BEATLES Sgt Pepper 1967 UK 1st press MONO WIDE SPINE, complete & VG+ condition

	£		72
	$		95

THE BEATLES - SGT. PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

A rare and sought after copy of this 1967 UK  MONO "WIDE SPINE" 1st pressing on the UK Parlophone label, MONO, PMC 7027

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1  XEX 637 - 1 with stampers "1" and "M 0" at 9.30 o'clock and 3.30 o'clock respectively

Side 2  XEX 638 - 1 with stampers "3" and "R" at 9.30 o'clock and 3.30 o'clock respectively

The appearance of the vinyl is VG+. Completely flat and when viewed in normal daylight still retaining a nice sheen with only a couple of small, very light scuff marks in evidence. Under a brighter light a few more light scuffs and a number of wispy hailines come into view - nothing nasty, nothing that's obviously below the surface, and nothing "feelable".  Overall a solid very good.

The labels are excellent. On the side 1 label there is a very small nick just left of the centre hole (see photo), and on each side there are just a few very light spindle trails - only really visible under a bright light. The "K" and "T" tax codes are prominent on the side 2 label, adjacent to the spindle hole.

The laminated Garrod & Lofthouse outer sleeve is very good (at least).  All edges remain firm with no scuffing, and that includes the rigid spine where all writing remains perfectly legible. Each corner remains a well defined right angle with minimal rubbing and the iconic front side photography is completely intact with a rich, vibrant appearance - very impressive. There are two laminate creases, each horizontal and perpendicular to the spine and each intrudes upon the spine, one of which goes through the letter "s" in "Hearts" - I have tried to show this in my photos. There is also a little scuffing on the front edge of the spine underneath the word "Club" and again a little further up 2cm from the top of the spine. None of these blemishes are major but they are there and they are noticeable. The reverse side is truly excellent, with no doodles or unwanted writing anywhere to be seen...just some very minor and sporadic surface laminate creasing. The inside of the gatefold would be perfect were it not for some buckling/creasing along the centrefold, starting from the top and continuing to about half way down the inside of the spine. Again, not major but certainly noticeable.

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent-. There is wonderful mono tone and clarity throughout and with no distortion, even on the higher frequencies and at higher volume. No skips or nasty pops but there is the occasional mild, non-intrusive click and just a little background crackle only just noticeable at the beginning of each side. These are all minor distraction from what is, overall, a great listen. Just sit back, turn up the volume, and enjoy each and every track on this timeless classic!

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. SGT PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

2. A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

3. LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS

4. GETTING BETTER

5. FIXING A HOLE

6. SHE'S LEAVING HOME

7. BEING FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR. KITE

Side 2 :

1. WITHIN YOU WITHOUT YOU

2. WHEN I'M SIXTY-FOUR

3. LOVELY RITA

4. GOOD MORNING, GOOD MORNING

5. SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND (Reprise)

6. A DAY IN THE LIFE

The cardboard "SGT. PEPPER CUT-OUTS" insert is included and is in pristine, unused condition.

Comes with original red & white psychedelic inner sleeve which has a 7cm split in the centre of one side and an 8cm split at the bottom - still usuable but can only grade as very good. Note that I always post the record in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.

In summary a VERY GOOD+ copy of this rare and highly sought after 1967 UK 1st pressing MONO WIDE SPINE Beatles classic - a "must" for any serious Beatles vinyl collection and only continuing to gain in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 63 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class signed for  : UK £4.00; and Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £13. 

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler