ROLLING STONES / BEGGARS BANQUET, 1968 UK *1st PRESS*

	£		73
	$		97

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a superb example of the album by THE ROLLING STONES titled “BEGGARS BANQUET”, Catalogue Number SXL 4955. This is a 1968 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the DECCA RECORD LABEL (UNBOXED SILVER DECCA LOGOS). The Matrix Numbers are XZAL-8476-1K and XZAL-8477-2K. Seriously difficult to find in the exceptional condition offered here!!

The laminated *1st Press* gatefold sleeve, printed by Garrod and Lofthouse, is in VERY GOOD+ CONDITION (strictly graded). The front and back laminated covers are in excellent unmarked condition with no lifting of the laminate, and the gold edges completely intact. There is some creasing to the top spine corner (see photo). The opening gatefold spread is in excellent shape. The top and bottom edges show hardly any wear at all. There is a little feathering to the opening edges. Apart from the creasing to the top spine corner, the corners are nice and square with only very light rubbing. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. There are no rips, stickers or writing. Overall, a lovely example of this fragile 1st Press sleeve!

The solidly pressed vinyl has a deep mirror-like shine. Visually in EXCELLENT+ CONDITION with just very light sleeve removal type surface marks evident, which are of course purely superficial, and do not have any audio significance. The BEAUTIFUL BLUE DECCA LABELS (with UNBOXED SILVER DECCA LOGOS) are unmarked apart from a few light spindle traces near the centres. I am confident that the record has not been played very many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is where I have to resist the temptation to get carried away! Many of the Stereo mixes from the late 1960s are rather overshadowed by their Mono counterparts, but the 1st Press Stereo mix of Beggars Banquet is a masterpiece. This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant Stereo recording, which sounds SENSATIONAL PLAYED AT LOUD VOLUME. The amazing sounds that emanate from these 1st Press grooves are very special – and this is a top-playing copy!! The record plays without fault. I don’t make this statement lightly – I am very critical. Both sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. There are no pops or loud clicks, and a minimum of unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience. Several of the tracks have quiet introductions and passages which can easily be spoiled by excessive surface sound. Not on this copy – all play beautifully, with only occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive. You simply will not find a significantly better playing copy!!

Complete with the original blue and white STEREO inner sleeve, with care of “THE EQUIPMENT” and “THE RECORD” text at the sides, and “British Patent No..” and “Made in England..” text in blue print at the bottom. There are no splits or tears, just some light creasing and age discoloration.

STEREO FIRST PRESSINGS OF BEGGARS BANQUET WITH NEAR PERFECT PLAYBACK ARE IMPOSSIBLY HARD TO FIND - DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.