THE BEATLES Please Please Me 1963 BLACK & GOLD STEREO

	£		1,938
	$		2,568

The Beatles Please Please Me 1963 Stereo PCS 3042 1st Black/Gold label pressing.

Probably the rarest and most desirable of all conventional UK press LPs.  In 1963 mono was king, and consequently when this LP was released on 22nd March, only a very limited number of Stereo copies were pressed. At the time Parlophone were in the process of changing their label design from the black/gold motif, which had been in place since the 60s, with the new yellow/black variation, which is familiar to all. The gold/black labels were only used for a very short run, and sold out within a few weeks of release. These factors combined make this LP very rare indeed, and a genuine piece of pop history.

This is one of the very first pressings, which includes George Martin's error of 'Dick James Music Co' publishing credits on the label (these songs were actually copyright of Northern Songs Ltd, which was of course partly owned by Dick James). It also has the correct sleeve, with the 'Angus McBean' photography credit on the bottom right of the sleeve and the mega rare 1G/1R stampers.There were approximately 900 stereo pressings of this issued in total, and it is estimated that the first 300 have the incorrect publishing credits. I don't personally believe that there can be too many clean, genuine copies of this album left to be offered on the open market. Not only does it offer a centre piece for a collection, it also represents an excellent investment opportunity (copies of this LP have quadrupled in value over the last five years). Usually the copies of this LP that turn up are trashed and have swapped sleeves. There is also a propensity to over-grade those that are offered for sale.

This is the first copy of this LP I have ever actually seen in the flesh. I have previously had mono black/gold label issues, and have seen a number of these stereo issues offered for sale over the last few years. Having regard to the mono issues I've had, and the source from which the record came, I'm certain that this copy is absolutely genuine. It looks and feels 'right' and came from a genuine private seller who had owned the LP for most of its life.

I do of course appreciate that the grading of such items is subjective, and I have been very careful not to fall into the trap of over-grading to compensate for age and rarity. I will attempt to provide a full and honest description. My 100% selling feedback has largely been obtained through selling vinyl.

Firstly, the vinyl. When I first took the LP from its Emtex sleeve in a naturally-lit room my immediate impression was that it was EX. Clearly a record of this value requires closer inspection. Having subjected it to detailed scrutiny under a strong light there are some light surface marks, commensurate with an average level of use. There are certainly NO signs of the record having being mistreated and NO marks which you can feel with your finger; it still retains a nice sheen. Aurally, there is the odd crackle here and there which I would put down to dirt in the grooves more that anything. It would undoubtedly benefit both visually and aurally from a run through a VPI cleaner; I doubt it has ever been cleaned.

I would personally grade at EX- however a second opinion has been sought and I have decided that the record is PROPERLY graded at VG+.

Secondly, the all important label. The only flaw here is a slight ‘bubbling’ on side one, which is almost certainly a manufacturing flaw. This does not by any means effect the clarity of the writing, and is only minor. The labels on side two are excellent; no visible abrasions.

Finally, the sleeve. As with the vinyl, my initial impressions were that it was EX. There is some light laminate creasing which is inevitable. There is also some light damage to the flipbacks and partial scuffing of the Angus McBean photo credit (which is unfortunate). There is no staining or discolouration which you often find on a record of this age and no ringwear. All of the wear is quite superficial really and as a whole the sleeve is really clean given that it is over 40 years old.To my mind, the wear that does exist only adds to the records originality; if the sleeve were in better condition I would be wary of its authenticity. There is no staining or discolouration which you often find on a record of this age. I would say that PROPERLY graded the sleeve is EX-/VG+.

In summary, not a perfect copy BUT probably the cleanest you will be able to practicably find without being very patient and very rich. It certainly compares very well with the copies that I have seen offered. Look at the pictures! It really is a very clean copy.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire the rarest of all albums, so bid high and bid soon!

This LP will be VERY securely packed; you can be assured that it will NOT be damaged due to inadequate packaging. Postage will be dependent on the final bid price due to insurance costs. Within the UK I don't imagine it will be above GBP20. US and Asia wil be dependent on the service used. I will ONLY charge cost.

NOTE: This record was previously offered on eBay by a friend of mine. I bid on the auction in confidence having the significant advantage of having seen and heard the album (I don’t think his own description did the record full justice). I was never going to be able to afford to keep it, only to have possession for a short while (if you are a collector you will understand!). Now, alas it must go to another home. Please be assured of my sincerity, and of the records authenticity. Any questions, please ask. I add this note because I’m aware that there are some cynical people out there, which is understandable given the amount of money potentially involved here.

PLEASE NO SCAMS, TIMEWASTERS, ZERO RATED BIDDERS ETC. PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING. THIS AUCTION WILL NOT BE ENDED EARLY.

Thanks, John.