Beatles VI UK Export (CPCS104)

	£		410
	$		543

One of the most sought-after subsets in the UK Beatles vinyl catalogue, 'Export' pressings were manufactured by EMI-UK for exclusive distribution in overseas markets. Export albums were pressed in significantly fewer numbers relative to domestic releases and so are, logically, much harder to find. While some export titles appear to be more common than others, all are held in high esteem by collector's of Beatles vinyl the world over.

Presented for auction today is a damn-fine example of the UK 'for export' LP, Beatles VI, on the familiar yellow/black Parlophone label with the catalogue number 'CPCS 104' and early matrices, which are as follows:

SIDE 1: YEEX 112-A15 (1A = '1' at 9 o'clock; 'A' at 3 o'clock); an additional stamped-over 'A' appears above a 'clean' 'A' (see picture).
SIDE 2: YEEX 113-A15 (1M = '1' at 9 o'clock; 'M' at 3 o'clock); 'ST2 2451' has been stamped over with dashes (see picture)

A raised 'KT' tax stamp appears on the inner circle of Side 2.

Prior to listing, the entire album was listened to, at good volume, through headphones. Both sides of the vinyl play through without jumps or sticks. The playback response is generally excellent with only the lightest of crackle audible only in the 'silent' gaps between tracks. A 'pop' can be heard in the closing bars of, "Eight Days A Week"; and there are a couple of minor pops in the middle of, "I Don't Want To Spoil The Party".

The visual condition of the vinyl itself belies the excellent playback response and it is testament to the quality of 1960's vinyl that a record with visible scuffs and 'apparent' scratches on both sides actually still plays very well indeed; and if this vinyl plays so well prior to receiving a bloody good clean, it is likely that the quality of playback would be dramatically improved following a careful scrub-up.

The sleeve is in a generally very good condition and if not for a pressure/weight breach in the bottom edge (see picture), it would have been described as being in fine condition. There is no writing of any kind to be found on the sleeve; nor are there any rips, tears, scotch-tape repairs or other forms of serious damage. The spine is fully intact, the album title print fully legible and visible. Corner bumping is in evidence (see pictures), and there is feathering of the opening edges. A few small instances of 'laminate lift' are in evidence on the front sleeve (see pictures). The three laminated flipback folds are solidly and securely attached and free of feathering, rips and tears; there is some dirt on the flaps which may well be easily removed with an appropriate cleaner. There are a few light marks on both faces of the sleeve which it may also be possible to remove (especially on the laminated front face).

Both labels are in excellent condition and marred by only a few spindle trails (see pictures). Neither of the labels have been 'touched-up' in any way i.e. no coloured-in patches.

In summary, while this copy of the UK 'for export' pressing of Beatles VI cannot be described as being in a near-mint condition, neither is it in a mere 'very good' condition. The absolute bottom line is the vinyl plays very well indeed and the sleeve is in a very respectable condition - both would benefit from surface cleaning.

No Beatles LP collection can be complete without at least one example of a UK yellow/black Parlophone label export pressing; and this auction represents an opportunity to secure a decent copy of Beatles VI.

Postage is free to anywhere in the world that I have set as an acceptable postage destination. The package will be shipped with the record outside of the album sleeve, and will be carefully packed in a sturdy record-mailer, which will in turn be placed within a secure padded container.

I endeavour to answer all questions within a max of 8 hours (or 8 and a bit hours if I oversleep).

Good luck!