THE BEATLES A Hard Days Night ORIG UK 1964 Mono N/M LP

	£		255
	$		338

Hi, I am Mike, now 50 – yes the big FIVE-O! Old enough to remember the golden era of original, high quality music, bands, artists and television.

Also records from the 1960s and 70s bought from the shops from new, I have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 37 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 elusive 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, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - 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 and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching for covers - this depends on the lighting at the time and that is out of my control, but I feel sure most items will be very close to the actual real item. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. 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.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortophon 520 Mk II cartridge (tracks at 1.75 grams). Amps: Arcam 2 x 125W Pre-Power. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: All records are posted in professional mailers or boxes as deemed appropriate for the individual item with the record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. Records are posted with TWO (at least) massively thick stiffners for protection and also heavier protection if deemed necessary depending on the content. These stiffners are the thickest possible and custom supplied for ‘Oneadayrecords’ – these are NOT commercially available and you will not have seen thicker protection anywhere. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if possible. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the cheapest and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional’ P&P. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.2 per percent based on over 2,000 items sold in over 5 years Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. Since the introduction of my ‘special’ stiffners it’s a rate of zero.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

Album Title: (Songs from the film) A Hard Days Night.

Producer(s): George Martin.

Track Listing: Side 1: I Should Have Known Better; If I Fell; I’m Happy Just To Dance With You; And I Love Her; Tell Me Why; Can’t Buy Me Love; Hard Day's Night.

Side 2: Anytime At All; I’ll Cry Instead; Things We Said Today; When I Get Home; You Can't Do That; I’ll Be Back.

Label/Format: Parlophone – This has all the criteria for the ‘first pressed’ format. The word ‘pressed’ has little relevance taken strictly on definition of the term but really means first pressed ‘format’, meaning these are first design labels which is different from actual pressing. The Beatles albums were ‘pressed’ a multitude of times but the label and cover designs changed slightly to give a more accurate indication of time of manufacture. This example is clearly very early and the labels have the ‘First published 1964’ text. Also ‘The Parlophone Co Ltd’ text on the label rims and ‘Sold in UK’ etc text above the hole. Side one also has the embossed ‘K T’ tax codes and both are pristine with no rubbing, ink loss or flattening, both look new infact. All text and press registration is immaculate and sharp and the freshness and appearance is near unbeatable. With all the facts of age, popularity and vulnerability in terms of potential use and abuse, both labels are in incredible clean conditions. (Please see my label scans for all information needed).

Label Conditions: Both close to immaculate with only very light and faint spindle marks and no wear around the hole area. It even has a very snug fit around my Linn spindle with no play or give at all and how unusual is that? This has all the hallmarks of a hardly played copy and only one in many hundred ever get seen like this. All collectors and fans know the early mono Beatles titles got heavily played and most are seen badly marked, grubby and play with a host of pops, clicks, crackle and often moderate distortion caused by groovewear from heavy worn, thick mono needles of the day. This copy is flawless and plays with absolutely perfect sound and there lies the difference.

Cat Number: PMC 1230.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 155 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: The album itself is never hard to find, it sold in vast numbers but its the conditions you will ever find the earliest copies in that makes the difference. Any copy of this record that looks and sounds hardly played or even handled are a much different story as outlined above. Far fewer examples are seen or offered that have avoided over-use and abuse on Dansettes or similar vintage record players that stripped away the delicate groove walls and now make them unlistenable. Often used at parties, loaned to friends, or played into destruction, this was very much the norm for such popular records. The covers are usually tatty, grubby, badly creased, torn and written on. Finding clean and undamaged examples is much more difficult. This record, cover and even inner are in fantastic condition and will even appeal to the connoisseur collector. Even on my highly revealing LP12, for which these mono records were never designed, this record plays to perfection with STUNNING SOUND. Pristine dynamic mono sound with the utmost detail and nothing to fault whatsoever, again, there lies the different. A common enough title but rare in this incredible clean condition.

Original Year of Release: 1964

Matrix Nos: XEX 481-3N / XEX 482-3N

Stamper Codes: 4 AMR / 7 AMR

Brief Info: The Beatles third album and another classic, it includes music from the film of the same name which was their first, it was also the first to included all self-written material. Most will know this album well so I will not waste time with further information with such a familiar title. I feel what is more important is the condition and what is actually on offer and this is all detailed below.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: High. This one is more often seen with chips on the very dark blue front expecially near the edges and few seem to avoid it – this one has. The backs often are seen grubby and many include large amounts of personal identification. The flipbacks get pulled, torn and grubby, not on this one again. This has more than withstood the test of time and looks gorgeous for its vintage.

Cover Grade and Format: I am not going to grade this beautiful cover less than Mint(-), it has barely any wear at all and looks fantastic. A single format with front laminate that wraps around all closed edges on to three large rear flipbacks. Printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd which I have found harder to find than the G&L version.

Lamination & Front: An absolutely stunning front cover and I mean that in total and complete honesty, rarely do the early-made covers survive in such fantastic fresh and clean condition. This front’s laminate is immaculate and it’s hard to even finding any fault with it at all. This retains a superb rich and deep shine with the ultimate clarity with no dulling or friction rubs at all. Fully adhered with no lifting or blistering and the lustre and smoothness makes this look like glass. Even under angled light there are hardly any marks or even hairline blemishes and this will prove difficult to find better anywhere. A couple of ultra fine and faint pressmarks can just be seen with the utmost close scrutiny. The lack of creasing is a massive bonus on a ruthlessly revealing cover, there are less than half a dozen faint and fine hairlines on the entire four edges and that goes beyond remarkable. The artwork is pristine and it could pass for new, this has the medium sized work ‘mono’ on the top right corner area as it should. The lack of chipping to the blue borders is also a huge plus as so many seem to attractive this and large white chunks removed from the edges always ruins this lovely sleeve. There are a couple of tiny burr traces near the bottom edge but this is almost nit-picking for the sake of it, this beautiful front cover will simply blow most others away. The right edge sees the laminate end just short of full width and even this exposed deep blue strip is pristine immaculate with no chips, wear or grime-line formation – incredible.

Cover Back: The back main panel is also practically wear-free and as only very slightly darkened a fraction with age. The extreme left edge (opening) has a faintly toned which I guess is mild exposure to light - given its way over 40-years-old, this can be no major surprise but I emphasise, this is only very fine and very light anyway – minus this, I would have been tempted to grade full mint and that’s no lie. There is no rubbing, grubbiness, creasing or ring marks and all text and graphics are perfect. All three flipbacks are in incredible conditions with no damage or burring to the ends that also remain devoid of ugly grime-line formation. They are firmly adhered and ultra neat and nice to see the EJD imprint for a change. Their laminated surfaces are still very white with any traces of toning or darkening miniscule. Incredibly, even these have avoided any creasing which goes beyond unusual.

Top Edge: Unworn.

Bottom Edge: Unworn with just a couple of tiny pressmarks only.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, very sharp with no wear, chipping or feathering. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: Pristine perfect as made: Solid, straight, uncompressed and square, all text is perfect and unworn under the solid and uncracked laminate., try to fine this better.

Corners: All four immaculate with beautiful pointed shape and definition retained. Any tip wear is so tiny and light it’s barely worthy of mention.

Cover Summary: Very close to reference standard proving even the oldeset and most popular titles can survive the years when handled and stored with the respect they deserve. This will prove very difficult to find much better and I guarantee, most seen or offered will be inferior. This beautiful item will please most collectors.

The Inner: EX+ at least. This has the tracing paper type lining with is perfect. The inner has very slightly darkened with age now being an off-white but few avoid this. All edges are unsplit or torn and creasing is modest with the most on one bottom corner area only.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: I am surely tempted to grade this incredible record as full Mint because there is barely a noteworthy mark, blemish or even fine hairline to be seen. Ask yourself, how many vintage mono Beatles albums will ever be found like that? The more I look at it and scrutinise for even tiny marks the more I am amazing by their absence, this is a truly amazing record. Without hardly even played and this is not only reitterated by its beautiful looks but by the immaculate pristine sound too. A superb visual copy that is super clean, shiny, intense black and heavily pressed. Visually this will could be best looking first format copy of ‘Hard Days Night’ you have ever seen. A super record that will please all collectors, I simply fail to see how this could be found better.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This sublime record plays up to its high visual grading with nothing to fault whatsoever. Strong and powerful distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is astonishing with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Devoid of surface sounds and no pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing. All vocals and instruments are fully focused and sharp with full as new clarity. No nonsense about inherent static – crackle is caused by groovewear, bad pressings or inground dust or grime of which this record has none. Static, if present (but NOT here), that causes audio spikes down the system is easily removed with a carbon brush tracking arm. This has pure, pristine clean unworn grooves that give this record flawless sound even on the most revealing of equipment. No high-frequency clipping or unwanted sounds, just pure clean music of the highest quality, a record that has avoided all the perils of blunt, chipped or wornout stylii that ground out the delicate groove walls making for unlistenable sound. This was a pleasure from start to finish and even the connoisseur audiophile collectors will enjoy this one. Few examples will match or outperform this early copy I am certain. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record, this will truly remind all of a certain age what a brand new copy of this classic looked and sounded like 44 years ago. This record will prove near impossible to find better and is unreservedly recommended all all. Do not lose this beautiful title.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. US; Australia; Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. 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 (£35).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

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 for 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.

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 unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. 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.

My Guarantee: 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. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.