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 BID WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE . YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED: COMPLETE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING AND A 100% TRACK RECORD OF OFFERING GREAT PRODUCTS, SERVICE, COMMUNICATION AND DELIVERY – GUARANTEED!!

STUNNING 1st Ever UK pressing of BLACK SABBATH VOLUME IV,

on the VERTIGO labels with TRULY INCREDIBLE ARCHIVE 

CLEAR AUDIO and Superb Cover, BOOKLET and ORIGINAL Inner. This is a great opportunity to own a classic rare piece of musical history, in stunning condition throughout!

All COMPLETELY original, making this a true collectors item. From my own personal collection. THE BEST AUDIO QUALITY!

CAT NO:....

LABEL PRESS DETAILS:

FIRST PRESS UK Black and white VERTIGO label with full size Vertigo swirl on side B.

MATRIX NOs. ON RUN-OUT GROOVE

SIDE A - 6360071 - 1 Y  // 1      

SIDE B - 6360071 - 2 Y  // 1     

Side 1. '' 1 2   1   1 0   ''   (ultra rare matching stampers )  PORKY (at 2 o'clock) 

Side 2. '' 1 2   1   1 0 "  (PECKO 2 o'clock) 

TRACK LISTING… 

Wheels Of Confusion . Tomorrow's Dream . Changes . FX . Supernaut 

Snowblind . Cornucopia . Laguna Sunrise . St. Vitus Dance . Under The Sun

THIS IS A GENUINE RARE UK ORIGINAL, AND IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUY AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE VINYL ALBUMS OF ALL TIME, in STUNNING CONDITION with truly REMARKABLE AUDIO!

Black Sabbath Vol. 4 is the fourth album by Black Sabbath, released in September 1972. The album was originally to be titled Snowblind, after one of several songs referring to cocaine use, and features several Sabbath classics, such as "Wheels Of Confusion", "Tomorrow's Dream", "Supernaut", "Snowblind" and "Under The Sun".

In June 1972, Black Sabbath reconvened in Los Angeles, California to begin work on their fourth album at the Record Plant Studios. The recording process was plagued with problems, many due to substance abuse issues. While struggling to record the song "Cornucopia" after "sitting in the middle of the room, just doing drugs", Bill Ward feared that he was about to be fired from the band. 

Vol. 4 demonstrates Black Sabbath beginning to experiment with the heavy sound they had become known for. Although some songs are in their trademark style, others demonstrate a more complex, orchestral approach. This is exemplified by the song "Changes". Written by Tony Iommi, it is entirely in the form of a piano ballad with mellotron. Although the band had used piano on some songs previously, it had played only a minor role in the songs.

THE LABELS - NEAR MINT

Famous 1st Press VERTIGO labels are in SUPERB Condition, no marks or writing, no discernible  spindle wear.  Great all round examples, with a couple of the lightest tiny spindle traces only, these are superb labels. 

ALBUM PLAYED FOR GRADING:

It is unbelievably hard to find copies of VOLUME IV with this type of great audio. So many vinyls, even visually clean examples can play with a  lot of distortion and repetitive clicks. For such a raucous album that is not surprising, but the mastering also meant that these vinyls were prone to dust penetration and surface noise, and there are a lot of quiet areas that can just sound terrible on worn copies. 

To give an example of how unusual this pressing is, there is a faint vocal echo on Ozzy's voice on the quiet 'Changes' track. Not the echo on the primary vocal, but a very faint second vocal. This can usually never be heard, it is so faint and the slightest vinyl wear will cover it up. On this amazing press the vocal definition is crystal clear.

This is a great VAULT AUDIO 1st press example, with incredible Strong, undistorted sound, and a minimum of any static or surface sound. Channels are clean and unstressed. The music jumps out, with definition and clarity, particularly on the percussion instruments, and vocals which come through with tremendous power. All the instruments and every breath of Ozzy's singing is bright and clear. As with the bass and drums, whilst the guitars come through crisp and precise. I will give a detailed account below.

Even for Black Sabbath Volume IV is a complex and varied collection of music, and hard to find in clear audio condition. Worn copies can have a lot of surface sound even on musically complex and busy tracks like 'Supernaut.' This pressing has unbelievable strong undistorted audio, with super clear strong sound. NO  interference, and NO loud pops or clicks or Distortion. Any static is extremely low level, almost undetectable, and that is unusual for any vinyl. It really sounds great and plays with great sound separation and clarity!

The album starts with a few seconds of ultra faint music, that is usually in audible. Here it is very fait and very clear as its supposed to be in the 1st recording mix. 'Wheels of Confusion' burst in with amazing power and clarity, a complex track with extremely complex audio layering, all crystal clear. A wonderful 'Tomorrows Dream' sounds like it has only ever been played twice, its so clear. It sounds like the vinyl looks as a matter of fact. Archive Audio! 'Changes' so delicate and poignant plays beautifully, with that echo on Ozzys voice in the chorus, nearly always lost, sounds superb. The abstract instrumental 'FX' plays superbly with minimal static for a track that is largely silent. Unbelievable. 

'Snowblind' powers in side two, again with Crystal clear perfect audio, as is 'Laguna Sunrise, which plays with great clear sound, and just a  touch of very occasional ac very distant surface static. And I mean you have to have your head with next to the speaker and be straining to hear any static at all. St. Vitus Dance' and 'Under the Sun' finish off this great album, again with what can only be described as perfect audio, and I dont use that term lightly.

I really enjoyed every second of this rare 1st pressing. There are NO repeat tics, NO distortion, NO sticks or jumps what so ever. This pressing plays with crisp clear audio throughout, with no loss of audio performance what so ever. Truly unbelievable audio experience. I would easily give this a grading of NEAR MINT condition.

THE RECORD - Visual Grading 

A superb piece of glossy vinyl, and a really thick pressing. Deep clear grooves that can only be found on the original early pressings, this vinyl has clearly only been played a couple of time. On first inspection in strong daylight this vinyl looks completely unmarked and even when inspected under a powerful spot light, it still looks unmarked, with only the faintest of sleeve removal marks, but these are very light and almost imperceptible. This vinyl is stunning and easily graded at NEAR MINT.

A great all round Complete and Rare example of this EARLY ROCK MASTERPIECE

At least two songs on the album reference the use of cocaine. The song "Snowblind" had to be re-recorded because the original version features Osbourne yelling the word "cocaine!" after each verse. On the officially released version, "cocaine" is whispered quite audibly after the first verse, approximately 41 seconds into the song (During live performances Osbourne would again scream the word at the top of his lungs).

Vol. 4 was released in September 1972, and while critics of the era were again dismissive of the album, it achieved gold status in less than a month, and was the band's fourth consecutive release to sell one million copies in the United States. It reached number 13 on Billboard's pop album chart and number 8 on the UK Albums Chart. Following an extensive tour of the US, the band toured Australia for the first time in 1973, and later Europe. 

In an interview with Q magazine, Beck Hansen named the "Supernaut" riff as his all time favourite, equal with Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl." Frank Zappa had also identified that song as one of his all time favourites. Supernaut was also one of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's favourite songs by Sabbath. Vol. 4 would later be considered a defining album of the era and one of Sabbaths greatest moments. 

VINYL TESTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF WARPING:

Yes, NONE visible what so ever, when tested be sight and on a moving turntable.

THE COVER 

The unlaminated covers of Volume IV are almost impossible to find in great condition. They are nearly always scuffed and creased to a large extent, if not heavily worn, with white specs where the colour has been worn off across the flat surfaces. I dont need to tell you how rare it is to have a pressing that is has a solid square spine and un worn edges. 

This great complete 1st press Comes with the original booklet and unlaminated cover, which is a stunning example. The cover shows light handling wear, minimal creasing and corner wear, and has certainly no tears or serious defects. There is no feathering to the openings, which is very unusual. The cover is square and un flattened and has been has not lost any of its shape. the inside booklet is pretty much perfect  and the cover has none of the usual finger print smudges on the outside of the inside or the pages. I would have to grade this at EXCELLENT PLUS.

THE INNER

RARITY

Volume IV is a highly collectable vinyl, reaching increasingly high prices. And there are a number of good reasons. It is a classic, ground breaking piece of music, and has a number of brilliantly designed components, all if which are prone to wear. A matt cover, which is nearly always heavily marked and scuffed, an inner booklet that is usually unattached, torn and covered in finger prints, a black and white inner sleeve, that is usually stained and torn, and a great vinyl that was nearly always played into submission.

THIS IS A GREAT ALL ROUND 1ST PRESSING. FINDING AN ORIGINAL UK VERTGO STEREO PRESS OF VOLUME IV IN STUNNING ALL ROUND CONDITION, a 1st PRESSINGS THAT IS EXMELY RARE. 

THIS IS A GREAT PLAYING VINYL WITH SUPER BRIGHT CLEAR AUDIO, A SUPERB COVER AND INNER. I DOUBT YOU WILL EVER HESR A BETTER PLAYING PRESSING. ALL MAKING THIS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AN EXTREMELY RARE PIECE OF MUSICAL HISTORY!

GREAT COVERS WITH NO SEAM SPLITS, NO TEARS, NO WRITING, NO STICKERS.

GREAT VINYLS WITH NO LOUD CLICKS OR POPS, NO JUMPS OR REPEATS - GUARANTEED!

SCRUPULOUS EXAMINATION and TESTING; PLEASE NOTE:

This record has been play tested on highly sensitive equipment to ensure the sound quality and accuracy of description. I aim to give a precise and concise description of the sound quality, pointing out any defects so that you know what you are bidding on. I will not go into screeds of information about nature of the songs, as I imagine that you already know them well. I aim to describe all items as accurately as possible, and offer a full refund on return if for any reason you are not completely happy with the item description.

VINYL SOUND - PLEASE NOTE:

Top quality vinyl with clear sound is rare, and is what I always aim for. Even with the cleanest copies you will find occasional static sound during playback, caused by a build of dust in the grooves. This is clearly different from the distortion, loud pops or clicks that are found on heavily played and worn pieces of vinyl. Any static build up will reduce when played, and I advise a light clean should be given between plays for optimal performance. 

ABOUT ME 

I am a visual artist, working internationally, a collector of art and rare objects including rare vinyl, which I have been collecting for over 25 years, and an art and music enthusiast. I specialise in the  highest quality rarest items, selling to collectors the world over. I want you to know what a great item you are bidding on. If there is anything that is unclear in the listing, or you have any questions about this or any other item, please feel free to get in touch. All the best to you.  

IMAGES and INFORMATION

I only use my photographs taken with a high quality digital camera of the item for sale. The images are designed to be as clear as possible, giving an exact image of the item. I aim to give sufficient and accurate detail as possible, so that you know exactly what you are bidding on. Please let me know if you need any further information and I will be only to happy to oblige.

VINYL

Large format art work covers with the original sound and mix unique to vinyl and of the highest quality audio. Vinyl record have always been loved and have become a great investment opportunity, with prices soaring over the last ten years, making classic pieces a great financial as well as a cultural investment.  

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING.

SOME EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK –

BRILLIANT LP MINT CONDITION,AWESOME SELLAR,1ST CLASS PACKAGING, NO PROBLEMS A+

ITEM RECEIVED.. AS DESCRIBED... PACKED GREAT...MANY THANKS..RECOMMENDED.. A*******

Great LP from a great seller. Thanks !! Very well packaged. AAA+++

received today! great record!! thank you!!!

Item arrived quickly, well packaged and in excellent condition. Very pleased.

fast delivery, superb communication, good item, great ebayer AAAAA+++++

.

RETURN POLICY:

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ; - returns accepted with out question. If you are not happy then it can be returned, I cant say fairer that that!

I ONLY SELL RARE GOODS THAT ARE IN GREAT CONDITION, IF THERE IS ANY SLIGHT DEFECT, IT WILL BE CLEARLY STATED.

If in the unlikely event that you may want to return an item, or that I have missed something in the listing, I offer a no quibble return policy. Items must be returned within 12 Days of receipt, and returned in the same condition that they were sent out in. Return postage must be paid by buyer, unless there is a particular fault with the item, and then I will pay the full postage costs!

MY RECORD GRADING SYSTEM IS AS FOLLOWS - (BASED ON RECORD COLLECTOR MAGAZINE U.K. )

MINT: Virtually unplayed. The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover is pristine.

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.

V.G PLUS: The record will still be nice and shiny, but may have a few light marks, and will play well. Slight wear and tear on the cover.

V.G: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items.

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, etc.

FAIR: Fair. It is noticeable that the record has been played so much that the sound quality has deteriorated very noticeably. The cover and contents are showing signs of folding, scuffing of edges etc.

POSTAGE AND PAYMENT DETAILS : -

Items will be extremely well sealed and securely wrapped using the best possible packaging for safe handling and delivery. I send items all round the globe with 100% success! I sell top quality rare records to discerning buyers. I do not make money from the postage costs and aim to keep the prices at a reasonable rate, while never providing a cheap second rate service. 

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE ITEMS YOU BUY GETS TO YOU IN PERFECT CONDITION. All RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR MAIN COVER AND PLACED IN A BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT INNER SLEEVE TO AVOID ANY CHANCE OF EDGE SPLITS OR KNIFING. THEY ARE HELD SAFELY IN EXTRA THICK PLASTIC SLEEVES, AND THEN THEY ARE SECURED WITH SEVERAL EXTRA LAYERS OF REINFORCED CARD BOARD AND PADDING AND MAILED IN EXTRA STRONG PROFESSIONAL RECORD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE ARRIVAL. AS I HAVE STATED I HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE AND AIM TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Example of packaging used

UK - First Class Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £5.00

UK Special Signed For Next Day Delivery with Insurance : = £8.90

EUROPE - International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £ 9.95

INTERNATIONAL, Non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Russia, Australia etc. International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £13.95

MULTIPLE PURCHASE REDUCTION

Reduced postage of course for multiple items up to 30% off extra items.

POSTAGE WILL BE FIRST CLASS OR THE FASTEST AND SAFEST POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE, RECORDED WITH TRACKING AND INSURANCE. ALL ITEMS ARE FULLY INSURED AND COVERED FOR THE SAFEST DELIVERY POSSIBLE, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. GUARANTEED!

POSTAGE RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF POSTAGE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE. MANY THANKS.

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PAYMENTS :

Payments must be made within 3 days of purchasing unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon. We will accept pay pall, cheque or postal order, but no cash or bank transfers. Items sent out immediately on receipt of payment

Please Note: If no contact is made by the winning bidder following the mandatory Ebay 3 days, I will reserve the right to offer the item to the runner-up, unless prior notice of any delay is arranged beforehand.  Any bidder who has missed the chance to purchase an item from me can still email to make a priority second chance.