JOHN LENNON Imagine RARER ORIG UK 1971 COMPLETE.

	£		84
	$		111

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Postage: UK £4.25. Europe £11.75. Rest of World £15.75. ALL signed for. – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment – returns within 14 days only. I try to keep my P&P as low as possible after the very significant Royal Mail price increases.

Artist or Band: JOHN LENNON – Plastic Ono Band

Album Title: Imagine (Original complete package with illustrated inner, postcard and poster)

Producer(s): John and Yoko and Phil Spector.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Imagine; Crippled Inside; Jealous Guy; Its So Hard; I Don’t Want To Be a Soldier.

Side 2: Give Me Some Truth; Oh My Love; How Do You Sleep?; How?; Oh Yoko!

Cat Number: PAS 10004.

Label/Format and Conditions: Apple – Customised format. Stunning clean and beautiful examples that show only a very fine, super fine and faint spindle marks on side two. I am struggling to find a noteworthy trace of any on side one. This another from the one lady owner from new who hardly seemed to play her records, and this appears another case-in-point. Both these labels look fantastic, just the way any serious collector would want them.

Country of Manufacture: England

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 145 grams. A very impressive weight for this record. Later pressings became much thinner and flimsy.

Rarity & Details of What’s Included: This album is relatively common per se, but the early issues that include all the inserts in their original formats certainly are less so, especially in top conditions and there lies the difference. Firstly this record is heavily pressed on thicker and far better quality vinyl and is immaculate for looks and sound. Barely played and offering audiophile sound quality throughout – the title song always the most difficult. The cover has the much wider spine with the tapered ends and in fine condition with only a few light blemishes. The spine detail can be seen on my close-up pictures. Included too is the small postcard of Lennon holding a feeding pig by the ears, a reference to the cover of McCartney’s Ram album sleeve – this is as new and guaranteed original. The fragile flipback constructed inner, this is arguably the hardest part of this set to find at all and rarely will it be seen intact, often with huge edge splits, creases and tears. The had a tiny bottom edge split only which I have neatly and easily fixed and you would not even know it had been there. And finally, the poster, okay most copies will include this, even late pressings. But this original is very different, in-as-much its printed on different paper. The immage of Lennon is paler and more detailed than later ones – I did a direct comparison as I have a later one in stock as well. When held to light, the original poster has a texturing within the manufacture and a possible light watermark, but definintely absent on the smoother finished later one. The contents of this set are all in super condition (described in more detail below). This is a lovely set and the record sensational – if sound quality is paramount over anything else, this record is up there with the best I have heard, this is a difficult record and can have variable sound quality. I consider an original, complete, UK pressing of this landmark post-Beatles album quite rare these days and copies that plays like this are truly at a premium.

Original Year of Release: 1971

Matrix Nos: YEX 865-1U / YEX 866-1U

Mothers / Stampers: 2 LM / 3 LT

Run-Out Etchings: ‘PORKY’ / ‘PECKO’

Brief Artist & Album Info: Regarded by many as Lennon’s first solo album proper, although the labels still credit the Plastic Ono Band, and a very powerful album it was too – a landmark recording in his amazing career. Here he veered from splitting anger in ‘How do you Sleep’, ‘Give Me Some Truth’ and cruel humour with ‘Crippled Inside’, yet the man was capable of intense romanticism as highlighted in ‘Jealous Guy’ and ‘Oh My Love’. Those who resented Lennon for being part of the Beatles break-up finally forgave him and began to love him again with this collection. The title track alone will stand as a classic of popular song forever. This phenomenal album charted at 1 in both the UK and US but finding a complete early pressed UK copy is never so easy especially when in such fine, barely even played conditions. This is easily ‘audiophile’ standard, the record could almost pass for new. So often I have heard UK copies that play less than silent especially that famous opening with the solo piano, often very crackly, even with distortion or clipping, this one is near perfect with breathtaking sound and immense detail. The odd faint tick or trace is near impossible to avoid altogether, but this sets the bar high. The depth of sound from these practically ‘virgin’ grooves will blow most other copies away and the great man himself almost has an in-the-room presence. All contents in very fine condition too. This is a complete early pressed UK copy with weight and substance and one to treasure.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT: a single format, laminated front and back. Printed and made in England. This has the wider spine and pinched ends in manufacture.

Cover, front, back & lamination: Although quite a simple cover, it is not one that wears that well mainly due to quite thin card. Both sides retain a super shine, freshness and clarity. Having a thicker and heavier record inside than is often the case means some lightly dulled rim impression is evident. This more under light than with normal viewing and in terms of this, only modestly light. There are a number of fine edge hairline surface creases and a tiny few ultra fine and faint half moons that show little. The rim impression apart, there is hardly any other dulling at all, even under light. This is a cover that has several edge strips devoid of laminate in manufacture – namely on the back all three bar the spine and the usual front right. There is one small chip on the back left edge and tiny traces on the top – this is somewhat difficult to avoid totally and here, only light. Still an attractive example and I doubt if it had seen light-of-day for many years.

Top Edge & Bottom Edges: Little real wear, minor thickening traces to the end back panel which is a fraction high of flush – this hardly unusual.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with little wear, any thickening or burring very mild and faint. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: This has the wider spine construction with the deeply pinched ends as seen on my close-up pictures. Solid and quite straight with any compression very mild indeed. The thin ends are quite long and these also retain fine shape. All text is perfect and unworn under the solid and clear laminate.

Corners: All crisp and sharp with barely any hint of rubbing or creasing. Excellent or better shape is retained.

Cover Summary: A strong and still attractive all-round example of this classic 70’s cover, one that will prove difficult to find significantly better on this early-made example. It should please many collectors but note quite the perfectionists.

The Poster: EXCELLENT(++): this being ultra critical and the merest whisker of my highest grading of MInt(-). This is very large indeed at approximately 22 x 33 inches (and not easy to photograph well). Very clean with barely any age toning or discolouration. As stated above, if viewed up to light, a fine grain and possible faint watermark is seen. Also Lennon’s face is more detailed and less dark than later ones. The paper surface less smooth too. All the folds are strong and unsplit and this has never been mounted e.g. no pin-holes or tape marks. Any crinkle ultra fine and faint with no hard creases. This will not prove easy to find much better.

The Post Card: MINT: yes I will use this word here, this is pristine and guaranteed original. Clean and uncreased, razor sharp edges with ultimate crisp corners. A bizarre insert really with Lennon holding a large pig by the ears while it feeds. Even the back is unmarked and white and untoned, the front is totally devoid of any marks and the printed image is immaculate.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(++): this has the angled shaped corners and the ‘MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN’ text at the bottom as well as the patent number. As stated above, one very small neat bottom edge split has been repaired by myself and is now nigh-on inconspicuous. So all closed edges are now solid and strong, barely any creasing and only very mild age discolour. The shaped and recess top opening is neat with no tears or feathering, a little mild creasing only. Unusually, this has little rim impression and overall this double-side printing inner is in lovely condition. Arguably, the most difficult part of the contents.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(+): this being ultra critical and almost worthy of the extra plus I feel. With point-blank examination under bright angled light a few ultra fine and faint surface trace hairlines are seen. Purely removal traces and nothing more. Very clean, shiny, intense black and quite heavily pressed on thick, superbly pressed Apple vinyl, later pressings were much thinner. This has massive depth and detail. A copy barely even ‘run-in’ in vinyl terms. Visually a very impressive record that should please most-all collectors.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This rare first pressed record plays evey above its visual grading with practically nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is as good as it gets, but not the most outstanding in terms of dynamic range but a more typical live album production for this period. Devoid of any noteworthy surface sounds and no pops or clicks were recorded. Overall, a very clean pressing for a fairly difficult album that does have some very quiet passages. Few copies will outperform this earliest pressing significantly I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been generally well stored and carefully handled. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy will prove difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This fantastic record plays even above it’s high visual grading with barely anything to fault. I consider this title to be a difficult record, none more so that the very beginning. This one has strong, totally distortion-free sound with all frequencies sharp and clear. I have had several, mostly slightly later pressings, that have at least some mild surface sounds especially on the vulnerable title track with crackle being almost half expected. This plays as quiet as any copy I have yet heard with almost nothing to really fault, even the run-in grooves are quiet and even that makes a change. The piano introduction is crisp and fully focused and this makes the difference between average and exceptional. Any crackle traces on the beginning are ultra gentle and few indeed with just the odd sporadic tick – but little else throughout and this is a top pressing and barely played. The depth and richess of the sound is incredible, and actually made me stop and listen as the music flowed. I have not offered one of these for a while – too long in fact – but they fail to show up in the conditions I like often enough. I enjoyed every second of this quite brilliant copy which is a gateway into the recording studio itself. The depth of the sound and details are breathtaking and Lennon’s voice has an in-the-room quality. A loud and dynamic mix that has real power, grace and incredible depth and fidelity, the finest of details are all immaculately gleaned from this almost ‘virgin’ copy. Super clean grooves with absolutely no wear at all – no exposure to damaging heavy needles for this copy. The owner stored her records inside a case and I am certain it made few trips out. Only a lightly played, early pressing does this classic full justice. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy will prove very difficult to find better and merits strong recommendation.

End Piece: This is such an important album to own, one of the genuine all-time greats and owning an early pressed, complete example is extra special. The beauty and importance of this phenomenal release is beyond any doubt and this one does it strong justice.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Terrarium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand+ based on over 8,000+ items sold in over 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.25

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £8. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £11.75 (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £15.75 Add £3 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.