Pretty Crisp, Original U.K. 70s (sleeve dated 11/72) EMI/Purple Records L.P. pressing of Deep Purple’s ‘Made in Japan’ (Catalogue Reference: Purple Records TPSP 351).  This features an interesting label variation in that neither record label makes reference to the album title and instead feature the band’s name twice (they literally say ‘Deep Purple’ above ‘Deep Purple’ above ‘Produced by Deep Purple’).  This is clearly an early pressing as the date of manufacture on the inside of the gatefold, at the base near the spine reads ’72/11’.  The matrixes read ‘TPS 3511 A-2U’ (Side One), ‘TPS 3511 B-3U ZWS-2701-40453-B-RE-1’ (Side Two), ‘TPS 3512 A-2’ (Side Three) and finally ‘TPS 3512 B-1U PECKIE’ (Side Four).  It is the case that there is a lot of information on the Side Two matrix (in comparison to the others) and everything from ‘ZWS’ onwards is scratched into the matrix.  Each record remains inside the original EMI ‘Important Notice’ label bags.  The sleeve is a gatefold affair  with intense orange and red colouring on the inside of the gatefold.  The outside of the gatefold is laminated but the inside is largely unlaminated (aside from along the top and bottom edges).  This is a very fine example of this set.

CONDITION: EX (RECORD ONE) / EX+ (RECORD TWO) / EX (GATEFOLD SLEEVE): Record One has seen far more play than Record Two but remains in solid condition.  There are no obvious marks but a relative volume of ultra-fine hairline marks on Side One and far less on Side Two.  These are characteristic of the paper sleeve clinging to the record’s surface as the vinyl is withdrawn.  I’m not certain Record Two has been played and it is certainly likely that it has only seen a couple of plays at most.  If you look very hard under an intense light there are odd, ultra-fine hairline marks.  Both records remain inside what are ultimately pretty crisp EMI label bags.  The gatefold sleeve is also crisp in appearance and the ‘fresh’ appearance of the laminate is a testament to how little play and handling this set has seen.  It is graded EXCELLENT because one of the records has attempted to make a break for freedom and caused a one inch tear in the top of the front of the gatefold (please see attached images).  There is no such damage on the rear of the gatefold and I can’t say that the damage is that glaringly obvious.  The only other obvious flaw is a small laminate bubble which has formed near the spine on the rear as a result on light creasing in this area of the spine.  The records have left a light impression in the sleeve in places which stops short of actual creasing.  There is very light wear to the corners.  The spine information is clear and distinct and it is obvious the gatefold hasn’t been opened much.  The inside of the gatefold is pretty damn immaculate.  There is nothing else to say about what is ultimately a fine example of this set.

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured& tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.

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