PINK FLOYD THE WALL VERY RARE ORIGINAL NEAR MINT VINYLS

	£		107
	$		142

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 a Rega Brio 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 WALL

Rarity: This is one variant of this historic double album that you will not have the opportunity to buy very often. This was one of the most popular albums from Pink Floyd released at a time when they were amongst the biggest selling recording artists in the world so there were many of these made - but there were not many like this one that have survived in this remarkable condition. In my opinion this is one of the RAREST POSSIBLE variants as one of the earliest FIRST PRESS examples. There are many criteria which have to be met to satisfy such a claim, so I am listing them for easy reference.

1.)   The outer cover is by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., and before you say many of them were - which is true - this is ‘one piece’ with just one seam along the top. The later issues were from two pieces of card with two seams inside top and bottom - changed, I guess, for ease of manufacture. Many of the re-issue covers were also bar coded which of course is not the case with this original.

2.)   The outer cover does not have the clear plastic sticker attached. With the first issues they were not stuck on; although it is with it loose, as you can see lying on top of the inners in the photograph. By way of explanation, anecdotally, Pink Floyd did not want the pure aesthetics of The Wall originals interfered with so the stickers were supplied separately. With the re-issues many were either stuck on or not included.

3.)   The printed inners are die cut thick card with a ‘raw’ brown natural finish inside. This was changed to smooth white inner thin card soon after because of fear of damage to vinyls; and then later still just white paper - all lyric printed but very different materials. Fortunately the owner since new of this one played it so few times that there was little movement in and out of the sleeves and the VINYLS are NEAR MINT. They have since been housed in poly-lined inners for best protection, although the original card covers are, of course, still with them.

4.)   The printed inners have the characteristic rounded corners of the first issues, these were later changed to the easier to manufacture squared corners when the thick card inners were changed - please take a look at the photographs.

5.)   The credits on the inners of the first issues were fewer and different to the re-issues - please see photographs. On side 2 there is only one credit, later ones had three. This feature is similar on side 4.

6.)   Now to the vinyls, and this is where it really gets special. How often do you see the matrices A-2U, B-2U, A-1U, B-2U on this album? Not very often - if ever. These are very early matrices. I have seen a lot of THE WALL albums over the years sometimes 3’s, quite often 5’s & frequently 8’s. Never before have I seen such early matrix numbers and letters. To top it all off the vinyl condition and audio quality is NEAR MINT - vinyls of THE WALL rarely come better than this.

Artiste(s): PINK FLOYD

Disc Format: 2 X 12” LP’s

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: HARVEST BLUE/WHITE - GERALD SCARFE ILLUSTRATED PICTURE LABELS

Catalogue Number: SHDW 411    OC-158 63410    SHSP 4111 & SHSP 4112

Country of manufacture and first published date: ENGLAND 1979

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     SHSP 4111 A-2U (Record 1)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     SHSP 4111 B-2U (Record 1)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 3:     SHSP 4112 A-1U (Record 2)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 4:     SHSP 4112 B-2U (Record 2)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    XTL 1     1   2 (Record 1)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    TML-M   2   VCD (Record 1)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 3:    TML-M   1    CT (Record 2)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 4:    TML-M   2    VT (Record 2)

Track Listing as per cover: Side 1: In the Flesh / The Thin Ice / Another Brick in the Wall part 1. / The Happiest Days of our Lives / Another Brick in the Wall part 2. / Mother / Side 2: Goodbye Blue Sky / What shall we do now? / Young Lust / One of my turns / Side 3: Is there anybody out there / Nobody Home / Vera / Bring the boys back home / Comfortably Numb- / Hey You / Side 4: The Show must go on / In the Flesh / Run like Hell / Waiting for the Worms / Stop / The Trial / Outside the Wall

Opinion: In my opinion this is as good an example of THE WALL - FIRST PRESS that you are likely to find. The cover has some small points of wear from storage and occasional handling over the years, but the vinyls are in nearly new condition. The previous owner bought this for posterity and played it so few times over the years that the vinyls look and play almost as new. Anybody with a good ear for recorded music in particular, and audio in general, knows that the difference between vinyl first pressings and later ones is considerable. As I stated earlier I have seen and heard many copies of this and there’s no doubt that this one delivers the best sound by far. This is a momentous and highly important double album from one of the all time most creative and influential groups of writers in the world of progressive rock and this is a unique opportunity to own one of their best albums.

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

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 1: EXCELLENT+ very few superficial surface lines only, it has no serious or tangible scratches which interfere with play or have any significant audio affect. Lovely deep glossy black shine, as new.

Vinyl Visual Record 1 side 2: NEAR MINT, small surface line in the ‘lead in’, makes no sound, slight surface rub - may be a finger mark but I don’t want to rub it - does not sound. Lovely deep glossy black shine, as new.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 3: NEAR MINT three tiny superficial surface lines that I can see looking very hard - have no affect on play. Lovely deep glossy black shine, as new.

Vinyl Visual Record 2 side 4: NEAR MINT, I cannot see any marks - looks new.

Label Visual Record 1 side 1: NEAR MINT, almost as new.

Label Visual Record 1 side 2: EXCELLENT+, slight shrinkage around the spindle hole from new, almost as new.

Label Visual Record 2 side 3: NEAR MINT, almost as new.

Label Visual Record 2 side 4: EXCELLENT+, slight shrinkage around the spindle hole from new, - almost as new.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT ORIGINAL ONE PIECE classic gatefold by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., light browning with age adjacent to seams and edges. Small bruise bottom right corners front and back. Slight chafing along the top edge for a short distance. Tiny indents near openings. A few light marks caused by handling and storage over time. A used but well cared for cover.  

Spine: EXCELLENT+ there’s nothing written on it, just a continuation of the front to back design. Generally as new but with very light browning with age.

Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT+ ORIGINAL die cut thick card lyric inners with distinctive rounded corners . Very slight edge and corner compression and a few tiny dents, but generally near new.

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

Vinyl Weight: 132 & 132 grammes (two well matched handsome vinyls)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT+

Audio Performance: I NEVER GRADE AUDIO AS MINT BUT THIS WAS TEMPTING. HOWEVER IN MY OPINION VINYLS DON’T DELIVER AUDIO PERFECTION THEY DELIVER THE REAL THING. WITH VOLUME SET AT 65% SOME SLIGHT SURFACE SOUND IS DETECTABLE FROM TIME TO TIME BUT IT IS MINIMAL. ON THE LEAD IN, BETWEEN TRACKS, AND IN THE QUIET PARTS THERE IS SOFT TRANSITION SOUND BUT THIS IS LOVELY AUDIO DELIVERY FROM TWO BRILLIANT VINYLS.

Other: Sensational album, don’t leave this auction without one!

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, are all acceptable forms of payment.

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.