Steamhammer MK 11 - rare LP in superb condition

	£		53
	$		70

Steamhammer MK11

Original pressing Orange CBS label in excellent condition plays superbly. You will have to search very hard to find one in as good condition as this!

 The band's second album, and arguably their best, contains all the best elements of Steamhamer: great playing resulting from a variety of influences. It starts out jazzy, brooding and slow and progresses into a fine tasteful blues jam without ever being flashy. A fine disc from this excellent band that deserved more attention.

Superb condition UK stereo pressing CBS 63594

Original earliest 1969 1st pressing with A1 & BI matrices

 This copy has sat on my shelves alongside many others un-played, but not unloved, for the best part of 40 years and I guess it’s time to let it go to someone who will appreciate it and play it more often.

I bought this from a friend not long after it was first released and it has been stored in a protective polythene outer sleeve and the vinyl has always been kept clean. It has been recently “vacuumed” on my Moth Record Cleaning machine using L’Art du Son” cleaning fluid, which has no alcohol in it, to restore it to its original lustre, since when it has been housed in a Nagaoka anti-static inner sleeve (they really do work), although the original inner sleeve is included here as well. This LP has never been loaned out or taken to any party so I know its entire history and it has always been played on quality equipment.

The matrix details are as follows:

Side One:         SPBG 63694 A1

Side Two:         SPBG 63694 B1

 Vinyl:                  Plays Excellent+

Both sides still retain the high gloss of new vinyl. Plays beautifully with some soft background surface noise, evident only in between tracks and on the lead-in to both sides, although this is not intrusive by any means and doesn’t affect the enjoyment of the recording. This is not caused by wear or dirt but the notoriously poor quality vinyl that CBS used for its Orange label pressing in this era – a legacy problem in other words. However, this is definitely one of the best examples I’ve heard.

The acoustic instruments, such as the guitar and flute, sound crisp and clear and the whole LP plays with no distortion. It sounds very “analogue” (unlike CDs), and the stereo separation between the instruments is very good with each clearly defined and no distortion. The acoustic instrumental sections are particularly well recorded and the playback faithfully reveals this.

Please note:

There are a few extremely fine, non-sounding, hairlines (probably caused by removal from the inner sleeve), on both sides. This is being extremely critical. Other than that this is probably the best condition copy of this LP you’ll be able to lay your hands on (unless you know someone, such as me, who has had a copy from new, always kept it scrupulously clean, never loaned it out and always played it on quality equipment).

I have played this on my latest set-up which is Project Perspective deck, Ortofon Kontrapunkt b cartridge through Musical Fidelity XLPS2 twin mono block phono stage into a WAD Pre–11 valve pre amp coupled to a Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amp and finally Ruark Prelude ‘speakers and it sounds wonderfully dynamic and clear. It is worth bearing in mind that other systems may not reveal the same level of hi-fi sound, especially concerning the reproduction of any surface noise.

Sleeve:         Excellent+

Very slight evidence of ring wear on the rear of the sleeve. No “feathering” on the edges and the spine is still strong with no tears or wear. The lettering on spine is still clear with no hint of wear. There is no writing on any of the sleeve surfaces except for a small initial and number in the middle of the rear sleeve alongside the photograph of Mick Bradley as can be seen in the photograph (if you look very carefully!).

Inner sleeve:          Excellent

This is the original inner sleeve with photos of other CBS albums available at the time and shows little sign of age, other than being slightly yellowed. There is a name (possibly, as I can’t decipher it) written in blue biro at the top of this side of the inner sleeve). This can be verified from the photographs.

Labels:                  Excellent

Both labels are clean and bright with no marks. There is no spindle wear.

This record has been visually and play graded as accurately as possible using the Record Collector's grading system (please see below) with an added + where the condition is somewhere between two grades.

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records listed as un-played should be mint.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have some slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items is acceptable.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration etc.

Posting & Packing

New Royal Mail postage rates from 1st April 2013:

The postage quoted is for Royal Mail 1st Class & Royal Mail Airmail, so if you require any other method of posting or insurance please ask.

I always keep proof of posting & will assist you if you need to make a claim for loss or damage with Royal Mail. Please ensure you provide me with your correct address information.

All LPs will be posted in thick purpose-made cardboard mailers with cardboard inserts for extra protection and the sleeve and LP will be separated to avoid any potential damage to either.

UK

Standard Royal Mail First Class Delivery - £4.50

EUROPE

Royal Mail Airsure International signed-for with full tracking details -  £14.25.

USA & REST OF THE WORLD

Royal Mail Airsure International signed for with full tracking details -  £15.25.

Keep a look-out as I will soon be posting more superb condition LPs from Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, East Of Eden, Jethro Tull as well as a few more unusual ones, all from my own collection, bought at the time of release and extremely well-looked after.

* Please note that I will be away from early Friday morning (19th April) until late Monday evening (22nd April) and so I won't be able to answer any questions - my apologies for this. I will contact the successful bidder on Tuesday morning (23rd April) and endeavour to dispatch the LP(s) as soon as payment has been confirmed.