Meddle 1U/1U

This first pressing has to be heard to be believed!  It plays with immaculate audio for the vast majority and the clarity and depth of the sound is as 'clean' as when first released.  It is no exaggeration to say that a very high percentage of this classic album plays 'as new'.  There is also very little spindle wear so the record has only been lightly played in my opinion.  A fantastic first press that is for certain! 

The fully textured gatefold has been very well preserved and the original 'Harvest' inner is also in great condition with no splits.

SHVL 795 // A - 1U / B - 1U // OG 1 / PG 3

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (Mint- for the vast majority)

The audio on S2 is Ex+ (Near Mint / Mint- for the vast majority / Ex on the intro)

The gatefold is Ex+ (spine is Ex)

The labels �are Mint-

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

Visual grading

This is one visually stunning vinyl!  At first glance it looks 'as new' and retains an incredible mirror-like black glossy sheen.  There are only 2/3 short wispy spindle lines on each label and has only been played a handful of times in my opinion.  The quality of the audio as detailed below confirms that view.  I cannot emphasise enough just how pristine this vinyl is!  S1 is stunning and I can only detect 3/4 faint hairlines and they are barely visible.  S2 has only a small number of mega faint sleeve removal hairlines but again they are extremely difficult to spot plus it has one tiny 'speck' mark also but it is still a superb looking first press.  Quite honestly it would be very hard to find one as 'clean' as this and it goes without saying that there are no scratches.  With fantastically clean labels and run out grooves this is a near pristine vinyl that plays as good as it looks!

Play grading  

As any Floyd fan knows the intro on 'One Of These Days' is often beset with problems - static, crackle etc.  I am very pleased to say this is one of the most impressive starts to this classic that I have ever heard.  There is very little static and there are certainly no clicks or pops.  You can hear the 'blowing wind' perfectly and there is just no intrusive 'background' at all.  This is stunning!  As the bass 'comes in' this superb clarity continues, a touch of mega light static perhaps but it is so much in the background as to be negligible and each note plays with stunning precision.  Once the tracks really 'gets going' the power and depth of the audio is astounding and there is no interference at all.  This is audio of the highest quality and rarely have I heard it play as well as this.  The quiet 'wind' section at the end is so 'clean' and has only a modicum of mega light static.  Overall I would grade this as Near Mint and it's not often I can say that!  A wonderful version without doubt.

The segue into 'A Pillow Of Winds' is faultless and it then plays with a clarity that is second to none.  The definition is 'high end' and the passing of time has not diminished the quality of the grooves in any shape or form.  This is a vinyl that has only been lightly played and the lack of spindle wear confirms that.  The immaculate clarity on this track provides further evidence of a vinyl beautifully well preserved.  I cannot praise the audio highly enough here, it quite simply plays 'as new' and there is just nothing that intrudes on the listen.  Wow what a version!  This is why we listen to vinyl!  The warmth and depth cannot be replicated by any other medium.  The long fade out here is another prime example of a vinyl hardly played - there is just no 'background' of any kind.

'Fearless' continues this fine audio with incredible clarity and definition once more.  I did hear one faint click about two minutes but aside from that this is audio of the highest quality...again.  It's so rare to find a genuine 1U/1U first pressing as 'clean' and immaculate as this it is a joy to listen to!  To the end it plays with Mint- quality audio and the acoustic sections are just mind-blowing.  The 'You'll Never Walk Alone' section from the 'Kop' end is as good as I have ever heard.

'San Tropez' I am delighted to say is of the same standard.  There is no interference and as I often say I know Mint when I hear it but yes I will obviously have to grade as Mint-!  Again what is so obvious is the audio separation i.e. there is no 'muddiness' or distortion on the sound and each note can be heard as clearly as when first released in '71.  I cannot stress enough how well this track plays, just a couple of light dust ticks on the fade out.

The quirky 'Seamus' ends S1 with wonderful clarity again.  The audio is nigh on perfect aside from a handful of mega light static sounds and one click on the final note but to have such a quiet final track play as well as this is a rarity.  As any vinyl audiophile knows 'final tracks', and likewise opening tracks, often have some interference but there is nothing here that intrudes on the stunning clarity aside from the one click literally at the end!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     

As per S1 'Echoes' will always have some 'background' on the opening few grooves.  I am pleased to say it is kept to a minimum here and whilst there are some static sounds and a handful of light 'ticks' the music still comes through very clearly.  You can hear every subtle nuance perfectly and that includes all the very quiet background notes.  Once Gilmour's guitar begins the audio is very impressive with barely any static.  From Mason's first percussive notes to the first vocal section there is only the odd mega light static sound and the first verse does indeed play with immaculate clarity.  The playback is stunning!  There is such depth and warmth to the sound and not a single click or pop.  This superb audio continues on into the second verse and rarely have I heard such amazing clarity on a first 1U/1U pressing.  The solo guitar section is quite simply mind-blowing.  There is no distortion and no interference aside from two click sounds towards the end that are largely 'lost' in the music anyway.  The remainder of this instrumental section is nigh on perfect with only the one faint click but there is no other 'background' at all.  The bass sound here as any Floyd fan knows is so strong and adds so much to the mix.  The lead in to the 'whale section' could not be any clearer and this surreal passage then plays with wonderful clarity and only a small number of light dust ticks.  There is no intrusive 'background' and for this super quiet section to play as well as this is a rarity, it really is mesmeric!  A minimal touch of very light static but this adds to the atmosphere otherwise you may as well listen to a CD!  This section is without doubt one of the 'cleanest' I have ever heard.  Wow!  The keyboard section leading out of it just has demands to be heard!  It is quite simply Mint and as the music builds the quality of the audio is just breathtaking.  Spine-tingling good!  It plays to a standard I don't think I have ever heard before and it just continues in the same way.  This is audio of the highest standard and even the 'jangling' guitar section has none of the distortion that you so often associate with it.  This is further proof, as if it was needed, that the vinyl has only been on a turntable a limited number of times.  It exudes Mint quality again as you approach the final vocal/instrumental section and the audio thereafter is again hugely impressive.  This louder section is faultless and plays with immense power and clarity and no distortion whatsoever and I am just in awe of the fantastic 'high end' quality here in case you haven't noticed!  The quieter end section then plays with such delicate precision and once more there is no interference of any kind.  The fade out just has a little static right at the end but hey this vinyl is nearly 50 years old!  Overall this is a stunning version of this classic and would impress even the most avid Floyd collector.

In summary this stunning first press has to be one of the most impressive I have ever heard.  The clarity on both sides is of the highest standard and whilst there may be a couple of light clicks on 'Echoes' the remainder of the track is up there with the best I have ever heard and this is a 1U/1U press!  As per all of my records I playtest every second so as to provide a complete and honest grading and I can categorically say the vast majority is Near Mint / Mint with a clarity and definition that is second to none.  The fully textured gatefold is also very clean with no obvious wear and the original poly-lined sleeve is also in great condition.

The Gatefold

The fully textured G&L cover is very impressive and has only very minor shelf wear.  The edges are very clean with only a minimal amount of rubbing and whilst the spine does have a little wear it is so much better than many you see.  The spines are often found badly worn but this certainly does not fall into that category.  A little wear at the top and bottom and a few small 'rubs' in the centre but I would say it remains 95% legible.  The right hand corners are in excellent order with hardly any wear and the opening edge has only minimal handling wear also.  The front cover is beautifully clean with no markings and has just one tiny crease by the bottom of the spine and the back cover is the same with only a couple of tiny rubs by the spine.  As any Floyd fan knows the 'white' inside of the gatefold often suffers from marking/wear but I am pleased to say it is incredibly clean here with no deterioration in quality at all.  One of the cleanest I have seen, it has been preserved so well!  Overall this is a lovely example of this gatefold and you won't find many better.

Inner sleeve

The original poly-lined EMI/Harvest inner is in superb condition with no splits and hardly any age related fading. There is a little creasing but this is a great example of this sleeve.  'Ummagumma' and 'The Madcap Laughs' are advertised amongst others.

The labels

The yellow/green Harvest labels are practically 'as new' and they have retained their original colour fantastically well.  There is only a tiny amount of spindle wear and they have no marking or writing on them.  Superb examples.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been professionally cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

SHVL 795 // A - 1U / B - 1U // OG 1 / PG 3

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.45 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £8.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £5.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £12.45 then £2.50 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £6.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!