The Beatles - Abbey Road

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, archival quality Factory Sample copy of The Beatles penultimate studio album, Abbey Road.

*Please note: this record has been re-listed due to non-payment. It is important for me to state that the audio files have been rerecorded. The audio in the original listing of this item was of a single channel only due to an error with my audio interface. *

EMI produced 'Factory Sample' records for promotional purposes. They were generally sent to a journalist/music critic for review. Genuine factory samples can be discerned due to the presence of a sticker on one of the labels which reads: "FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR RESALE". Early stickers, such as that seen on this record, are rectangular with triangular ends. 

This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper in the 1960s. His article "What Songs the Beatles Sang" was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon.  
A copy of William Mann's review of Abbey Road, titled: "Those Inventive Beatles" is included in the sale.

Album Details:

Serial number: PCS 7068

Matrix number: YEX 749 - 2 / YEX 750 - 1 

Stamper codes: 3 MG / 3 PR

Tax Codes: N/A

Vinyl Weight: 135g

The matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The labels are the first variant as is evident from the presence of "Her Majesty The End" text present to side 2. This was removed from later copies.

This copy comes with the extremely collectable first variant, fully laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve identifiable by the 'misaligned apple' (the edge of the apple does not line up with the edge of the text) to the rear of the sleeve and the pinched spine.

The album is complete with the original die-cut black 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: MINT - 

Labels: MINT -

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The sticker shows no damage. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT +

Both vinyl playing surfaces retain a superb deep gloss shine. In bright daylight there are no visible surface marks. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairline scuffs (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

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, this is a copy that has been played cautiously on good quality equipment. The litmus test for Abbey Road, "Sun King", is truly exceptional. The lead ins are quiet. There is no noise in between tracks. Excusing two pops right at the end of T1 S1, "Come Together", the audio is absolutely flawless. A truly superb listening experience that you won't need to replace. 

Sleeve: MINT -

The iconic sleeve is in fantastic condition. The colours of the infamous cover art are bright and vibrant with no signs of discolouration or staining. The corners are crisp without any softening. Two laminate creases are visible, one to the front and one to the back - these are usually present from the factory. The spine and all edges are without wear. It would be very difficult to find a better example. 

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 Factory Samply rarities.

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