THE WHO SELL OUT, 1967 UK TRACK MONO FIRST PRESSING

	£		510
	$		676

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a superb example of the album by THE WHO titled “THE WHO SELL OUT”. This is an ORIGINAL 1967 MONO UK FIRST PRESSING on the TRACK RECORD LABEL, Catalogue Number 612 002, and comes complete with the STICKERED SLEEVE AND PSYCHEDELIC POSTER. Only 500 of these were ever made, so I guess it’s fair to say that it is EXTREMELY SCARCE!!

The Matrix Numbers and Stampers are:

Side 1 – 612002 – A ▼ 2  - I I   1

Side 2 – 612002    B ▼ 1   1 1 3?

The fully laminated single sleeve, printed by Earnest J. Day & Co. Ltd., is in VERY GOOD PLUS CONDITION. The front and back covers show only a few light laminate creases. There is very little edge-wear. The corners show light rubbing. The spine is SOLID with all text CLEARLY LEGIBLE. There are a few discoloration spots at the edges. There are no rips or writing. Overall a VERY PRESENTABLE SLEEVE!!

This particular sleeve has two stickers, front and back, which state “FREE PSYCHEDELIC POSTER INSIDE”. I have done some research on the subject of the stickers, as there does seem to be quite a bit of conflicting information concerning them. The stickers themselves are not decorative and simply indicate the presence of the poster. They have been documented as being either 4cm x 2cm (as on this sleeve), or 4cm x 3cm in size (metric approximation), with some sleeves being stickered on one side and some on both sides. It was originally thought that the different sizes related to mono and stereo, but this is not the case. It seems more likely that different batches of stickers were used, which were stuck on quite randomly. In any event this variation appears to be an unexplained occurrence. Much of the confusion stems from the fact that the stickered sleeves and posters are very scarce, which means that not many people have come across more than one or two examples, let alone being able to compare several.

I believe the stickers on this sleeve to be factory-fitted originals.

The record is VERY SOLIDLY PRESSED and displays the characteristic thick square-cut rim edge associated with Track (and Atlantic) first pressings. It retains much of its ORIGINAL LUSTRE and sits FLAT AND TRUE on the turntable. There are just light sleeve removal type surface marks which are of no audio significance. The MATT BLACK TRACK LABELS show some spindle marking but are otherwise UNMARKED. There is hardly any spindle wear.

Playgrade Assessment:

Both sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. This is a particularly vibrant mono recording which SOUNDS SENSATIONAL played at high volume!! I always marvel at the quality of these original Track pressings. I just can’t stress enough how good this sounds. There are NO jumps, pops or loud clicks, and barely any unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience.

The ALL IMPORTANT PSYCHEDELIC POSTER, printed by Chavalier - Rotterdam / Adrian George / OAS 6 copyright Osiris Visions Ltd. 83 Charlotte St. W.1, is in EXCELLENT CONDITION. It measures 30 inches by 20 inches (both dimensions are actually one sixteenth of an inch bigger). The corners are perfect (no pin holes) – it has never been hung on a wall. Apart from a few light creases along the folds, and minor age discoloration, it is unmarked. There are no splits or tears. I hope the photos below do it justice – it’s a beauty!! This must be one of the best posters left in existence, and should satisfy the most discerning of collectors.

Complete with the CORRECT ORIGINAL poly-lined white inner sleeve which is in very good condition showing only light discoloration and creasing.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY INDEED – DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!

Please check out my feedback and bid with confidence

International postage costs: Europe £5.00, Worldwide £7.50

International buyers: payment by PayPal or cash (in UK £) only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.