BLACK SABBATH, PARANOID, 1970 VERTIGO SWIRL *1st PRESS*

	£		275
	$		364

Here for auction is a lovely example of the iconic second studio album by BLACK SABBATH titled “PARANOID”, Catalogue Number 6360 011 on the VERTIGO SWIRL RECORD LABEL. This particular copy is a genuine UK *1st PRESSING* bought at the time of release in October 1970, with the incredibly rare 1st issue gatefold sleeve crediting “Management/ Jim Simpson, Big Bear, Birmingham”.

It is important to explain the differences between genuine 1st pressings of Paranoid and later pressings/re-issues. The following is a list of 1st press features:

·        only the first batch of un-laminated sleeves have the Big Bear Management credits, as these were hastily removed after the initial release

·        the 1st press vinyl is heavier and more rigid than later pressings

·        both sides have matrix numbers ending in 1

·        the Side B label has a large Vertigo Swirl logo (42mm diameter) as opposed to the smaller 31mm diameter logo of later pressings

·        the VERTIGO print on the Side B label is at the bottom of the label rather than under the Swirl logo as on later pressings

·        the P1970 date text on the Side B label is above 33 1/3 rather than underneath as on later pressings

The album for auction here has all of these features, confirming that it is one of the earliest possible 1st pressings, and therefore an incredibly rare and very important album indeed! 

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve is in EX+ condition, with only the lightest of wear. The front and back covers are unmarked with barely any creasing worth mentioning (just 3 faint half-moon creases near the back opening edge and a few tiny creases near the spine). The opening gatefold spread is unmarked. The edges are superb with only a touch of storage wear to the bottom. The corners are nice and square with just light rubbing at the tips. The spine is just about perfect. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful example. It may be a long time before you see another “Big Bear” credited sleeve of this quality!

The solidly pressed Vertigo record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable.   

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side A – 6360011   1Y//1 v 420   1 2   1 4

Side B – 6360011   2Y//1 v 420   1 2   1 7

Visually I would grade Side A as VG and Side B as VG+ (strictly graded). Both sides have some noticeable sleeve removal type surface marks/scuffs evident under bright light. Side A also has a few light stylus marks. With the exception of 2 short stylus marks on Track 1 of Side A which each cause a few clicks, these marks are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The Vertigo Swirl labels are unmarked apart from some spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These Vertigo 1st pressings are very special. The sound quality is particularly vibrant and the bass sounds amazing. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Both sides play to a very high standard with only very low levels of unwanted noise (just a little surface sound on Track 1 of Side A). Overall a great playing 1st press copy of Ozzie’s masterpiece!   

Complete with the correct Vertigo Swirl poly-lined inner sleeve which is in EX condition. This has no splits or tears and barely any creasing. “British Patent No…” and “MADE IN ENGLAND B1/0470” is printed at the bottom.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are 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 which do not sound, and barely any discernable 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. Still a very presentable sleeve

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) have to be sent International Signed-For with insurance. For LPs up to £36 in value this adds £3.50 to the standard Airmail Small Packets cost, and for LPs over £36 in value this adds £5.70

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE COSTS:

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: PAYMENT BY PAYPAL ONLY

For international customers that have bought LPs off me before, I am prepared to post LPs up to £36 value by standard Airmail Small Packets – but LPs over £36 must be insured

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option