Sold Date: May 3, 2015
Start Date: April 30, 2015
Final Price: £20.99 (GBP)
Seller Feedback: 564
Buyer Feedback: 60

BEATLES - A HARD DAYS NIGHT - MONO LP – ORIGINAL 1964

Catalog #:   PMC 1230
Matrix  XEX 481-3N / XEX 482-3N

A Hard Day's Night is the third studio album by English rock band the Beatles, released on 10 July 1964, with side one containing songs from the soundtrack to their film A Hard Day's Night.  This is the first Beatles album to be recorded entirely on four-track tape, allowing for good stereo mixes.

Track list

A Hard Day's Night
I Should Have Known Better
If I Fell
I'm Happy Just To Dance With You
And I Love Her
Tell Me Why
Can't Buy Me Love
Any Time At All
I'll Cry Instead
Things We Said Today
When I Get Home
You Can't Do That
I'll Be Back

Many sellers use the ‘Goldmine Standard’ for grading the condition of vinyl records, a description of which follows.  I have tried to follow this system, but am not a record dealer, and thus my opinion may vary slightly.  Look at the photographs and make up your own mind.

Vinyl & Sleeve Grading

This is a visual grading system.  Records are viewed under both daylight and under a halogen light by 1 person to maintain consistency.  While most people agree with the grading, it is a subjective issue and opinions differ.  

Mint (M)

It is absolutely perfect in every way, and has never been played.

Near Mint (NM)

This describes a nearly perfect record which shows no obvious signs of wear.  The sleeve will have no more than the most minor defects, such as invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

Excellent (EX)

The record will show some signs that it has been played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took very good care of it.  Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences.  Labels may have some wear or discolouration but this will be barely noticeable.  The sleeve will have some light wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split.  In general if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.  All but the most mint-crazy collectors would find an Excellent record highly acceptable.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

The record will show some signs that it has been played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.  Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect play.  Slight warps that do not affect the sound are ‘ok’.  The label may have some ring wear, discolouration or WOL.  The sleeve will have some wear, lightly turned up corners, slight seam splits or small tears/sticker damage.  All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a VG+ record highly acceptable.

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, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise.  Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.  Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.  The sleeve may have creases, tears, seam splits and may be marred by writing and or sticker damage.

Good Plus (G+)

The record will play through without skipping, but will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear.  Labels may be torn, marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.  The sleeve may have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine.  Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm it.  If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually.  Pass it up, but if it's something you have been seeking for years and the price is right, get it.... but keep looking to upgrade.  Please be warned that if you buy a record in this condition it is going to be a risk.  Some will play better than they look whilst others may play worse than you expect.

Good (G)

It's possible that the record won’t play through without skipping or repeating.  It will have been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated with significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear.  May crackle, pop or make other annoying sounds.  Labels may be torn, marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.  The sleeve may be water damaged, split on all three seams, heavily marred by wear and writing or other defects which will start to overwhelm it.  If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually.  Pass it up, but if it's something you have been seeking for years and the price is right, get it.... but keep looking to upgrade.  Please be warned that if you buy a record in this condition it is going to be a risk.  Some will play better than they look whilst others may play worse than you expect.

Poor (P) or Fair (F)

May be cracked, warped and won't play through without skipping or repeating.  The sleeve may be water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing.  Unless the record or sleeve is very rare you should pass it up.  This is a collection filler only; do not buy it to play it!

Plain Sleeve/Generic

This has no picture sleeve and will be sent in a new plain sleeve.

I have played both sides of the album – there are some spindle marks on the label, and the record has some hardly noticeable scuffs and scratches.  The record plays extremely well - just a small crackle on side 1 and again on side 2 (probably not discernible unless you're listening for it).  The sleeve has signs of wear, creases and some discolouring on the back, but is still in a very good condition.  Bearing this in mind, my opinion of this album is:

Album VG

Sleeve VG

The low starting price reflects the minor faults; it would make a great addition to any collection.

Postage reflects true cost of delivery & secure packing + the fact that eBay & Paypal now charge commission on postage.  Mainland Britain + EU only.

Good luck if making an offer – and thank you for looking