THE BEATLES, ABBEY ROAD, SUPERB & COMPLETE 1969 UK APPLE 1st PRESS THE BEATLES, ABBEY ROAD, SUPERB & COMPLETE 1969 UK APPLE 1st PRESS

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During that time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet. 

On offer here is a superb copy of The Beatles' iconic studio album titled Abbey Road, Catalogue Number PCS 7088. It's a 1969 stereo first pressing on the Apple record label, with a first issue Garrod & Lofthouse International Ltd. fully laminated sleeve. It comes complete with the correct plain white inner sleeve. [The sleeve has the misaligned apple on the back cover. Neither the sleeve nor the Side 2 record label credit the track "Her Majesty". The record matrix numbers are the earliest YEX 749-2 and YEX 750-1].

The single sleeve is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with just a bit of wear along the rear bottom edge and a small bump to the bottom opening corner. There are also a few minor laminate creases near the edges. The front and back covers are unmarked. The slim spine is perfect with all text clear. It's a very presentable example of this most iconic of sleeves. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record is in EX condition. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks evident when angled against bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any impact whatsoever on the audio playback. The Apple labels are unmarked with only a moderate number of short spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play excellently throughout with barely any discernible deterioration in sound quality and a minimum of unwanted noise. There are no loud pops or repeat clicks, just a touch of light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy. The sound quality is exceptional - very dynamic and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to first pressing of Abbey Road and I had forgotten how wonderful they can sound. This copy really does play to a very high standard.

The original plain white inner sleeve has a few minor creases, but no splits or tears.
 

Overall this is a very nice first pressing of arguably The Beatles' most iconic album which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

 

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

 

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

                                  

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £8.50

Worldwide - £11.50