THE MANDRAKE MEMORIAL SUPERB & ULTRA RARE 1970 UK RCA POPPY PSYCH 1st PRESS THE MANDRAKE MEMORIAL SUPERB & ULTRA RARE 1970 UK RCA POPPY PSYCH 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 Mandrake Memorial's ultra rare psychedelic studio album titled "Puzzle", Catalogue Number PYS 11003. It's a 1970 UK stereo first pressing on the RCA Poppy record label, with a 1st issue Garrod & Lofthouse "Patents Pending" gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with its original plain white inner sleeve. [The stamped record matrix numbers are the earliest Z4RS 6935 1E and Z4RS 6936 1E]. 

The sleeve is in EX+ condition with only the lightest signs of wear and no creases of any significance. The front and back covers are unmarked as is the opening gatefold spread. The spine is square and solid with perfect text. Overall it's a beautiful example which will be very difficult to improve upon. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record retains its original shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. It is in EX+/MINT- condition with just a few wispy sleeve-removal type surface marks which do not have any significant impact on the audio playback. There is a tiny white pinhead-size pressing mark on Track 1 of Side 2 (see below). The RCA Poppy picture labels are like new with no obvious spindle traces (although the record has received a few careful plays). There is barely any wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The tiny pressing fault referred to above causes 3 or 4 very soft ticks which are not intrusive and only noticed if listened out for. Playback is otherwise faultless. It really is a top playing copy in every respect.

The plain white company inner sleeve is in excellent condition with no splits or tears.

Overall this is a superb and complete first pressing of The Mandrake Memorial's ultra rare second psychedelic 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