Sold Date: February 6, 2022
Start Date: January 27, 2022
Final Price: £104.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 14
Seller Feedback: 1350
Buyer Feedback: 53

For sale is a copy of The Beatles sixth studio album, Rubber Soul.

This is an original UK MONO 1st pressing produced in 1965 which features the sought-after yellow and black Parlophone labels.

The 1st, so called ‘loud cut’, pressing was only available for a very short time as John Lennon was not happy with the audio quality. 

After being sent a copy to listen to, he asked for it to be re-mastered. 

This is therefore one of the rarest Beatles records. 

In addition, this copy has the Variation 1 labels and has an extremely rare E. J. Day & Co. front laminated sleeve. 

Sleeve production was performed mostly by Garrod & Lofthouse and it is therefore very difficult to come across this sleeve – especially in such fantastic condition.

Please see below for further details.

Many vinyl records are mis-sold on eBay. There are several details which identify this copy as a true 1st pressing. They are:

·      Front side laminated E. J. Day & Co. flipback sleeve.

·      The front cover features the ‘lose thread’ photograph in which a lose thread can be seen coming from John’s jacket. This was airbrushed out of later copies.

·      Black labels with yellow Parlophone logo.

·      Variation 1 labels in which the * associated with the writers’ credit is placed a space away from the song titles.

·      ‘P 1965’ publishers’ year.

·      ‘PMC 1267’ catalogue number.

·      Matrix numbers XEX-579-1 (side 1) and XEX 580-1 (side 2).

I try to take pictures which provide a fair representation of the condition of a record and the sleeve. If interested, please read below for a detailed discussion including an audio description. 

I use the Goldmine standard as a reference for grading. 

Vinyl: Very Good

The record is in great visual condition with excellent playback.

The vinyl surface retains the original gloss sheen.

The labels are bright and show very little spindle wear. 

There are plenty of surface marks to both sides but none that are picked up during playback.

The audio on both sides is very nice. 

Track 1 Side 1 (Drive My Car) is a little noisy on the run-in.

Other than this the sound is clear with minimal dust crackle.

Sleeve: Very Good +

The sleeve is in fantastic condition.

The front is very clean and retains the original bright colours.

The rear is very clean with only slight discolouration.

All the flipbacks attached and have no rips (rare for E. J. Day sleeves).

The corners are sharp, and the spine and edges are well defined.

There are no rips, tears or writing present anywhere on the sleeve. 

Inner Sleeve: Excellent

The inner sleeve is the original polythene lined, die cut ‘protect your records’ Emitex inner.

It is still very white without any significant staining or discolouration.

There is no writing or creasing.

Also included in the sale is an audiophile quality inner sleeve which provides the best possible protection for the record. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to add what is arguably the rarest version of Rubber Soul to your collection. 

The outer sleeve, vinyl, and inner sleeve are all housed separately within a premium quality polythene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent within a padded vinyl record mailer.

For UK shipments I use Royal Mail guaranteed next day delivery. 

Similar options are available for international bidders to ensure Christmas delivery.  Please enquire for more details and an accurate estimate of the postage cost. 

If you have any questions, please ask! 

Check out my other items. I’m selling some rarities to help pay for Christmas!