Sold Date: December 11, 2023
Start Date: December 4, 2023
Final Price: £102.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 8
Seller Feedback: 1507
Buyer Feedback: 0

Gentle Giant – Three Friends

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK 1st pressing of Gentle Giant’s third studio album, Three Friends.

Like many bands that were signed to the Vertigo swirl imprint of Phillips, Gentle Giant were a band that pushed the boundaries of contemporary popular music. Three friends represents the band’s first attempt at a concept album, telling the story of three friends for whom.

Album Details:

Serial number: 6360070

Matrix number: 1Y//2 ▽ 420 /  2Y//2 ▽ 420

Stamper codes: 1 1 2 / 1 1 5

Vinyl Weight: 165g

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

The sought after ‘Vertigo swirl’ labels are the first variant as is evident from the misprint title for track B1 “Peel the Paint” which is printed instead “Feel the Paint”.

This non-laminated gatefold sleeve is the first variant.

The album is complete with the original white and black swirl inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

In addition to my own conservative grading, 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. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each centre hole.

Visual: VERY GOOD +

Both sides of the record retain superb deep gloss playing surfaces. In bright daylight there are several light surface marks. None can be felt – the majority appear to be the result of a skating stylus. Under the glare of a halogen desk lamp a number of light wispy hairline marks can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

Sound Quality: EXCELLENT -

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

A Side:

B Side:

As can be heard in the recordings, the audio playback is great. Although several light pops and clicks can be heard during quieter sections, the majority of the record plays through superbly – retaining superb clarity and precision. A really enjoyable listen.

Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The sleeve is in great condition. All four sides are clean and bright. The cover art retains vibrant colours. As is to be expected for a 50 year old sleeve, there are some visible signs of use. The corners, spine and edges all display rubbing. In addition, when placed in bright light several scratches can be seen to the cover art on side 1. Again, not perfect but very presentable.

Inners: EXCELLENT

The original inner sleeve is in great condition.

Additional Details:

Before the audio recording, 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 Vertigo rarities.

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