ROLLING STONES No 2 UK N/M LP+Blind Man cover

	£		132
	$		175

Hi, I am Mike, I am 46 and have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 33 years now. We all wish we could turn back the clock and buy those wonderful brand new records from the 60s and 70s, but alas, this is not possible; so I always try to offer the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. No vinyl/music lover really would choose to buy second-hand, but this is only way now to own these valuable, prized and ellusive items now. 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, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirity, not just bits to guess a grade (on a Rega 3 deck with Ortofon cartridge) - 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 reader – 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. 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 or sticks or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

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. 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. Item wants are always welcome - email me with anything needed, you never know - I may just have a copy in stock. I by quality single items and collections also (Email me please if you have quality items for sale).

Debutant Bidders: Many sellers refuse first time buyers: I do not follow this practice (everybody has to start somewhere), but I would appreciate any first timer letting me know their intentions of their intended payment method and very prompt communication, preferably before any bid or soon after the auctions ends. This gives confidence that their intentions are honourable, and I in return guarantee extra special good feedbacks to get zero rated Ebayers off to a flying start to help them with future transactions. NOTE: I WILL NOT ACCEPT BIDS FROM UNREGISTERED USERS, I will cancel them immediately, and sorry, I cannot give valuations on people’s personal items just for their own curiosity, no item can be accurately valued blindly.

Please read all the information carefully - these adverts take an age to compile properly - so it’s well worth a few minutes of your time to read the details thoroughly. I really cannot take any responsibility if any bidder fails to read any facts that are clearly stated in the advert - Thankyou.

Artist or Band: THE ROLLING STONES

Album Title: No 2

Cat Number: LK 4661 Mono (not issued in stereo).

Label and Condition: Decca red label with the original unboxed logo format, ffrr (full frequency range recording) and has the ear logo. A pair of the most astonishing clean and unmarked early unboxed Decca mono examples I have ever seen, these have to be seen to be believed. This record is approaching 40 years old now and how many survive in this condition will be probably few. Side one maybe has just TWO faint spindle marks and side two, well there may be just about ONE, but look hard to see it. This actual record is time capsule material, I have never seen a copy of No. 2 as an unboxed copy quite like this, it probably has been played once (and once by me for my mandatory grading). Unbelievable, but true, I have checked this about five times now just to make sure I am not imagining this - no its true, these labels are close to pristine Mint!. (Please see label scans for all information needed, have you ever seen better?)

Country of Manufacture: England, UK

Rarity: Rolling Stones albums, like Beatles albums are not rare, but finding them in true EX or better condition is far harder. This record is bordering on Mint and that’s no lie, my regulars know my grading is one of the most stringent and critical on the Net (I am often told I undergrade) but this is really one to get excited about because this vintage gem is in a condition of the likes that is so rarely seen, especially for a Stones album - they were so very often played into destruction. (Please refer to my paragraph further down mono vs stereo to put this into context). And talking of rarity, this one comes in the original ‘Blind Man’s’ cover, more about this in ‘Album info’ below.

Original Year of Release: 1965

Matrix Nos: XARL 6619-1A and 6620-2A, a very early pressing, maybe even a first with the 1A. The stampers are: 2D/AU and 3D/H1.1 (the latter series of characters are hard to be totally sure of).

Brief Artist & Album Info: Following on in a similar vein to the debut, this second album is slightly more polished and again produced by Andrew Loog Oldham. It also features three Jagger/Richard compositions. Importantly too, this stunning cover has the reference to the ‘Blind Man’ included, which was removed from all but the early pressings of the original. Considered in bad taste and controversial it states in the second column near the top: “Cast deep in your pockets for loot to buy this disc of groovies and fancy words. If you dont have the bread, see that blind man knock him on the head, steal his wallet and low and behold you have the loot, if you put in the boot, good, another one sold!’’ (Please see the text close up for confirmation of this being included). This is a pretty amazing copy, as stated the record is sublime and looks and plays like a brand new copy. The cover is not quite so strong, it never realistically could be, it without doubt is one of the most fragile covers from this period. The paper is wafer thin and even looking at it could add a crease mark - all jokes aside, this is rarely, if ever found creaseless and this one has some, none too heavy - I have seen some that have more creases than non-creased areas. This tears and frays and falls apart more often than not, so this one is way better than average and looks nice, and with the inclusion of the Blind Man’s reference blurb, this is a highly prized item too. Again more details below.

Cover Grade and Format: EX(-) to EX, I think that is a fair grading for such a fragile, even flimsy thin card cover this great age. Its a single format, laminated front and printed in England by MacNeill Press, London. This one is the flipbacked version, it was available in both flipbacked and non-flipbacked formats. It was made in the early type very thin card, later copies were slightly thicker and more resilient.

Cover Front and Lamination: The laminate is strong, it retains a fine shine and has no peeling or dry areas. No indentations and only a very faint hint of a record press mark (not ringwear). The usual heavy pressed vintage Decca LP will always leave a faint impression at best, many are far, far worse and with the thin paper this has fared very well indeed. This front does have the almost mandatory creasing. There is only one near the bottom left that can be considered more towards moderate - there are none heavy at all. Then there are several of the smaller hairline types, mostly confined to the very edges and middle to bottom right. These really do not show up a great deal and as stated again, this is a pretty good example and way above average. Simply handling this over its great age will cause these smallish creases, a simple, single push into a record rack that a little tight and that’s it, creases, it only takes the once to do it. This cover front still retains a high attractiveness, the young Stones still look great. This is a typically early dark photograph, later versions do look a little ‘different’. All the rich colour and depth is preserved under the solid lamination and this cover when stored in a brand new heavy duty protective sleeve (supplied of course) will and does look terrific.

Cover Back: No laminate and black and white, and approaching middle age (old age for a record of course). Well this is quite nice again, this is so fragile as you can imagine. This back has little rubbing, maybe a faint trace on the black areas. The whiteness is generally held up well, certainly no yellowing or toning caused by great age or smoking. Any surface grubbiness (a word I hate to use, and rarely have to) is very minimal, few if any white area covers will be totally devoid of any and this does have light traces of mild soiling or light mark. The end of laminate areas are most prone to darkening, but only a faint trace of this here. The important ‘blind man’s’ text is near perfect with zero wear and there is only a faint hint of a ring mark if being critical. The flipbacks are pretty neat with only mild hair creases. The top one on the left has a small fray/pull but that’s about all the real damage I have to report. This back will still outclass many, if not most and like the front still retains a high attractiveness.

Top Edge: Faint wear traces only.

Bottom Edge: Same again.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with little wear. A minute nick tear on back, approx 3 mm, yes that small. Importantly, this has little feathering which for this cover is unusual. Just one push too hard in a storage rack will burr and feather the entry edge on this thin card, this is pretty sharp and any wear really is light and neat. The record enters on the right edge.

Spine and Text: The thin, frail spine is in fine shape too with no wear or damage to the text. There is a few fine hairlines on the spine but all laminate is fully intact and has no peeling or lifting.

Corners: All four have very minor wear traces, light grazing really, a minute split trace on the bottom right, again measured only in millimetres. All four retain decent shape.

Cover Summary: A very respectable cover, highly important and significant in a serious Stones collection with that Blind Man’s text, how long this was available I am not sure - I am a little too young to remember, sorry. But its clear this was controversial, and still would be even today. After its withdrawal, the text changed quite a lot and all reference to the blind man was deleted. So a stronger than usual early version, it have deliberately gone into fine detail on this one, maybe overcritical too, but its importance cannot be overstated. Its a lesser grade than the actual record, but this record is in such a condition it would simply take an unplayed copy to better it and even that could not be guaranteed. Would an unplayed copy of this 1965 LP still exist? - maybe, but where and is it available? I think realistically I have probably undergraded this cover, its a nice one.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: I would rarely, if ever use the word ‘Mint’ on a ‘used’ record, but I am surely tempted on this one. But lets say undergraded as Mint(-). A stunning copy on probably the most consistently brilliant pressed label ever. Decca did not compromise, even on their later pressings. This is a heavy pressed copy and jet black. Super clean and virtually unmarked, the faintest of hairlines I just about detected under angled light - of course totally superficial and no sound whatsoever, its so light I almost missed it. If all records came like this there would be no need to grade at all. This looks and plays like new. The record comes in its original blue and white lined inner. Like the record its in superb shape. Near pure white and unsplit with a super clean and clear window. A slight ruffle on the left corner is about all, this almost puts the icing on the record’s cake.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This super record plays up to its high visual grading with nothing to fault. Strong, undistorted sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear from both channels. The lack is any distortion is hugely important, this has simply never been subjected to abuse from ancient turntables. (please see paragraph below to put this into true context). No pops or ticks from memory and a super fine pressing in a class of its own. From the very beginning opening grooves to the final run outs this is nearly CD quiet proving what vinyl can be like. A beautiful record to play and enjoy, this outclasses any revamped formats, this record is unlikely to be bettered - a phenominal item, even the Stones connoisseurs should really treasure this copy. If I live to be 100 I doubt if I will ever see an unboxed copy of No 2 in such glorious condition. Simply looking at it gives pleasure.

Mono vs Stereo, an overview: Always a matter of opinion which is better or more important. For any serious collector where there is a choice e.g. Beatles, Stones, Hendrix etc. both are essential. True Stereo albums give great imagery and presence whereas mono albums usually are more dynamic, louder and present the detail more clearly. Mono albums are far harder to find in genuinely top playing condition. Most were heavily played, particularly the truly great bands and artists, often covered in mark and scratches, many severe and labels that were a mass of spindle marks. The majority were played on vintage and unsubtle decks with heavy tonearms and thick styli (often sapphire, not diamond, that chipped more easily) that rendered heavy wear in a very short time to many a fine classic record. Wear to the delicate groove walls, particularly the innermost tracks to the labels were most vulnerable where the tracking angle became more severe and the backdrag actually stripped the delicate groove walls. This resulted in surface noise and mild/moderate distortion or worse. These old decks tracked by sheer weight and little of any refined engineering. Next time you see such a deck at a local record fayre, feel the weight of the arm, it almost makes you wonder how any records survived at all. The point of this paragraph is emphasise that when a truly clean, lightly played and great sounding 60s mono album (or stereo come to that) is offered, treasure it, because for sure they are truly getting vary rare and precious - beware - demand only play-graded records. As a general guide to rarity, mono was the far more common format from 61–65; Around 66–67 the balance was roughly equal, then from 68-69 the balance swung more to stereo, making monos from these dates far scarcer, even rare - this guide is important and effects values greatly.

Track Listing: Everybody needs somebody to love; Down home girl; You can’t catch me; Time is on my side; What a shame; Grown up wrong; Down the road Apiece; Under the Boardwalk; I cant be satisfied; Pain in my heart; Off the Hook; Suzie-Q.

Album Played For Grading: Yes (Wow).

Final Summary: Rolling Stones albums sold in large numbers, and most were played on decks with arms that weighed almost in ounces not grammes. Decca vinyl was tough for sure, but decks like that took their toll, and most copies got simply hammered. To find one like this is a major rarity, even with a cover that falls a grade below the record, this is true investment quality and is better than cash in the bank. I would say the only problem with it is, its almost too good to play, thats the winning bidders decision. But my play grade almost took me aback to my boyhood, I do remember early Stones records being played, just about everywhere. Hearing this vintage recording with such clarity and detail on my modern deck was nothing short of breathtaking, I simply hope the winning bidder enjoys it half as much as I did. – Mike.

Payment Details please read carefully:

UK First Class: = £2.50; Recorded Delivery (Recommended) = £4.00 Special Delivery (Next day, insured up to £250), the best service available = £6.00

Europe Air Mail: = £4 Insured: £8.00

Overseas, non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Australia etc. Airmail:= £7; Insured with recorded delivery (where available) = £11.00

Singles: (Packed to the high standards of the LPs)

UK First class: = £2.00 Insured: £4

Europe Air Mail = £3.00 Insured: £5.50

Overseas, non-Europe (as above) Airmail £3.50 Insured: £6.00

Doubles add extra £1, triples add extra £2. Box sets add extra £3 (£4 overseas and Europe)

Any item that sells for over £85 will be sent Special Delivery in the UK at no extra cost. Items over £125 get the same service Overseas. This is gives peace of mind for the winning bidder and myself for valuable items. Reduced postage of course for multiple items.

The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£28). PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT use surface mail, its too slow, with a higher risk of loss and damage.

Mailing Details: Please note I do not profit on postage (my packing standards are high and the package weighs a little more. All records are sent in plastic covers with the record taken out of the sleeve and sent in professional mailers with FOUR professional stiffners for extra protection (if space allows), I do NOT use old cardboard boxes or cereal packets for protection. More expensive items are also inserted into a de-luxe heavy duty padded bag AS WELL to give that extra protection. I truly want ALL my items to arrive to their destination in the same condition they leave me. I will also include in most cases a brand new lined inner, but will include the original inner if available and in a condition to be given.

I accept cash for payments worldwide in UK Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars - but this at the senders own risk. Please send registered and insured if this method is chosen. I cannot accept responsibility if any cash payments do not turn up. This system is very reliable and rarely goes astray. The same goes for any shipped uninsured item, I can only try to claim for any undelivered or damaged article at basic insurance levels if no enhanced insurance is requested and paid for (unless the value threshold is high enough for me insure as standard, see above)

Overseas bidders please note conversion rates for Pounds to Dollars and Pounds to Euros will be charged at 1.7 to cover PayPal or cash conversion costs.

PLEASE NOTE: Any PayPal user can now pay me with UK Sterling if they wish with no need to convert to US dollars (although they still can if they wish to). Any instant PayPal transaction from anywhere in the world will mean the item will be sent immediately - it makes deals fast and very efficient.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. I now only accept PayPal, International money orders or cash from overseas bidders (UK Sterling, US dollars or Euros). Cash, cheques, postal orders and PayPal are fine from the UK. I allow maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if this does not happen I will relist the item and may send negative feedback unless an explanation is given. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask. Please keep watch on my Ebays, I have other interesting items coming very soon. Thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: As listening to every single record I offer all the way through is difficult timewise, can I make it clear if any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. I still endeavour to play all the items in their entirity for grading if at all possible and is usually the case.