Beatles LP – Rubber Soul 1965 – UK 1st pressing in STEREO - Superb Condition

	£		497
	$		659

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The Beatles – Rubber Soul 1965 – UK 1st pressing in STEREO on the yellow & black Parlophone labels. PMC 1267. Very early copy. Pressed ahead of the 3rd December 1965 release date. Comes in its original 1st issue Garrod & Lofthouse patents pending sleeve.

This ultra rare -2 STEREO copy has only been played a handful of times since new.

Extremely rare especially in this wonderful condition – has the very early 1R stamper code donating that it was part of the first batch of stereo copies ever pressed.

As John Lennon once said ‘Rubber Soul’ is when it started to get interesting’. A great album with tracks such as ‘Norwegian Wood’, ‘Michelle’, ‘Girl’, ‘in My Life’ and many more.

The workload of the Beatles in 1965 was enormous. After finishing their 2nd American tour at the end of August 1965 they returned home and under pressure from EMI were compelled to write, record and produce an album in time for the Christmas market which was only a few weks awawy.

It’s an indication of their genius, for what they came up in those few weeks was the masterpiece – Rubber Soul. Recording finished in November of 1965 and discs were cut on 17th, 19th and 23rd of that month and rushed to the EMI pressing plant in Hayes where production immediately started. The finished article was delivered into the shops on the 3rd December 1965.

Happy bidding and good luck!

Matrix numbers: YEX 579-2 & YEX 580-2  

Stamper codes: 1/R (from the first batch pressed) & 3/GL

Please check out the pictures and read on for further details:-

CONDITION

Disc

Visual: EXCELLENT+ 

Superb and fresh looking vinyl which still retains its original rainbow sheen and has clearly only been played a handful of times in its 54 year history. I would estimate that it has received fewer than 6 or 7 plays. A remarkably low amount for vinyl of this vintage. Side one appears unmarked when viewed in strong daylight save for a couple of ultra faint whispy hairlines. When viewed under a strong halogen light some light handling marks become visible. Side two also appears near MINT in strong daylight. Under a strong halogen desklight there are some superficial handling marks and whispy sleeve removal marks. Astonishing condition for such a rare -2 stereo matrix pressing. Very close to a near MINT grade. The heavy duty disc lies 100% flat on the turntable.

Labels: Side one EXC+ to MINT-

In addition to the fact that this is the earliest -2 stereo pressing, both labels carry the larger ‘stereo’ logo positively dating the record to 1965. There are some light spindle trails to each label indicating that the record has been played only a handful of times since new. There is no wear around the spindle holes and no writing or personalisation to either label. The label text appears fresh and sharp.

Audio: EXC+ to MINT-

Amazing rich analogue sound throughout with no distortion or degradation to the music signals. I detected some very light surface noise at high volume in some places on side one. Side two mainly grades at or around MINT. The stereo separation is a joy to listen to. This is obviously before the re-mastered re-issues that seemed to lose something special in the sound. The easily damaged tracks – Michelle, Girl, In My Life play superbly and it’s great to hear Lennon’s double tracked vocals on In My Life come through with such clarity. Also McCartney’s subtle base line on the fade out to Michelle is most noticeable on this earliest -2 matrix cut. Overall this is a superb and impressive listening experience of this Beatles masterpiece and in its most original stereo form. There are no loud pops or ticks and the record does not jump or stick.

Cover

EXC+ to MINT-

A superb and ultra rare 1965 1st issue Patents Pending Garrod & Lofthouse STEREO cover, retaining much of its original freshness. Very little to fault. The front panel still retains its original high gloss laminate sheen. The rear panel is completely unsoiled and free from any writing or personalisation. All flipbacks are strong and intact. Spine is in superb condition. Grades very close to, if not at near MINT.

Inner-sleeve EXC

Original 1965 rice paper inner with no seam splits

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PLEASE NOTE: 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 8.50 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price.

This record has been strictly and conservatively graded to ‘UK RECORD COLLECTOR' standards.

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