BLACK SABBATH PARANOID MINT- UK VERTIGO SWIRL EARLY PRESS RARER LAMINATED SLEEVE BLACK SABBATH PARANOID MINT- UK VERTIGO SWIRL EARLY PRESS RARER LAMINATED SLEEVE

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Description

The records I offer for sale are from my extensive personal collection of 1960s and 1970s albums which I have built up over the last four decades. During that time I have added duplicate copies of some of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I am very particular about the records that I own. Storage space limitations dictate that the time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to downsize my collection. 

On offer here is a superb barely-played copy of the iconic second studio album by Black Sabbath titled "Paranoid", Catalogue Number 6360 011. It's a 1972 UK stereo pressing on the Vertigo Swirl record label, with a Keef-designed fully-laminated gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with its original Vertigo Swirl poly-lined inner sleeve. [The stamped record matrix numbers are 6360011 1Y//2 and 6360011 2Y//1].

The sleeve is in EX condition with only the lightest signs of wear and a few tiny laminate creases near the edges. The front cover has a small patch of laminate loss above the "SABBATH" text (see photo). There is no damage to the printed card surface underneath. The back cover and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid with perfect text. Overall it's beautiful example of the highly-desireable and rarer laminated version of this most iconic of sleeves. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The record retains its as new shine and and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually it is in MINT- condition with just a few wispy sleeve-removal type surface marks evident when angled against bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The Vertigo Swirl labels are like new with maybe a couple of faint spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. I can confirm that the record has only received a few careful plays. Both sides play excellently throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The sound quality is very dark and menacing with great bass and lots of wonderful sludgy Iommi guitar riffs. It's a top-playing copy in every respect. 

The Vertigo Swirl inner sleeve is in EX condition with no splits or tears, just some minor age discoloration. 
 

Overall this is a rare opportunity to buy a superb barely-played copy of "Paranoid" 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