Beatles LP - White Album - 1968 UK STEREO 1st Pressing - Top Loader

	£		102
	$		135

Welcome to 20th Century Collectables

Quality vinyl for the discerning collector

The Beatles – White Album - Original 1968 UK stereo 1st pressing with original top opening numbered sleeve, dark green Apple labels and ‘Sold in UK…’ label text dating to the original release date of 22nd November 1968.

A very rare and early STEREO -1 matrix pressing – Pressed on the first day of production evidenced by very low stamping codes including 1/GA (First Mother) and 2/P.

Matrix numbers: YEX 709-1, YEX 710-1 & YEX 711-1, YEX 712-1 Stamper codes:   6/LT - 1/GA (First Mother) & 2/OL - 2/P (First day pressing)

Happy Bidding and good luck!

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

CONDITION

Discs

Visual:

Disc 1: Side one EXCELLENT  Side two EXCELLENT-

A well cared for disc that has received a below average number of plays for a UK 1st pressing white album. Side one has faint superficial whispy sleeve removal marks and grades at excellent. Side two has slightly more superficial sleeve removal marks and and grades at excellent minus. There are no significant marks or anything that could be described as a scratch.

Disc 2: Side three EXCELLENT+ Side four EXCELLENT+

There are some superficial whispy sleeve removal marks but the disc appears nr MINT when viewed in strong daylight. On close inspection I noticed a small light non-feelable mark on side two. Overall a superb looking disc which has received very few plays. Both discs lay 100% flat on the turntable.

Labels:

Disc 1: Side one EXC+ to nr MINT Side two EXC+ to nr MINT

An excellent set of labels with only traces of light spindle trails. There is some trace of a plastic shaving in the centre hole from the original manufacture.

Disc 2: Side one nr MINT Side two NR MINT

A Stunning set of fresh labels confirming that disc two has received only a few plays in it’s 55 year history. There is no writing or personalisation to any label.

Audio:

Disc 1: EXCELLENT

Superb undistorted audio with no groovewear to the music signals. There is some occasional surface noise. The easily damaged 'While My Guitar Gently Weep's plays superbly as does 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' which grades at near MINT. There are some light ticks on 'I’m So Tired' and three audible ‘pops’ on 'Blackbird'. The easily damaged track Julia is undistorted. Grades overall at excellent.

Disc 2: EXCELLENT+ to nr MINT

Absolute stunning audio on this a first day press vinyl and one of the finest pressings I’ve heard. It is apparent that this disc has been pressed by very early and more importantly unworn stampers, most likely used at the very start of the pressing cycle. Accordingly there is very rich, detailed analogue sound throughout. The track 'Birthday' has a particularly powerful analogue sound. 'Mother Nature's Son' is crystal clear. There are a few light pops and ticks in places and some occasional light static but no degradation to the music signals which are completely unworn. The heavy duty vinyl lies 100% flat on the turntable. Neither disc skips or jumps. 

Cover

VERY GOOD+

An original 1968 1st issue top opening numbered sleeve in presentable condition. There are some laminate bends to the front cover and wear to the corners. Interior gatefold is clean as is the back cover. Flipbacks are intact. Grades very good plus. Numbered sleeve is 0114006.

Inner-sleeves Good+

Original 1968 black inners. Worn with seam splits and some tearing.

Poster  Good+

Original 1968 ‘lipstick’ poster. The poster has ageing and some seam splits and has been clipped at the top and bottom.  

Any questions please ask

PLEASE NOTE: 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 9.50 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price.

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

 All text & images © 20th Century Collectables 2023