PRETTY THINGS SF Sorrow VERY RARE UK Orig 1968 MONO LP

	£		645
	$		887

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Artist or Band: PRETTY THINGS

Album Title: S.F. Sorrow.

Producer(s): Norman Smith.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: S.F. Sorrow is Born; Bracelets of Fingers; She Says Good Morning; Private Sorrow; Balloon Burning; Death.

Side 2: Baron Saturday; The Journey; I See You; Well of Destiny; Trust; Old Man Going; Loneliest Person.

Label/Format: Columbia – ultimate first issue format with the deeply textured surfaces, often referred to as ‘orange peel’ style as it’s what they do resemble. They are deeply rustic with very pronounced surfaces with a deep inner ring ridge. (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both clean and attractive with less than moderate, and still quite faint spindle marks. These are very tough labels and are more resistent to spindle abrasions and they tend to obscure any present more than smooth black labels. Any wear around the hole rim is minimal with just a fine ‘white’ around the very rim. These black labels show this more than any other of course, but here very fine. This record has clearly been enjoyed more over the years and grades lower than my usual excellent or better standard.

Cat Number: SX 6306.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm. The mono format was much preferred by the band members and is rare more elusive.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 159 gram. A typical mono heavyweight on this label from this golden era.

Rarity: Very rare an original first format mono pressing. Now regarded as one of the most prized mono ‘progressive’ albums of all time. As much in demand as Pink Floyd’s debut album, but this is much rarer as it sold in far less numbers. Over time, this has been recognised as a masterpiece and few albums have soared the ladder of appreciation more than ‘S.F. Sorrow’. Like so many of this groundbreaking type, it sold poorly and most of the early examples that do surface are stereo or repressings. This is not a pristine example by any means, but still a very strong one. The record grades strong Very Good, which means for me light marks and still offering super sound with only light blemishes or faint degrading. The cover is still visually close to excellent, that no mean achievement for a first-made mono sleeve, it can be argued it’s better still. With so few of these around, a few small compromises almost have to be made. With genuine near mint UK mono originals often commanding near four figure sums, this still super copy may just be the copy many (only slightly less discering) collectors have been waiting for. The mono mix very different to the stereo and for many, including the connoisseurs, the choice of the two (as well as the band themselves). Available copies that have not been reamed by a blunt mono needle or subjected to arm drops or jolts resulting in damaging deep, penetrating scratches are not seen often. An immensely rare and sort-after classic and one I thoroughly enjoyed viewing and listening too. Personally, I can tolerate a few light surface crackles or a few low-level, gentle clicks, it’s distortion I cannot tolerate to any degree and this copy has none. Musically, almost too wonderful for words and one of the earliest genuine concept albums ever issued. This is simply one of the greatest rock albums ever put to vinyl and a few of my music-loving friends actually rate it as the greatest album of all time.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Original Year of Release: 1968

Matrix Nos: XAX 3738-1 / XAX 3739-1. The Mothers are 2 / 2 with no present

Musicians: Phil May - vocals; Dick Taylor - lead guitar, vocals; John Povey - organ, sitar, percussion, vocals; Wally Allen - bass, guitar, vocals, winds, piano; Skip Alan - drums; John ‘Twink’ Alder - drums.

Brief Info: Generally regarded as the first rock ‘concept’ album, even pre-dating The Who’s ‘Tommy’. Based on the character Sebastian F. Sorrow from a story by Phil May, the band’s vocalist and guitarist. It follows the troubled life of the character from birth, war and love, eventual tragedy and madness – all sounds somewhat sombre but this is a stunning album and the band took a major step in a new direction. Now with a far more ‘progressive’ sound, many original fans were left confused and initially this wasn’t accepted by some. But time as crowned this daring gem as a rock classic (even masterpiece) and most-all rock fans want this in their collection. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios at the same time Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd were recording their debut classic ‘A Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ and The Beatles ‘Sgt Pepper’. What a wonderful time of creativity with classic after classic being issued towards the latter part of the 1960s. Superbly produced by Norman Smith, this album experimented with early synthesisers including the Mellotron and other devices. What came out was little short of astonishing but predictably it failed to sell and is now highly sort-after and elusive, the mono pressings especially rare with far fewer made available. With that in mind, I have no qualms in offering one of slightly lower grade. I seldom go below Excellent but if the rare classics are available that still offer high sound quality and very respectable looks and attractive covers, so be it. This original UK-pressed example is in fine condition: the record has numerous fine surface marks and the odd small one that emits a few gentle clicks of which most are masked over by the loud and dynamic mono sound. Clearly played a few times but the vitally important factor is the sound remains sharp and crisp with no distortion, groovewear or clipping. No mono single channel noises or cutting sounds, it reminds you only very occasionally that you are listening to a 43-year-old mono record and few will ever play dead silent. I have to remind of what these records were so often played on: heavy tracking, thick sapphire tipped stylus. This was available in stereo, so those who chose mono did so for good reason, they did not own stereo equipment. Very few would have considered differences in the mix or sound delivery at this time, this came more to light as the mono record was played later on stereo equipment. I still consider a Very Good record of this type and era to still be a highly respectable example, (properly graded as such, way, way off being over-played or even abused, simply with fine marks and blemishes from being handled and used on this type of equipment). The record has been played a number of times but sound quality, for most, remains strong and highly enjoyable. Not quite for the audiophile purist but logic and pure common-sense has to prevail on mono records over 43-years-old. So realistically, these old single-channel records are more often seen with marks and minor sound degrading, in most cases this is the rule-of-thumb and there is little anyone can do about that these days. Pink Floyd’s ‘Piper’ is far from impossible to find and far more easily than this one, but most are seen trashed, played into a state of not being worth listening too, often with appalling distortion and horrendous sound degrading. This title often the same, this is light-years off that. Vintage mono record players tracked as huge weights with thicker stylus – fact. It’s no small wonder so many gems are seen and heard in very poor conditions which makes this record more than a highly respectable copy. I found this a pleasure to hear and truly it is a real experience in mono with more dynamics and arguably more detail. The album is presented in a different matter to the ear and little on this copy spoilt the experience. Any surface are sounds gentle and infrequent, a few light clicks, most on side two, but muted by the music in most cases. There are NO banging click, clonks or pops at all, the tracking is easy and effortless, little marred by pleasure on this one but if absolute perfection is demanded, well wait for the near impossible and dig very deep. This landmark record is sure to please many collectors but the most discering sound and visual purist will have to wait for the near impossible. A plain and simply fact is, relatively expensive moving coil cartridges attached to a high-end and revealing stereo turntable will bring out the blemishes more freely than a more modest front-end. These mono records were not really designed to be played on such equipment and when one can still withstand this almost unfair test, I think it’s a record more than worthy of offering. Clearly a record that will depend somewhat to what its played on and to whose ear sensitivity. Any relatively minor surface sounds or small few gentle clicks washed over by the brilliance of the music. As I always state on my adverts where a record has been played a number of times with visual and minor sound blemishing, if in doubt, do not bid.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(-): no great distance of fully Excellent to be honest, this still looks very impressive. A gatefold format with front and back laminate. This wraps around the closed edges and inside and ends on the four external interior flipbacks. This is the genuine mono SX 6306 original and was printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day.

Lamination: Front & Back: Somewhat against the odds, both sides retain full, shiny and clear laminate that remains fully adhered with no lifting or blisters. Minimal dulling on the front around the rim outline seen under light, a bit more seen on the critically revealing black back near the extreme edges but still amongst the least I have seen on this cover. A very few fine and light surface or pressmarks marks, but in truth barely any are of worthy of special note, with normal viewing, little is even seen at all and nothing even is ‘scuff’ heavy. The main issue are fine edge creases that few escape as a bare minimum. There are several of these, most evident, as usual, on the spine. These heavyweight records do put stress on this area and these are pretty much considered normal by most collectors. A couple of other creases on the front are still less than moderate with a tiny few very small half moons that again show little on the predominately white backdrop of the front. Being ultra critical, and a totally natural blemish (if even deemed as such), a light gripper line, impressions are (only just) evident near the top edge (but look very hard). Of course, below the laminate and part of the manufacturing process – hardly even no why I mention such trivia being honest, but there you go. The graphics are impressive, vivid and fresh – barely any traces of discolour to the white front, just a couple of tiny tone spots on the exposed strip on the right edge and the back remains a superb intense rich coal black. I hope my close-ups pictures reitterate just how nice this looks – a cover more than capable of revealing zooming-in, note the lack of wear, cleaness and detail – not perfect, but this sets a high standard – 43-years-old too, it should speak for itself.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Equally impressive, arguably even more so. Any discolour or tone spots are tiny and few and the whiteness of the unprotected card is still just that – white – not yellow or pale brown. All four flipbacks are impressive too with no damage as such, the nearest being (as is so often the case), the sticky end line (when new anyway) stuck a fraction so pulled a a couple of small areas on the bottom one. Often this can affect the whole ends of all, this has avoided that with just a couple of small pulls. The good news, this on the white area of the bottom, so it shows little anyway, the red ends of the top pair are totally unaffected and incredibly neat. Any grubbiness or toning to the flipback ends is minimal and the ends have avoided burring or lifting too. So all considered, the main four faces have survived in very impressive condition and somewhat above average compared to the few others I have seen.

Top Edges: Both have no wear and retain full laminate that is shiny and smooth.

Bottom Edges: Practically as above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, very sharp with no wear or feathering, no trimming guaranteed. Record enters on the front edge, the back being totally closed.

Spine and Text: The spine design is very similar to a standard ‘Sgt Pepper’, being relatively thin and prone to crease forming, hence the laminate cracks and peels by natural usage. Over time, it tightens and cracks even if it is not opened much anyway. Hence this one has shed most of it’s laminate, but the surface shows little wear and the great news is ALL the text is present and unworn (as seen on my close-up picture). Fractionally sunken into the natural forming central crease but still solid, straight with minimal compression. The smallish area that is thinner actually retains it’s laminate, it appears the rest has actually expanded a little, probably being restricted by the laminate pressure previously. The spine area is indeed the only area where the laminate has shed, but with minimal wear the surface area, it has little visual impact. Folded quite straight with slight drop on the top edges but the right ones are still quite parallel and meet up near flush.

Corners: Any tip rubs are modestly small and light. The spine ones may appear eroded slightly, but no, this is how they were made with a more 45 degree natural angle and slightly open ends. The right four are normal shaped and retain very fine definition.

Cover Summary: A very strong all-round and arguably a little undergraded example of this classic late 60’s, original mono cover, one that will prove difficult to find much better. These are hardly regular finds, this did not sell in any great numbers – with few clues to it’s great age, this will match or better most available ones around. Okay, a few minor blemishes but sufficiently light as not to impair the visual beauty of this classic sleeve. This splendid item should please many, if not most collectors, but not the highly discerning cover connoisseur.

The Inner: EXCELLENT(++): with little to really fault. Few of these old unlined inners will remain in such fine condition with such a heavy record inside all these years. The edges are intact and with hardly any creasing (one neat one to the one top corner only) and clean too. This has the early ‘Patents Applied For’ text.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: VERY GOOD: this confirms exactly to the Record Collector guide for visual condition, but this probably has not been played ‘many times’. This still does this classic album fine justice but clearly it is not for everyone. It does have light surface marks and fine hairlines with the odd light paper scuff or two. Any sounding marks are few and far between and most of the visible marks are only light. These vintage thickly pressed heavyweight records were more able to withstand surface marks or even marks that appear more sinister, than records pressed from the 70s onwards where vinyl weight and thickness was (in most cases) drastically reduced their resistance. If any deep penetrating large scratches had been present on this record, I would not have purchased it. Rare or not, I will not offer records that do not offer very decent sound quality and this is more than just ‘decent’. Most plays very well indeed. I am simply realistic enough to know, many 60s mono records will sustain marks in their long lifetime, if we wait for visual and audio perfection all the time, such classics as this would simply rarely, if ever be offered. This is, for many, still a very pleasing visual copy that is clean with fine shine, intense black and very heavily pressed. When you see some records of this era played into submission with a swath of matted spindle marks and substantial hole erosion and widening, playing surfaces covered in fingermarks, deep marks and gouges, this is way above that, and importantly, it tacks effortless and plays very well with most-all of it’s quality sound fully intact and enjoyable. Some collectors have no objection to a few light surface sounds or a few mild clicks, they regard it as part of the old vinyl experience, I can and do subscribe to this view. It’s distortion and groovewear I have little to no tolerance for, and this has NONE of that. If light surface marks are acceptable, albeit in fair number, but quality prevailing, this should please. Any doubts, do not bid – simple – this is a Very Good record, not excellent or near mint.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This massively pressed, rare masterpiece, plays above it’s respectable visual grading with modestly little to fault. Strong, very dynamic and punchy sound and all sharp, clear and focused – that for this listener is the crucial aspect of this and any vinyl record. Any other surface sounds are modestly light and infrequent with a few light clicks here and there, but such is the immense sound on this recording, most are obscured and have little impact on the ear. There are NO loud pops, clicks or cutting noises, the playing surfaces are marked but this has minimal audio effect. The most surface sound noted on the innermost tracks on side two, this playing on a ruthlessly revealing LP12 and through the rest of my system – it pulls no punches – a more modest system will make much of these blemishes almost inaudable. I never wish to over-state this, but simply state the facts as they are. Many of my regular buyers own massive systems that make mine pale into insignificance, but it works both ways. I am more than happy to reveal what I play-grade my records on, this gives the potential customer a guide to know what to expect and how seriously I take audio quality – and as a by-the-way, I thank all who contact me for advice on equipment issues. With the majority of UK mono pressings, when they do surface, being very heavily played and often deeply scratched and clearly not audiophile standard, this has survived those heady days generally well and certainly better than many. Occasionally seen in secondhand record shops in wretched conditions - grading Fair at best – with torn, tatty, tired covers – and still with massive price tags, such examples put one like this into real perspective. Both channels are clean and sharp and devoid of any ‘mono’ noises (e.g. constant crackle though one channel, often caused by mislignment or uneven groove wear). Very little, if indeed anything really spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. I tend to listen to the music and let any minor sound blemishes wash over me, some are more tolerant than others and I regard myself as fairly critical. Again, I am realistic enough to know a few minor sound blemishes are almost normal on a mono record this age. Often, just a few plays can cause havoc to those fragile grooves and sound become seriously impaired. In this aspect, this has minimal traces at all, any crackle brief and infrequent with most of the songs playing very well indeed and even exceeding my expection. A fact in hi-fi, the finer the stylus tip, the deeper it penetrates the groove, hence the surface marks are more likely to be ignored, but any real groovewear is heard more of course. So glad to reitterate, there is barely any of note. Stereo copies are easier to find and, still rare, they do surface more often, especially the black and silver label later pressings or US versions. These often in better conditions because stereo equipment was generally, more sympathetic. This mono original will still prove difficult to find significantly better and can still be highly recommended. A very rare opportunity to own an early-pressed copy on vinyl - most have to rely on CD revamps or reissues. If a little sound or gentle clicks are unacceptable, do not bid, but I will state again, any here are mainly mild and not by means freqeutn, this gem still gives a fine account of itself. If this is to be played on a multi-thousand pound super-system, do not expect miracles, but on a quality, even lower-budget stereo (or indeed mono) audio system, this will sound fine and give many years and plays of real pleasure. I have been as honest and as accurate as I can, I know this will cause major interest, and so it should, only bid if you feel sure this is the copy you want, I cannot say fairer. This is a Very Good (rare) mono record, attractive rough textured labels, clearly played with marked playing surfaces, with a lovely very near Excellent cover.

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 QED Silver 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.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

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 stiffners 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 7,000+ items sold in nearly 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 3 or 4 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). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

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.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (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 [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 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 [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance 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: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, 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’.