Sheer Heart Attack (3U/3U) Mega Rare very first pressing

Most people think that 3U/4U are the first press matrix numbers of this classic album but this is not actually true.  On Queenmuseum.com the first reported commercial issue has matrix numbers of 3U/3U and they are known to be extremely rare as only around 2000 were pressed.  Therefore this is the one of the rarest pressings known of this album, perhaps the rarest.  The fact that it is as near to Mint as you will find makes the one I am selling even more rare and highly collectible.  I have never heard or seen better.  Please also note how low the stampers are denoting it as a very early first pressing.

As per the earliest pressings there is no Trident logo on the back cover and the lyric inner has four cropped corners.

  EMC 3061 // YAX 4881 - 3U / YAX 4882 - 3U // Mother Stampers TP 2 & TD 1

The audio on both sides is Mint-

The laminated cover is Near Mint

The lyric inner is Near Mint-

The original EMI labels are Near Mint

 Visual grading

  This vinyl is visually stunning and has a lustrous glossy sheen that has to be seen to be believed!  It only has a handful of very faint hairlines but no scratches at all.  There is some spindle wear but it is obvious this vinyl has been very carefully handled as the audio, as described below, is of the highest quality possible.  The laminated cover is also in immaculate condition.

Play grading

With minimal quiet static right at the beginning 'Brighton Rock' plays with wonderful audio.  It plays with a power and clarity that is hard to beat.  The quieter sections play beautifully, this really is a stunning listen.  You just have to hear 'Killer Queen' to believe it!  It quite simply plays as new the quality is that good.  The remainder of the side is also practically of Mint standard.  I'm running out of superlatives here!  The depth and power of the sound, and especially the bass, is so strong it is just incredible to think this vinyl was pressed 43 years ago.  A good barometer of any record is how well the quiet songs play and 'Lily of the Valley' here plays with no background noise whatsoever and I have never heard better.  Absolutely stunning!  Shock, horror I heard one very dull click at the start of 'Now I'm Here'!  Aside from that the track matches the quality of what precedes it with only a little distortion perhaps.

Side Two plays as per Side One basically!  There is no interference to be heard and the clarity and depth once again is first class.  'Dear Friends' for such a quiet track plays beautifully with only 2/3 of the quietest dust ticks you will hear but in all honesty plays to a Mint standard.  'Bring Back That Leroy Brown' plays in the same way and the final two tracks do not disappoint either.  This 3U/3U pressing plays to the highest standard possible and definitely has the wow factor!  Impeccable quality for an LP now 43 years old.

In summary this is a genuine museum piece.  For a very rare 3U/3U pressing the audio is just out of this world and the fact that I heard only one dull click (very quiet!) throughout the entire playback is so rare and practically unheard of.  Often thought of as the fans favourite this is a true final upgrade archive copy that any die-hard fan would love to own!

Cover

This is without doubt one of the best G & L laminated covers I have ever seen.  Visually it is stunning!  As stated it does not have the Trident logo on the bottom right of the back cover confirming it as a very first pressing.  The edges and thin pinched spine are in immaculate condition with no rubbing and the opening edge is also remains in superb condition.  There are a few very small creases either side of the spine but that is the only negative if you can call it that and they are they are not that noticeable.  The laminate itself is in fantastic shape with no splits or lifting anywhere.  It still has that glossy look to it and quite honestly this is as close to 'as new' as I have seen in a long time and to think it houses a 3U/3U pressing - wow!

Lyric inner

The paper lyric inner is exceptionally clean and in near perfect condition.  As stated this has the four cropped corners as per the early pressings.  It remains beautifully clean with no marks or writing.  There is just one tiny split to the right edge but you have to look so closely to even spot it!  Despite that it is one of the best you will ever find and when you consider it is made of paper it is remarkable it has remained in this condition for so long.  It has obviously been barely handled. 

Play tested on my Technics SL-J110R turntable system 

EMC 3061 // YAX 4881 - 3U / YAX 4882 - 3U // Mother Stampers TP 2 & TD 1

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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In the coming weeks and months I will be putting plenty of Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis and Marillion items on the site so please keep a look out!  Many thanks.  Please look at my other items on now!

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