Beatles lp - White album - 1968 UK 1st press - Top opening sleeve and COMPLETE

Sold Date: April 7, 2014
Start Date: March 28, 2014
Final Price: £277.01 (GBP)
Bid Count: 29
Seller Feedback: 81
Buyer Feedback: 289



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Quality vinyl for the discerning collector



The Beatles – White Album - Original 1968 UK stereo pressing with original top opening numbered sleeve and dark green Apple labels with ‘Sold in UK…’ label text, dating to the original release date of 22nd November 1968.

 

An astonishing copy which appears to have been played only 2 to 4 times since new.

 

Matrix numbers:

YEX 709-1, YEX 710-2 & YEX 711-2, YEX 712-1

Stamper codes: 4/HH, 2/GOD & 1/G (earliest possible stamper) 2/GGP

Happy Bidding and good luck!

Please check out the pictures and read on for further details:-

CONDITION

Disc


Visual:

Disc 1: Side 1 EXCELLENT+ Side 2 MINT-

Both records retain their original high gloss factory sheen and it is evident that both discs have only received in the region of only 2 to 4 plays each, quite remarkable for an original UK 1st pressing which is now 46 years old. Disc one is in beautiful pristine condition and has only a small ultra faint surface mark to side one which can be easily missed on first inspection, it only becomes apparent when angling the record towards a light source. Side 2 is completely unmarked, even under a strong halogen desklight nothing is revealed except the faintest whispy sleeve removal marks and is very close to an all out MINT grade. A stunning disc and so incredibly rare to find disc one in this near perfect condition.

Disc 2: Side 3 EXCELLENT+  Side 4 MINT-

Disc 2 is in very similar condition to disc one and is virtually unmarked except for the faintest of ultra light whispy sleeve removal marks. I would estimate that disc 2 has only been played about twice. Both heavy duty discs lay 100% flat on the turntable.


Labels:

Disc 1 Side 1 MINT- Side 2 MINT-

A stunning set of clean and fresh labels with evidence that each side has only received perhaps 3 or 4 plays in its entire history. None of the labels have any writing to them.

Disc 2 Side 3 MINT- Side 4 EXC-

The label on side 3 is in beautiful MINT- condition and shows evidence of only 2 or 3 plays in its entire history. The label on side 4 shows evidence of only been played twice, however the record has clearly been stored away for the past 46 years and consequently the label to side 4 has developed some marks consistent with long term storage, these marks become visible when the record is angled towards the light. There is however no writing or other marks to the label.


Audio: MINT

This is without question the finest sounding white album I have ever heard. The clarity and depth of all the analogue signals are breathtaking. Both discs play without any groovewear or distortion and there is no background or surface noise to any of the music. All the quieter tracks such as Dear Prudence, Blackbird, Julia and Cry Baby Cry are without any surface noise or interference. For audiophiles the White album is one of the toughest Beatles records to find and remember this is a 1968 top opening UK 1st pressing. Incredibly rare in this condition and becoming rarer by the day, as gems such as this one establish themselves into collections around the globe. Needless to say neither record jumps or sticks.


Cover

EXC+/MINT-

An original 1968 1st issue top opening numbered sleeve (0362340) in absolute stunning condition. Crackles as new when opened. Any prospective buyer will have to search far and wide to find a better cover than this one. Extremely rare in this exceptional condition. The only noticeable flaw is a laminate crease towards the top right hand corner on the back panel other than this it is in much the same condition as it left the shop back in 1968. Spine is in superb condition with much of the laminate still intact. 

Inner-sleeves EXCELLENT-

Original 1968 inners.

Photos MINT-

A superb and fresh set of original 1968 photos on the thicker card. Factory condition. Ringo has very minor crease to bottom right corner.

Poster  EXC+/MINT-

Original 1968 poster Poster in fabulous condition which still retains its original freshness. One of the best I’ve seen. No tape stains or pin marks, has remained folded and stored for 46 years.


Any questions please ask

PLEASE NOTE: 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 9.50 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price.

This record has been strictly and conservatively graded to ‘UK RECORD COLLECTOR' standards.

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