Sold Date: December 18, 2023
Start Date: December 11, 2023
Final Price: £155.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 13
Seller Feedback: 1510
Buyer Feedback: 516

The Beatles - A Hard Days Night

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, UK mono 1st pressing of The Beatles third studio album, Songs From the Film: A Hard Days Night.

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 much more common than the stereo alternative, finding clean and original copies of the Beatles early catalogue in mono is just as difficult. Oddly, I have found this to be especially true of A Hard Days Night!

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 1230

Matrix number: XEX 481 - 3N / XEX 482 - 3N

Stamper codes: 3 GOR / 1 GOO

Tax Codes: KT

Vinyl Weight: 165g

The -3N / -3N matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. 

The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text are the first variant as is evident from the chubby text and the position of the side indicator underneath the '2' of the catalogue number, PMC 1230. 

The front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve is the first variant as is evident from the solid, mid-sized 'MONO' aural indicator present to the top right-hand corner of the front side, a rounded 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:

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: MINT -

Labels: MINT -

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. There are only a couple of dull spindle trails around each otherwise unworn centre hole. 

Visual: EXCELLENT +

The vinyl retains superb deep gloss playing surfaces which appear blemish free in bright daylight. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairlines 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 simply superb. The lead ins are quiet, as is dead-wax between tracks. There are no aural interruptions whatsoever. As with all of the early heavy-weight mono pressings, the bass is punchy, the mids well-defined. Overall a superb listen that would be difficult to improve upon.

Sleeve: MINT -

The sleeve is in fantastic, nearly-new condition. Both sides are bright and clean. The laminate to the front side retains the original lustre. The colours of the cover art are a vibrant, deep blue. The background of the rear is a brilliant white. The spine is without wear. The flip-backs are without damage and show just one or two small age-related spots. The top and bottom edges are 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 is 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 vinyl rarities.

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