ROLLING STONES BEGGARS BANQUET RARE UK DECCA MONO FIRST

	£		102
	$		135

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 any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Album / Record Title: BEGGARS BANQUET

Rarity: VERY RARE - Originally released in the UK December 1968 in both mono and stereo formats it was quickly recognised as a great album, sold in large quantity and peaked at #3 in the UK album charts - so there were a lot in circulation. First press vinyls were issued with the UNBOXED DECCA labels in both mono/red and stereo/blue in fairly equal quantity, and they are both VERY RARE NOW. Early original UNBOXED DECCA examples of Beggars Banquet appear on the market from time to time, but because they are 40 years old and were usually played a lot, and on crude equipment, they are RARELY FOUND LIKE THIS with an EXCELLENT HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL DELIVERING SUPERB AUDIO. The outer covers are frequently creased and/or badly damaged and although this one is not perfect it is a very presentable original by Garrod & Lofthouse International, with ‘Patents Pending’ and the incorrect spelling of ‘Keith Richard(s)’ name on the back cover which are further indications of a very early first issue . This album also has the original Decca four box dot border inner sleeve specific to the era. This EXCELLENT ‘BEGGARS BANQUET’ is a RARE ORIGINAL FROM THE U.K. FIRST PRESS in the MONO FORMAT on HEAVY VINYL with FIRST PRESS MATRICES & STAMPERS & ‘JT’ CODE and lovely UNBOXED DECCA RED LABELS - a lovely example which sounds brilliant. The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM AND FIRST MONO ISSUE
• A UK FIRST PRESSING WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS & JT
• SUPERB DECCA HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL NEAR EXCELLENT
• MONO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL UNBOXED DECCA RED LABELS SILVER PRINT
• UK ORIGINAL GARROD & LOFTHOUSE LAMINATED GATEFOLD
• ORIGINAL DECCA FOUR BOX INNER SLEEVE STILL POLY-LINED
• HARD TO FIND IN THIS CONDITION AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Artiste(s): THE ROLLING STONES - Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: MONO

Record label: ORIGINAL UNBOXED DECCA RED LABEL ‘FULL FREQUENCY RANGE RECORDING’, WITH SILVER PRINT

Catalogue Number: LK 4955

Country of manufacture and first published date: Made in England 1968

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     XARL-8476-6A

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     XARL-8477-2A

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    1   C::   JT

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    1   UU   JT

(n.b. As with many popular albums where the record company has reason to anticipate high levels of demand the First Issue pressings are arranged in sets so the matrices do not always start ‘1’ and they are not necessarily matched on sides 1&2 - often they do not include ‘1’ matrices because they are used as test or industry pressings. In the case of Beggars Banquet the matrices appear on UK First Issue, First Pressings in various combinations from 2A to 6A, they are all First or very early issues and the most important factor is the Mother number which is always ‘1’ on both sides of UK First pressed vinyls, as it is in this case)

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL / NO EXPECTATIONS / DEAR DOCTOR / PARACHUTE WOMAN / JIG-SAW PUZZLE / SIDE 2: STREET FIGHTING MAN / PRODIGAL SON / STRAY CAT BLUES / FACTORY GIRL / SALT OF THE EARTH

My opinion and summary of condition: After their successful foray into psychedelic rock with ‘Satanic Majesty’ a departure which, anecdotally, neither Mick Jagger nor Keith Richards were entirely at ease with, they emphatically reclaimed the blues based popular progressive rock ‘high ground’ with Beggars Banquet. This is without doubt one of their all time great albums and one of the best of the genre. I will just summarize the all important condition. Whether you are a variant collector or Rolling Stones enthusiast this album has a lot to offer. It shows signs of being played and enjoyed over the years but that said I don’t often see better genuine original examples. This is complete and generally first rate, with just a few minor flaws and blemishes which I explain in the grading, but there are no significant negatives and overall it is a highly desirable example. Just take a look at those FIRST ISSUE MATRICES and ‘1’ STAMPERS, indicating that this lovely HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL was pressed from the FIRST MOTHERS, and you can see how special this is. Highly recommended.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade).

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT MINUS, some light movement lines and bag marks, a few are more noticeable, but they are not tangible and they have no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT MINUS, some light movement lines and bag marks, a few are more noticeable, but they are not tangible and they have no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 2: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines but otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD PLUS at least, and tending to NEAR EXCELLENT; I am ‘spread’ grading this because it is mainly near excellent but there are a few limited flaws which hold back the grade slightly. The original externally laminated classic gatefold cover of mid-weight card construction, Printed by Garrod and Lofthouse International Limited. A few tiny surface creases adjacent to the spine and edges on the front and back. Some small indents front and back just above centre, a few small light brown spots mainly adjacent to the lower end of the spine where there are two scuffs, slight general surface discolouration which is even and not unpleasant, and a few mini-dents and light burring at the leading edge where the vinyl enters - but nothing serious or extensive. The centre spread is in first rate condition with just very light evidence of ageing. Overall this is a clean and tidy original; please take a careful look at the super-sized photographs to make your own assessment.

Spine: VERY GOOD PLUS, mid width spine which has some limited rub wear, slight rippling and unavoidable minor laminate separation due to opening and closing over time, two noticeable scuffs which have browned towards the bottom and corner, but it is still clean, clear, and almost fully readable with the exception of the numbers in the catalogue reference which are obscured by the small scuff - the super- sized photographs show it well, please take a look.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT original white paper with blue printed advisory notes in four ‘dot border’ boxes, still fitted with antistatic poly-liner slightly creased and just a little light browning with age.

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

Vinyl Weight: 149 grammes (a dynamic Decca heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with EXCELLENT & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory - or better. Please use these grades, in conjunction with the audio performance information below, to make your assessment.

THIS VINYL PLAY-GRADES: EXCELLENT & VERY GOOD PLUS.

Audio Performance: IN MY OPINION THESE EARLY UK DECCA VINYLS IN THE MONO FORMAT IN THIS EXCELLENT CONDITION ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD FOR DELIVERING AND RETAINING SUPERB AUDIO. THIS ONE LIVES UP TO EXPECTATIONS AND DELIVERS A GREAT SOUND. THERE IS A LITTLE SOFT CRACKLE DURING THE ‘LEAD IN’, LINKING GROOVES, RUN OFF AND QUIETER MOMENTS, AND THE OCCASIONAL LIGHT TICK IN BETWEEN TRACKS AS YOU MAY EXPECT; BUT WHERE IT MATTERS, ON TRACK, IT IS TRULY SUPERB. I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC - BUT THIS IS A PLEASURE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - ABSOLUTELY REAL, CLEAR AND POWERFUL SOUND FROM THE ROLLING STONES.

Other: Another lovely example of a brilliant classic album, highly collectible and a really great vinyl to play and enjoy.

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 and stamper codes 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 these cases 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 in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful 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. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so 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 comprehensive 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, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. 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 Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. 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.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.

N.B. AN 'EAGLE EYED' VISITOR TO THIS LISTING HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO DRAW MY ATTENTION TO AN ERROR. IN THE LEADER PARAGRAPH I MISTAKENLY IMPLIED THAT THE GATEFOLD COVER HAS A 'PATENT PENDING' NOTE. HOWEVER, THIS WAS AN OVERSIGHT ON MY PART AND THE COVER DOES NOT DISPLAY 'PATENT PENDING' - THERE IS NO PATENT STATEMENT AT ALL WHICH COULD MEAN THAT IT IS FROM THE EARLIER OR LATER PRINTING OF THE FIRST ISSUE COVERS. I APOLOGISE TO ANY VISITORS OR WATCHERS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN UNINTENTIONALLY MISLED OR INCONVENIENCED BY MY MISTAKE, AND IF THIS REVISION AFFECTS THE INTEREST OF ANY BIDDER(S) PRIOR TO THE ADDITION OF THIS NOTE THEY WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO WITHDRAW THEIR BID(S). I HAVE DOUBLE CHECKED THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THE LISTING AND I THINK EVERYTHING ELSE IS CORRECT.