THE WHO, WHO'S NEXT, MINT- 1971 UK TRACK A1/B2 1st PRESS C/W HEAD HUNTERS INNER THE WHO, WHO'S NEXT, MINT- 1971 UK TRACK A1/B2 1st PRESS C/W HEAD HUNTERS INNER

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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 MINT- copy of the iconic studio album by The Who titled "Who's Next", Catalogue Number 2408 102 DELUXE. It's a 1971 stereo 1st pressing on the Track record label, with a 1st issue MacNeill Press Ltd. matt-finish single sleeve. It comes complete with the highly-collectable Head-Hunters poly-lined inner sleeve which was only issued with a few choice Polydor and Track albums during 1971. [The sleeve is the earliest design with crimped spine ends. The stamped record matrix numbers are the earliest 2408102 A//1 and 2408102 B//2. "MG 128882" is etched in the run-out of Side A].

The sleeve is in EX condition with just light wear and a few small creases near the edges. The front and back covers are unmarked with only minimal signs of ringwear to the back cover which is very unusual for this particular sleeve. The spine is solid with all text legible. Overall it's a very well preserved example of this iconic sleeve with no serious defects. 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 a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light which are only superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The matt black Track labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and virtually no unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops, repeat clicks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is exceptional - very dynamic and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to a first pressing of Who's Next and I had forgotten how incredible they can sound. Audiowise it's as close to perfection as you are ever likely to find!

The Head Hunters inner sleeve is in unmarked EX condition with no splits or tears.  
 

Overall this is a superb and complete first pressing of arguably The Who's most accomplished 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