATALOGUE NO.
• FIRST ERNEST J. DAY FULLY LAMINATED HEAVY CARD GFOLD
• ORIGINAL ERA SPECIFIC PRE-POLYDOR STANDARD INNERS
• HARDEST VARIANT TO FIND AFTER THE BLUE TEXT RARITY

Artiste(s): THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE – Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding

Producer: Jimi Hendrix

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 2 X 12” LP’s & 33 1/3  r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL TRACK MATT BLACK with silver TRACK name logo and silver print.

Catalogue Number: 613008 & 613009

Country of origin and first release date: Gt. BRITAIN 1968 (October)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 1 side A:     61300 (8 deleted)(9 deleted) 8 A//1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 1 side D:     61300 (8 deleted) 8 B//1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side B:     61300 (8 deleted) 9 A (B deleted) //1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices Record 2 side C:     61300 (8 deleted) 9 (8 deleted) B (A deleted) //1

N.B. ALL DELETIONS AND CORRECTIONS ARE HAND ETCHED AND ALL ARE IN THE ORDER AS SET OUT ABOVE.

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side A:    1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side D:    1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side B:    1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side C:    1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side A:   3

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side D:   4

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side B:   2   12

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side C:   2   14

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 1 side A:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 1 side D:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side B:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other Record 2 side C:  none visible

N.B. Please note that all matrices, masters, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method.

Track Listing as per labels: RECORD 1 - SIDE A: AND THE GODS MADE LOVE / HAVE YOU EVER BEEN (to Electric Ladyland) / CROSS TOWN TRAFFIC / VOODOO CHILE / SIDE D: STILL RAINING, STILL DREAMING / HOUSE BURNING DOWN / ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER / VOODOO CHILE (Slight Return) / RECORD 2 - SIDE B: LITTLE MISS STRANGE / LONG HOT SUMMER NIGHT / COME ON / GIPSY EYES / THE BURNING OF THE MIDNIGHT LAMP / SIDE C: RAINY DAY, DREAM AWAY / 1983…(A MERMAN I SHOULD TURN TO BE) / MOON, TURN THE TIDES…Gently, Gently Away

Background information & summary of condition: An album that was in every way shrouded in a comprehensive mix of perfectionism and controversy. Unsurprisingly, drugs played a big part in the mêlée and confusion but Jimi’s prodigious talent and demand for perfection emerged triumphant and a classic album was born. Apparently he asked Dave Mason to do about twenty takes with the acoustic guitar on the brilliant ‘All Along The Watchtower’ before he was satisfied with the result – and that is just one example, there were apparently many more incidents. The cover design was just as fraught with difficulties as the recording. The cover that Jimi wanted (a photo by Linda Eastman) was actually never produced and the ‘naked ladies cover’ produced by UK Track displeased him, as did the fact that a technician renamed the album ‘Electric Landlady’ which fortunately he spotted and was changed prior to release or we may have had a completely different ‘take’ on the cover. Anyway, all of this information is well researched and published so I will move on to this particular example. This fully laminated gatefold cover is clean, tidy and highly presentable - it does have some small creases so please take a close look at the super sized photos. The vinyls are a real stand out feature and you will rarely see or hear anything to match these on any example of this album that you may find. Everything about this album is original and in outstanding condition so there are plenty of good reasons to have this album in your collection.

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 Record 1 side A: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, nothing tangible and nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side D: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, nothing tangible and nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side B: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, nothing tangible and nothing which causes interference with play.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side C: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some light, superficial surface movement lines and a few that are slightly more noticeable, nothing tangible and nothing which causes interference with play.

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS a few light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS a few light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: EXCELLENT PLUS a few light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT PLUS a few light spindle lines and minor evidence of handling but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear or deformation.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, slight shrinkage marks, stretch marks / lines on labels, misalignment or marginal print bleed caused in original pressing; these features are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: NEAR EXCELLENT, and that is a cautious grade due to a few light indents, minor creases and slight marks. The original classic fully laminated double gatefold side loader Printed and made in Great Britain by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London W.11. I would also grade it higher based on the above average physical condition but I grade overall by comparison with new, not with other copies. There is some minor edge and corner rubbing and small dents at the entry edges. There are a few light rub marks front and rear, some minor indents, a bit of spotting and some light rub marks but none of this is significant. It has a few minor surface creases on the laminate and general evidence of handling and storage consistent with its use over the years. There is a slightly larger crease on the front bottom right corner, a scratch on the back in the top left corner and a few small dents at the entry edges, but nothing very significant or serious. The centre spread is thoroughly excellent plus. All in all this is a physically complete, highly presentable genuine and authentic original, with just the minor flaws I have outlined caused by careful storage and handling in use over time. Please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

PLEASE NOTE: THE BUTTONS ON THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE GATEFOLD IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE NOT INCLUDED - THEY ARE PRESENT AND STRATEGICALLY PLACED IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH EBAYS STRICT RULES ON NUDITY AND DECENCY.

Spine: EXCELLENT, the spine which has been slightly compressed and has the usual fold recess down the centre caused by opening and closing with some consequent cracking and slight peeling of the laminate at the ends, please see close up zoom and enlarge photographs.

Inner Sleeves: NEAR EXCELLENT earliest era specific pre-Polydor company originals with square cut, rather than the later rounded, entry edges and the ‘Foreign Patents Pending text in blue print, just lightly creased and slightly discoloured.

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

Vinyl Weight: 149 & 148 grammes (two terrific TRACK heavyweights)

Vinyl Cleaning: By hand only, light touch soft brush, very little required.

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 PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

Audio Performance: DURING THE LAST 43 YEARS I HAVE LISTENED TO MANY VARIANTS OF THIS ALBUM AND IN AUDIO TERMS THIS IS HUGELY IMPRESSIVE MAKING THE TOP OF MY OVERALL AUDIO PERFORMANCE GRADES. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED EVERY GROOVE OF BOTH VINYLS WHICH DELIVER WITH OUTSTANDING CLARITY AND QUALITY. THERE IS SOME UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND, A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE AND A FEW LOW LEVEL TICKS FROM TIME TO TIME DURING THE QUIETER TRACKS AND NON RECORDED GROOVES, BUT NOTHING INTRUSIVE OR UNPLEASANT, AND CERTAINLY NOTHING WHICH INTERFERES WITH CONTINUOUS SMOOTH PLAY. OVERALL THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES I HAVE LISTENED TO FOR AS LONG AS I CAN RECALL, THE CLARITY AND CLEANLINESS OF AUDIO ARE DELIVERED IN EQUAL MEASURE. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW 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 I AM DELIGHTED BY THIS – THE UNIQUE AND BRILLIANT SOUND OF HENDRIX FROM VINYL, FOR ME IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS.

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.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of 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.

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 read my terms and conditions of sale below which are there to inform bidders and prevent 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 early ‘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; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or 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.

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: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. 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. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. 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, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and 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. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. 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 – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). 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.

Please Note: 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 a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

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. As stated in the previous paragraph for overseas deliveries I will also only dispatch to UK destinations using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses 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 above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ 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.