THE BEATLES, ABBEY ROAD, MINT- 1969 UK APPLE 1st PRESS, 2/1 MATRICES, TOP AUDIO! THE BEATLES, ABBEY ROAD, MINT- 1969 UK APPLE 1st PRESS, 2/1 MATRICES, TOP AUDIO!

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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 Garrod & Lofthouse International Ltd. fully laminated sleeve. It comes complete with the correct Company plain white inner sleeve. [The sleeve has the Apple logo aligned to the track-listing on the back cover. The Side 2 record label credits "Her Majesty" whereas the sleeve does not. The record matrix numbers are the earliest YEX 749-2 and YEX 750-1].

The single sleeve is in EX condition with only the lightest signs of wear and a few small laminate creases near the edges. The front and back covers are unmarked. The slim spine is square and solid with perfect text. It's a wonderful 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 MINT- condition. It retains its just-pressed shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal 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 few faint spindle traces each side. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole which still retains a sliver of plastic from manufacture. Both sides play excellently throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and a minimum of unwanted noise. There are no loud pops, repeat clicks or anything else to spoil the listening experience. The sound quality is exceptional - very dynamic and vibrant with great 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 really is a top playing copy.

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

Overall this is a superb 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 - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50