PINK FLOYD DARK SIDE ORIGINAL UK FIRST PRESS RARE VINYL

	£		181
	$		240

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 your own corresponding comments or observations, particularly if you have relevant information to add, with good quality evidence, which contradicts any of my assertions - I have been known to make a mistake, and I will always stand proven correction. I play grade all vinyls on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g) through amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

Album / Record Title: THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Rarity: Rates as A VERY RARE & HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE VINYL ALBUM being a FIRST PRESS with EARLY MATRICES & STAMPERS and the SOLID BLUE TRIANGLES ON THE LABELS, which also have the GRAMOPHONE CO. text around the top perimeter, as well as the centre left - NOT the more commonly seen EMI text which was printed on the majority of later re-issues. This is complete with TWO POSTERS and TWO STICKERS (all UNUSED), in the original Garrod & Lofthouse outer cover with blue base colour - not the later black base - G & L manufacturers sealed from new at the left hand side, not stickered (many of the earliest first pressings were not stickered); and with original BLACK INNER SLEEVE all of which makes it a GENUINE and complete FIRST PRESS.

Artiste(s): PINK FLOYD

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: SINGLE BOXED EMI HARVEST SOLID BLUE TRIANGLE

Catalogue Number: SHVL 804

Country of origin and first published date: GT BRITAIN p 1973

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     SHVL 804 A-2

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     SHVL 804 B-2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    3    P   1.1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    1    O   1.1

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: (a) (I) SPEAK TO ME / (II) BREATHE IN THE AIR / (b) ON THE RUN / (c) TIME / (d) THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY / SIDE 2: (e) MONEY / (f) US AND THEM / (g) ANY COLOUR YOU LIKE / (h) BRAIN DAMAGE / (i) ECLIPSE

Opinion: This is not quite an excellent rated collector’s example of this classic album but it certainly rates highly. First of all it is complete and all of the inserts are unused and grade as excellent+. Secondly it is one of the earliest originals on the heavier vinyl all in very good condition, clean and clearly playable with the superb crystal clear audio which can only be delivered by a vinyl first pressing. Thirdly, it has the iconic solid blue triangle labels which were discontinued after a relatively short first press production run because it was difficult to read the silver printed track titles against the powder blue background - they were changed to the blue outline triangle, giving the titles a black background, which are very commonly seen - lighter blue at first and then a darker blue on the very late re-issues. This is one of the rarest variants of one of the most important and influential progressive rock albums of all time - it is also one of the biggest selling albums in the history of popular music but you will not see many of this variant - so, if you don’t have one, this represents an excellent opportunity to put a very enjoyable investment in your collection

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

Vinyl Visual side 1: VERY GOOD+ a fair amount of light wispy surface lines, which have no significant audio consequence, and one small tangible half centimetre scratch at the beginning of ‘TIME’ which I cover in audio performance section below.

Vinyl Visual side 2: VERY GOOD+ a fair amount of light wispy surface lines, which are noticeable but not tangible.

Label Visual side 1: VERY GOOD+ slight light spots, I don’t know the cause but they are not very noticeable, light spindle marks again not obvious, no writing, no tears, no damage, no spindle hole deformation, slight label misalignment caused in original manufacture which has no detrimental affect.

Label Visual side 2: VERY GOOD+ same comments apply as for label side 1

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD classic Gatefold outer cover designed by Hipgnosis printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. This original outer was vulnerable to wear due to being printed with a blue base colour onto a ‘natural’ light brown card which was soon changed to solid black all through card. Consequently this one does show signs of wear, and a few surface marks, on the front and back by way of light rubbing (ring wear on back cover only) and edges and corners by light chafing but overall it is a very respectable example - the centrefold lyric section is excellent. Should be noted that only the right hand side of the gatefold cover is ‘open’ - on the very first issues the left side was sealed by the manufacturer.

Spine: VERY GOOD+ square shouldered, plain spine, with no printing as was the case with all of original early British made covers. Light line down the centre caused by careful opening and closing, three tiny chips and a little light end and corner rubbing.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD+ - original first black window inner, printed with patent numbers and Made in Great Britain, fitted with antistatic poly-liner, creased but in good physical shape.

Posters x 2: EXCELLENT+ unused

Stickers x 2: EXCELLENT+ unused (original FasPrint CRACK BACK - please note the photograph does not show this print up on the back of the card but in real vision it is clearly evident)

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

Vinyl Weight: 142 grammes

Play Grade: EXCELLENT & VERY GOOD+ (varying by track according to recording volume)

Audio Performance: THIS HAS THE BEAUTIFUL AUDIO CLARITY THAT I EXPECTED FROM A VERY GOOD QUALITY FIRST PRESSING AND IT PLAYS THROUGH SMOOTHLY AND CONTINUOUSLY - ABSOLUTELY NO INTERRUPTION TO PLAY. THERE IS SOME LIGHT CRACKLE IN THE BACKGROUND WHICH IS NOTICEABLE FROM TIME TO TIME ON THE QUITER SECTIONS AND ON THE ‘LEAD INS’. IN PARTICULAR THERE IS A SMALL SCRATCH ON SIDE 1 TRACK (c) WHICH CAUSES A SOFT TICK FOR ABOUT TEN REVOLUTIONS AT THE START BUT FOR ME IT DID NOT SPOIL THE AUDIO EXPERIENCE. A WELL PLAYED VINYL WHICH PLAYS WELL AND IS THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE.

Other: This is a very rare and highly respectable example of this album. It has good credentials and much to recommend it in both playing and collecting terms, but it is not for the ‘mint’ example collector.

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 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 this case 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, and/or checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference also applies to the different symbols used in the matrices for example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 for example and then changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases the weight of the vinyl is often all important 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 - 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 clear 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 - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! 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.