The Smiths What Difference Does It Make? rare 7" promo pack poster test pressing

	£		400
	$		530

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make? (1984)

UK Promo 7" White Label Test Pressing, With Original Poster

Up for sale here is a lovely and very rare Smiths promotional item - a promo pack of the 1984 single What Difference Does It Make?, containing a 7" white-label test pressing of the single, an original Rough Trade promo poster and a Rough Trade press release, all contained within a plastic sleeve; I bought this years ago, and purchased it just as you see it, with everything fitting within a 7" plastic sleeve - apparently this was one way that Rough Trade sent out promo copies to radio stations and the press; this would make a great addition to any collection!

CONDITION:

Labels: EX- (some scuffing and spotting, 'A' ink stamp on Side One)

Vinyl (visual): EX+ (nice and shiny looking vinyl, only light marks, nothing serious)

Vinyl (audio): EX- (has a little crackling in the quieter passages, probably more noticeable on the B-side, but plays through perfectly, good beefy sound)

Poster: EX (other than the folds, in really lovely condition, see pics)

Press release: EX (folded twice)

Sleeve: EX (original black die-cut paper sleeve)

NB: The condition grades shown above are based on Record Collector's grades. There are 5 grades: Near Mint (used but in stunning 'nearly new' condition); EX+ (used but with a bare minimum of wear); EX (item may have some light marks but still in a desirable condition); VG+ (has a few marks but only cosmetic, item plays perfectly); and VG (may have minor issues which I will specifically refer to); I don't sell anything below VG (and Mint doesn't exist). Unlike a lot of people on eBay, I am very scrupulous about my grading, so if ever you are less than satisfied with the condition of an item, please do contact me.

SPECIALIST IN EARLY CD PRESSINGS:

As Tillysmusic, I've been an eBay seller for many years, and specialise in early/1980s CD pressings. If anybody tells you that early CDs were badly mastered and sound bad, don't believe them! Although there are exceptions, the vast majority of 1980s CD pressings sound wonderful, especially West German and Japanese pressings from between 1982 and 1988. Pressings from this era tend to have a much warmer 'natural' sound not unlike how you remember the vinyl original, as opposed to more modern reissues which are remixed for iPods with bass boost and added compression. Remember, not all early pressings are mega-rare or valuable, but are nearly always worth checking out.

PS: I also endeavour to sell my early CDs with their original heavy plastic cases, which I believe is an important part of the whole package; this means that some of these old cases will come with scuffing or small cracks, but I will always describe any noticeable problems.

PHOTOGRAPHS & DESCRIPTIONS:

All photographs show the actual item for sale - I don't sell multiple items, and definitely don't use other people's photos stolen from other listings. All descriptions are as honest and as accurate as possible. Should you need any more information about an item, I'm very happy to answer any questions you have. In certain circumstances, I can also provide extra photographs.

PAYMENT & POSTAGE:

PayPal only. UK bidders can opt for standard First Class or Signed For delivery. All overseas purchases are shipped using Royal Mail's International Tracked service which is a safe and reliable option. I will provide you with a Tracking Number you can access on the Royal Mail website. I can offer a reduced postal charge for multiple purchases, details on enquiry. I can also ship items without the plastic cases, which will allow me to significantly reduce the postage charges due to the reduced weight. If you have any questions about postage or about the item itself, please ask before bidding. Thanks.