The Rolling Stones

Beggars Banquet

Decca  SKL 4955

Reissue of 1968 original - Discogs r6455798 undated UK release (the only other release with this split silver label is a 1979 Italian release. Early 80's Euro releases in the same 'original' gatefold package use the blue Decca label)

GATEFOLD SLEEVE


Vinyl VG+ - Minimal surface marking. Bare minimum of background noise, no pops, no clicks. BIG, FULL, CLEAN, DETAILED SOUND. This was clearly not a budget 80's reissue.

Cover VG - Clean and unmarked. Shelf wear top and bottom. Collapsed spine with creasing and some buckling. Lamination cracked on spine, small area beginning to peel on opening edge (photo 11).

All that said it still presents reasonably well, and housed in a PVC jacket will look and sound good for years to come.

There is a small paper label on the centre label that says 'clean' (photo 2), I have a whole batch of albums with these labels from a collector who had his own unique way of organising things. They don't remove easily or consistently so I have chosen to leave them on.

 

£3 Discount for each additional album/12” purchased at the same time.

Listed items that include multiple albums/singles will only attract a single discount

£1.50 Discount for a 2nd single purchased at the same time.

As long as both are non gatefold 3rd, 4th, 5th singles, or combining singles and albums gets complicated because of restrictive size guidelines and the quality of my mail stiffeners. I always endeavour to pass on postage savings to the buyer. If in doubt ask and I’ll see what I can do.

 

Given that Ebay is an unseen, trust based marketplace, my assessment's will be conservative, detailed and based upon listening to the records for sale. My gradings are based upon the Goldmine Standard (abridged and paraphrased from Discogs below).

 

Near Mint (NM or M-)

A nearly perfect record. A NM- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. I am unlikely to ever use this grading for vinyl quality unless I KNOW a record to be new, unplayed and probably still wrapped.

A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.  

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, surfaces may show slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences.

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Picture sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by an indentation or sample distribution cut. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. 

Very Good (VG)

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches that will affect the sound.

Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)

In truth I wouldn’t usually bother listing vinyl in this condition, that is with ‘noticeable surface noise and ticks’ although I would consider listing an unusual record with a cover in this condition where ‘seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present’