PLEASE NOTE: IN SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS IN MY LISTINGS YOU MAY SEE SLIGHT 'SHADOWING OR DARKER PATCHES', ESPECIALLY ON THE LIGHTER COLOURED SURFACES. THIS IS DUE TO AN ABERRATION OF MY CAMERA LENS AND, UNLESS I MAKE A POINT OF STATING OTHERWISE, YOU CAN ASSUME THAT IN REALITY THEY ARE NOT THERE.

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Previous visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums which range from 'very good plus' to 'near mint' in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades 'very good plus' but in other ways is outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded - and I take great care with this - I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that. If you are intending to bid please read my comments, observations and individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Vinyl Cleaning: I use machine cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by using this method. If I think a vinyl will benefit from this I carry out the procedure with great care, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. My preferred method with little used vinyls is by soft ‘light touch’ hand brush with natural fine hair gently moved in the direction of the microgrooves. In all methods of cleaning I use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol with a spot of gentle detergent to lubricate and clean the playing surfaces. I am aware that cleaning can be a controversial subject with vinyl collectors, audio purists and enthusiasts so I will state on each individual listing if, and how, the vinyl(s) have been cleaned just after the ‘Vinyl Visual Grade’.

Specific notes regarding grading and description: The first section of each listing summarises the album offered, contributors and format followed by the ‘provenance’ in terms of the matrix – mother – stamper trail which determines the ‘position’ of a record in the pressing process. The dedicated sections which follow explain why I consider the particular album to be rare and / or special, accompanied by my comments and observations, and then deals with the grading of each aspect of it accompanied by a brief description. My assessment of the appropriate grade for each component is based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2020’. The essential ‘play grade’ and ‘audio performance’ report rounds up the description just prior to the ‘general notes’, which is the same on all of my listings. I hope that this layout, including the extensive photo gallery, will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. Please read the following description and take a careful look at the comprehensive photographs which show the actual item clearly and provide an informative and accurate representation.

When I mention age in my listings it is not an excuse for poor condition but as a matter of fact. I do not regard condition as age related, it is primarily dependent on care, and if you ever see something described as ‘good for its age’ I recommend you avoid it because more often than not it’s an excuse for something that has not been carefully used.

I do not use photographs to enhance albums; they are included as an aid to bidders and I always ‘frame’ the shots to highlight any flaws or blemishes – not to bleach out, obscure or avoid them. My photo galleries always feature photos taken from as many angles as reasonably possible, with ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ facilities, because I want visitors to have the best opportunity to examine visual condition. I always request the maximum photo facility from the eBay system but I have noticed that on some occasions, presumably due to technical glitches, the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ does not work. If you ever have any difficulty obtaining satisfactory images from my listings please contact me via a message to the listing and I will send you more photographs as an attachment to my reply.

Album / Record Title: “EXILE ON MAIN ST.”

Artiste(s): ROLLING STONES - Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and a classic collection of illustrious guest musicians and contributors including Nicky Hopkins & Bobby Keys.

Track Listing: Please see label photographs for full details

Produced By: Jimmy Miller & The Rolling Stones

Cover maker / designer / format / construction: Shorewood Packaging Co. Ltd UK first issue cover. Layout design by John van Hamersveld & Norman Seff, photography and concept by Robert Frank. It is a gatefold cover with both records loaded into one compartment from an inside centre opening at the fold. The first issue originals, like this one, are made from a heavy rigid card (they weigh about 160 grammes empty – later variants and reissues are lighter), they are not laminated.

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 2 x 12” LPs' & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL ROLLING STONES YELLOW WITH RED TONGUE LOGO & COC 69100 UK CATALOGUE NUMBER

Catalogue Number(s): COC 69100

Country of origin and first published date: UK 1972 (12th. May)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 1 side 1(or A): COC 69100 A1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 1 side 2(or B): COC 69100 B1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 2 side 3(or A/C): COC 69100 C2

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrix Record 2 side 4(or B/D): COC 69100 D2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 1(or A): B

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 1 side 2(or B): A

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 3(or A/C): A

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother Record 2 side 4(or B/D): B

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side 1(or A): 2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 1 side 2(or B): 2 4

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side 3(or A/C): 1 8

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper Record 2 side 4(or B/D): 9

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other identifiers Record 1 side 1(or A): ST-RS-722507 ROLLING STONES RECORDS & THE 'ARTISTS PALLET' SYMBOL OF ARTISAN SOUND RECORDERS (a premier record mastering facility based in Southern California) - all hand inscribed.

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other identifiers Record 1 side 2(or B): ST-RS-722508 ROLLING STONES RECORDS & THE 'ARTISTS PALLET' SYMBOL OF ARTISAN SOUND RECORDERS (a premier record mastering facility based in Southern California) - all hand inscribed.

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other identifiers Record 2 side 3(or A/C): ST-RS-722509 ROLLING STONES RECORDS & THE 'ARTISTS PALLET' SYMBOL OF ARTISAN SOUND RECORDERS (a premier record mastering facility based in Southern California) - all hand inscribed.

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other identifiers Record 2 side 4(or B/D): ST-RS-722510 ROLLING STONES RECORDS & THE 'ARTISTS PALLET' SYMBOL OF ARTISAN SOUND RECORDERS (a premier record mastering facility based in Southern California) - all hand inscribed.

N.B. Please note that all matrices, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Rarity / Observations / Comments: VERY RARE DUE TO A COMBINATION OF VARIANT, CONDITION AND 'COMPLETENESS'. THIS IS A UK ORIGINAL FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE ALBUM IN EXCELLENT TO PLUS AND BETTER CONDITION THROUGHOUT, WITH THE ORIGINAL STRIP OF 12 PERFORATED, BUT STILL ATTACHED, 'The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St.'' POSTCARDS WHICH WERE LIMITED IN DISTRIBUTION ON FIRST RELEASE AND ARE EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND THESE DAYS. ALSO INCLUDED IS THE PROMOTIONAL FEXIDISC FROM THE 'NME' AND A RARE 'EXILE ON MAIN STREET' MUSIC / SONG BOOK CONTAINING ALL OF THE TRACKS FROM THE ALBUM WITH A SUPERB SET OF BLACK AND WHITE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS BY NORMAN SEFF.

I HAVE CARRIED OUT A LOT OF RESEARCH INTO THIS ALBUM THROUGH THE YEARS AND NOTED SOME KEY FEATURES WHICH CORRESPOND WITH VARIANTS AND THE TIME LINE OR PROVENANCE. I AM INCLUDING THIS INFORMATION BELOW AS IT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO ANYBODY WHO IS CONSIDERING ACQUIRING THIS ONE – OR ONE FROM ANOTHER SOURCE. IF THIS ISN'T OF INTEREST TO CAN JUST SCROLL PAST IT TO THE SUMMARY OF THE ALBUM OFFERED IN THIS LISTING FOLLOWED BY THE GRADING SECTION.

First pressings of EXILE which were distributed in the UK were produced primarily in four countries – UK, Germany, USA and the Netherlands. There were slight and significant differences between all of them. I will start with the gatefold cover and move inwards.

THE GATEFOLD: The UK album has an inside centre loading gatefold, similar in design to all other variants but it carries the following print in a single line just above the bottom seam on the back Rolling Stones Records TM Musidor N.V. Distributed by Kinney Record Group Ltd p 1972 by Shorewood Packaging Co. Ltd., ENGLAND. Perhaps obviously variants from any other country of origin do not carry the Shorewood…England text but it is worth stating because occasionally covers are transferred between countries. The first UK issue does NOT carry the catalogue number in the top right hand corner at the back – most other variants do - and they all seem to carry the Rolling Stones ‘tongue’ logo bottom right corner on the back. The UK gatefold is also made from the heaviest and most rigid card of all the variants I have mentioned, typically weighing between 155 and 160 grammes empty.

THE PRINTED INNER SLEEVES: Both UK originals carry the COC 69100 catalogue number and, as with the gatefold, are made from a heavier card. They are cut square, as are the original German and American variants, but the Dutch, and later re-issues, have rounded corners. The least obvious, but important difference, is the way they load. The entry edge of the UK inners is to the right as you read the track titles whereas the German loads from the top and the American and Dutch load from the left when all viewed in the same orientation.

THE VINYLS & MATRICES: The UK first pressed vinyls can vary in weight considerably, even within the same set – in my experience they range from 115 up to 150 grammes – this one has a couple of well matched heavyweights at 133 grammes & 140 grammes. The German first pressings are a similar weight whereas the American and Dutch pressings tend to be at the lighter end. All UK first pressings appear to have been sourced from a set of two masters marked 1 or 2 and used in various combinations between all four sides – this one is A1,B1,C2,D2 – personally I really don’t think it makes much difference what the combination is providing it’s made up of just 1’s and 2’s. The catalogue number COC69100, masters, mothers and stampers are machine imprinted whereas the ST codes are hand etched as are the ‘ROLLING STONES RECORDS’ credit. A hieroglyphic in the form of two small concentric circles with a ‘V’ from the centre represents an artists pallet is the moniker of 'Artisan Sound Recorders' a premier record mastering facility based in Southern California where the masters for this album were made. The German and American masters are just marked as A,B,C,D, with an occasional inconsistent # and numerical suffix and the Dutch read A-1,B-2 etc. The matrices on all other variants tend to be all hand etched and the catalogue number is the same on the German variant but changes to COC-2-2900 on the American and CUNSP 69100 on the Dutch.

THE RECORD LABELS: All variants have similar design yellow labels with ROLLING STONES: “EXILE ON MAIN STREET” in handwritten facsimile on the UK, German and American variants, but the Dutch has only the title and it’s printed. They all carry the red ‘tongue’ logo albeit in slightly different positions, and the German labels prominently display GEMA the acronym of a performance rights organization frequently seen on records made and/or just sold in Germany (it is a common misconception that all records carrying this acronym are made in Germany as International manufacturers making records elsewhere acknowledged the organization in order to comply with national requirements – Decca is an obvious example – however in this case the acronym does appear only on the German record labels because they were intended to supply the German market). All early U.K. issues had the Musidor N.V. publishing credit on the labels which may have been due to a combination of the Rolling Stones complex UK tax status at that time coupled with the fact that Atlantic / Kinney were then the sole distributors for Rolling Stones Records; and their European base was in the Netherlands. There is no mention of the country of manufacture on the UK labels however the Dutch pressings were made by Promotone B.V which makes another distinction between these two variants alongside all of their other differences.

THE POSTCARDS: Based on photographs by Norman Seeff they are possibly the most commonly confused component of the album. There were 12 cards with many of the first pressing variants, all joined together by perforated seams – originally! However, the UK ORIGINALS ARE EXCLUSIVELY AND ONLY BLACK AND WHITE PRINT WITH NO OTHER COLOURS WHATSOEVER, AND THEY HAVE A MATT SURFACE FINISH. The GERMAN has the same size cards but the group name and record title are printed in ORANGE, and the AMERICAN has larger cards with the name and title in RED, BOTH OF THESE HAVE A NOTICEABLY SMOOTHER SURFACE FINISH THAN THE UK ORIGINALS, THE AMERICAN MORESO TENDING TO AN ALMOST GLOSS FINISH.

PLEASE NOTE: My comments about the characteristics of the albums of different origin mentioned above are based on an actual study of all of those variants – I have examples of each in my current collection of albums for sale. Therefore, although it is not possible to be totally definitive in matters concerning vinyls and albums from this era, due to the many anomalies, I do expect this information to be generally reliable.

SUMMARY OF THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM – THE ONE DESCRIBED IN THIS LISTING ~ THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE FOR A LOT OF VERY GOOD REASONS. THE CONDITION OF THE GATEFOLD IS FIRST RATE SHOWING ONLY LIGHT SIGNS OF WEAR AND HANDLING CONSISTENT WITH AGE AND CAREFUL STORAGE. THE ALBUM DEDICATED THICK CARD INNERS ARE FULLY INTACT, NO SEAM SPLITS OR DAMAGE AND ALMOST AS NEW – THEY ALSO COME WITH THE ORIGINAL PAPER INNER SLEEVES WHICH WERE USED WITH THE FIRST ISSUES TO PROTECT THE RECORDS FROM THE RAW CARD INTERNAL SURFACES OF THE PRINTED INNERS. THE LIMITED DISTRIBUTION, AND NOW VERY SCARCE, POSTCARDS ARE ALMOST AS NEW. HOWEVER. THE TWO VINYLS HAVE BEEN PLAYED FROM TIME TO TIME CAREFUL;LY AND SHOW ONLY SLIGHT SIGNS OF USE WITH SPARSE SUPERFICIAL SURFACE SCRATCHES, MOST LIKELY FROM MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF THE INNER SLEEVES, AND THEY BOTH DELIVER SUPERB AUDIO. OVERALL IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND A BETTER EXAMPLE OF THIS REMARKABLE ALBUM. ADDED TO THIS COMPLETE ALBUM THERE IS THE ORIGINAL PROMO FLEXIDISC WHICH WAS CIRCULATED IN THE NME WHICH IS EXCELLENT.....AND A RARE 'EXILE ON MAIN STREET' SONG / MUSIC BOOK FEATURING ALL OF THE TRACKS FROM THE ALBUM WITH SOME SUPERB BLACK AND WHITE PORTRAITS OF EACH BAND MEMBER TAKEN BY NORMAN SEFF – THESE ARE ABSOLUTE CLASSICS!

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2020’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description). I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either TOWARDS PLUS or a FULL PLUS to indicate variations above a grade. I have dropped the ‘minus’ indicator in favour of the next full grade down because I find that many sellers use the ‘minus’ as a method of implying a higher grade than is strictly deserved and I do not want to want to be associated with that practise. I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Cover – front surface: EXCELLENT PLUS ~ a few barely noticeable mini indents, some very slight / minor marks and light discolouration – nothing significant.

Cover – back surface: EXCELLENT PLUS ~ a few barely noticeable mini indents, some very slight / minor marks and light discolouration – nothing significant.

Cover – corners: EXCELLENT TO PLUS ~ minor rub wear at the tips.

Cover – top seam(s): EXCELLENT ~ just lightly burred and slightly discoloured.

Cover – bottom seam(s): EXCELLENT ~ just lightly burred and slightly discoloured.

Cover – leading edge(s): EXCELLENT ~ due to the design this is like a right hand side spine without text. It is in generally first rate condition with just a little rub wear to the shoulders and a few mini scuffs.

Cover - centre spread: EXCELLENT PLUS ~ almost as new, just a light superficial surface crease line towards the right hand side which would have been there from new as a result of the original folding process – almost insignificant

Cover – spine: EXCELLENT TO PLUS ~ slight rub wear and very minor fraying at the tips of each end and very light, evenly distributed discolouration – nothing significant - the photographs show it accurately.

Cover – overall grade: EXCELLENT TO PLUS ~ and it really is hard to find an 'original first issue' in as good a condition as this, please see the full selection of photographs which illustrate the written description.

Vinyl Visual record 1 side 1(or A): EXCELLENT PLUS ~ superb high gloss surface with just some superficial surface scratches probably caused by bag movement – certainly nothing I can feel with light fingertip touch and nothing that has any significant audio consequence – please read the play grade below for full details.

Vinyl Visual record 1 side 2(or B): EXCELLENT PLUS ~ superb high gloss surface with just some superficial surface scratches probably caused by bag movement – certainly nothing I can feel with light fingertip touch and nothing that has any significant audio consequence – please read the play grade below for full details.

Vinyl Visual record 2 side 1/3(or A/C): EXCELLENT PLUS ~ superb high gloss surface with just some superficial surface scratches probably caused by bag movement – certainly nothing I can feel with light fingertip touch and nothing that has any significant audio consequence – please read the play grade below for full details.

Vinyl Visual record 2 side 2/4(or B/D): EXCELLENT PLUS ~ superb high gloss surface with just some superficial surface scratches probably caused by bag movement – certainly nothing I can feel with light fingertip touch and nothing that has any significant audio consequence – please read the play grade below for full details.

Vinyl Warp: nothing significant when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 133 & 140 grammes (two remarkable 'Rolling Stones Records' label classic heavyweights)

Vinyl Cleaning: By hand only, light touch soft brush, very little required.

Label Visual record 1 side 1(or A): NEAR MINT ~ some light spindle trace lines.

Label Visual record 1 side 2(or B): NEAR MINT ~ some light spindle trace lines.

Label Visual record 2 side 3(or A/C): NEAR MINT ~ some light spindle trace lines.

Label Visual record 2 side 4(or B/D): NEAR MINT ~ some light spindle trace lines.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, slight shrinkage marks, stretch marks / lines on labels, misalignment or marginal print bleed caused in original pressing; these features are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Inner Sleeves: NEAR MINT ~ the UK original album dedicated thicker card 'square' right hand side entry edge inner sleeves printed with track titles, credits and photographs. They have 'raw' non-lined inner surfaces but these originals were also supplied with softer paper inners from new and these are also included. I will also pack the records, as usual, in new white inner sleeves with fixed or removable anti-static liners to protect the records labels and playing surfaces. All four of the originals (printed and plain white) are in remarkably good, clean condition – fully intact, no seam splits, no damage.

'The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. POSTCARDS': NEAR MINT ~ The full set of 12 original postcards, based on photographs by Norman Seeff, still in one perforated strip – no tears, no separations. There were relatively few of these distributed with the original albums, they are very scarce these days and this is a superb set.

Promotional Flexidisc: EXCELLENT ~ distributed in the 'NME' to publicise release of the album, this is not a hi-fi product but it is in excellent condition and a nice thing to have as part of the history of this classic album.

Music / Songbook: VERY GOOD PLUS ~ my instinct is to grade this higher, because it is superb and should rate an excellent plus for the Norman Seff black & white portrait photographs alone. The grade is only held back by slightly frayed edges, a little creasing of the cover, a small surface scuff to the top back corner and the fact that the binding is a little loose. However, it is all there, intact and is a great thing to have with this album.

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and none more so than the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. With vinyl the listener can experience almost perfect ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being perfectly ‘clean’ due to the fact that this is a medium where physical contact is unavoidable and the ‘finish’ in the original pressing process could vary during the course of a production run. Other factors can make very small differences: for example - lack of use, environment or type of equipment can cause variations in cleanliness. Therefore, where my cleanliness grade is lower, based on the conditions prevailing at the time I carried out my audio test, with careful use this is likely to improve.

A NOTE ON AUDIO GRADING: I REGARD PLAY GRADING RECORDS AS A PLEASURE RATHER THAN A TASK, BUT EVEN WITH MY EXPERIENCE IT IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO TREAD THE FINE LINE THAT WEAVES ITS WAY BETWEEN THE VARIATIONS IN DIFFERENT LISTENERS EXPECTATIONS AND / OR THE EQUIPMENT AND CONDITIONS WHICH PREVAIL IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS. I SET OUT IN THE ‘GENERAL NOTES’ SECTION BELOW THE TYPE OF EQUIPMENT I USE AND, AS I MENTIONED IN THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH, I DO FIND THAT LIGHTLY USED UNDAMAGED VINYLS OFTEN IMPROVE SIGNIFICANTLY WITH PLAY. HOWEVER, UNLESS I GRADE A RECORD AS A NEAR MINT ‘DOUBLE’ FOR CLARITY AND CLEANLINESS THERE IS ALWAYS THE CHANCE OF A RANDOM ‘POP’, ‘TICK’ OR LOW LEVEL SURFACE SOUND (EVEN WITH NEAR MINT AND NEW RECORDS THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND). SO, PLEASE ALWAYS ASSUME THAT THERE WILL BE SOME EVIDENCE OF THIS BEING A MEDIUM WHICH RELIES ON PHYSICAL CONTACT AND THEREFORE BY DEFINITION CANNOT BE ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS. CLARITY AND REALITY OF SOUND IS THE REASON THAT MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE TO LISTEN TO ANALOGUE RECORDINGS FROM VINYL AND THAT IS WHAT I STRIVE TO PROVIDE. EQUALLY, I UNDERSTAND THAT NOBODY ENJOYS NASTY SURPRISES SO YOU CAN BE SURE THAT I WILL ALWAYS AIM TO HIGHLIGHT ANY MINOR DEFECTS AND EXPLAIN THEIR AFFECT ON THE AUDIO REPRODUCTION.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR MINT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

Audio Performance: THESE ARE TWO SUPERB VINYL RECORDS WHICH HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY PLAYED AND AND ARE LIGHTLY USED. THE AUDIO CLARITY IS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING AND THE ONLY REASON I HAVE GRADED THE CLEANLINESS A FRACTION LOWER IS BECAUSE THERE ARE THREE LIGHT TICKS ON SIDE 2 ON THE LINKING GROOVES BETWEEN THE THIRD AND FOURTH TRACKS (THESE DO NOT IMPINGE ON THE TRACKS THEMSELVES, ONLY THE NON RECORDED LINKING GROOVES BETWEEN THE TRACKS). OTHER THAN THIS THERE IS THE OCCASIONAL RANDOM VERY LIGHT LOW LEVEL TICK WHICH IS BARELY NOTICEABLE. OVERALL, THESE RECORDS DELIVER A SENSATIONAL AUDIO PERFORMANCE. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL – BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THESE ARE TWO BRILLIANT VINYLS WHICH WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO IMPROVE UPON.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes.

Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a LINN SONDEK LP12 deck fitted with a LINN KARMA cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g) and a top quality stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a PRO-JECT Phono Box DS Preamplifier and manufacturers pre-set REGA BRIO amplifier with sound delivered through FOCAL CHORUS 706 loudspeakers - this is a brilliant and revealing combination enabling me to be informative with play grading.

Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please read my terms and conditions of sale below which are there to inform bidders and prevent any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices, mothers and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first, or extended first, production run; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first matrix sets, first or early ‘mother(s)’ and first or early ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A▼1 & B▼1 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities).

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Please Note: All of the comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards. Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process. Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs. Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured and Signed-for delivery service.

PACKING & POSTAGE: Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will only dispatch using a fully insured and Signed-for delivery service.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me please contact me via the eBay messaging system and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.