The Beatles - Help

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK mono 1st pressing of The Beatles fifth studio album, Help!.

In the early 1960s the teenage audience that bought Beatles records were not as careful as they might have been when handling LPs. They were taken to parties, kept outside of inner sleeves, left on counter tops, and, the worst culprit of all, played with a poor quality stylus. As a consequence, although there were literally thousands of copies sold, finding clean and original copies of the Beatles early catalogue in mono is extremely difficult. 

This particular copy is a fantastic example all round. Visually the labels and vinyl surface are excellent, the audio is absolutely faultless and the sleeve looks as-new. As such, it represents a great opportunity to add that 'final upgrade' copy to your collection!

Album Details:

Serial number: PMC 1255

Matrix number: XEX 549 - 2 / XEX 550 - 2

Stamper codes: 7 GHL / 3 GOR

Tax Codes: KT

Vinyl Weight: 165g

The -2 / -2 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. 

The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text are the second variant as is evident from the position of the publishers asterisk after T4 S1 "I Need You" - it was position before the song on the first variant. 

This copy comes with the first variant front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve with outline 'MONO' aural indicator text printed to the front side, a square spine and flip-backs to the reverse.

The album is complete with the original polythene lined die-cut Emitex 'protect your records' inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: EXCELLENT +

Labels: EXCELLENT 

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Although no spindle trails are visible, subtle wear to both centre holes can be seen - I presume this is from the spindle of the previous owners record player. 

Visual: EXCELLENT 

The vinyl retains superb deep gloss playing surfaces. In bright daylight a handful of light surface marks can be seen. None can be felt and I would not describe any as a 'scratch'. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairlines (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. Splendid!

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, the record sounds great. The lead ins are quiet. There are no aural interruptions whatsoever; during the dead-wax between tracks only the unavoidable sound of the rotating stylus can be heard. As with all of the early heavy-weight mono pressings, the bass is punchy, the mids well-defined. Overall a superb listen.

Sleeve: MINT -

The sleeve is in fantastic, as-new condition. Both sides are bright and clean. The laminate to the front side retains the original lustre. The cover art is vibrant. The rear is a brilliant white. The square spine is without wear. The top, bottom and opening edges are all without wear. 

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

 

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

 

Please see my other listings for more Beatles rarities.

Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.