Beatles lp - Sgt Pepper - Original 1967 UK 1st Press WIDE SPINE MONO cover

	£		511
	$		677

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The Beatles – Sgt.Pepper– Genuine 1967 ultra-rare WIDE SPINE MONO. 1st UK pressing with yellow & black Parlophone rim labels and  ‘Sold in UK…’ label text catalogue number PMC 7027 

This very early 1st UK MONO pressing dates from on or before the initial release date of 1st June 1967.

What is significant about these early wide spine covers is that they contain some of the earliest records pressed; often dating to in or around the first day of production.

These thick wide spine covers were, according to some sources, originally designed to accommodate an array of cardboard souvenirs which the Beatles had wanted to place into the gatefold sleeve for their fans. As production budgets escalated EMI decided to cut costs and plans to include these souvenirs were abandoned. Production then quickly switched to the narrower spine.

It is difficult to determine how many wide spine covers were produced but they were certainly produced in comparatively small numbers and would have formed part of the advanced orders pressed ahead of the June 1st release date.

It is important to note that in light of all subsequent re-mastered versions of this album including stereo versions that the 1967 vinyl MONO mix is the only version of ‘Pepper’ to have been overseen by all four Beatles. This is ‘Pepper’ as the Beatles intended.

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Matrix numbers: XEX 637-1 & XEX 638-1

Stamper codes: 1/HL (first mother) & 4/HL (early two digit mono stampers)

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

CONDITION

Disc

Visual: Side 1 MINT-  Side 2 EXC+ to MINT-

This vinyl has been treated and handled extremely carefully throughout its 47 year history and played on top end equipment. The vinyl looks stunning and it is so hard to find mono copies in this wonderful condition. The vinyl appears in  MINT condition when viewed in strong daylight and is completely unmarked, even under an intense halogen desklight nothing much more is revealed other than some ultra faint whispy/micro sleeve removal marks. Extremely difficult to find such early vinyl in such great condition. The heavy duty vinyl lies 100% flat on the turntable.

Labels: EXCELLENT+

A superb set of unworn labels showing only a moderate amount of light spindle trails. Side 2 carries the KT tax code. There is no writing to either label.

Audio: MINT-   

Very little to fault this superb sounding mono copy with no groovewear or distortion to any of the music signals. ‘She’s Leaving Home’, ‘When I’m 64’ and ‘With a Little Help from my Friends’ are free from any surface noise. The run-in to ‘A Day in The Life’ is silent. A superb example of a very early 1st pressing. This 1967 MONO mix in my opinion is far superior to the stereo version and is the only version of Pepper to have been overseen by all four Beatles. Less fussy than the stereo version and more subtle, the overall audio landscape that it paints is significantly different from all later remixes. This is ‘Pepper’ how the Beatles intended. Needless to say a fabulous listening experience and an album which is difficult to tire of especially in such wonderful analogue condition.

Cover

EXCELLENT+

A fabulously preserved 1st issue wide spine cover. Due to the thickness of the spine (approx 9mm wide) these 1st issue covers often ended up with their spines being crushed over time. Only the ones which were well cared for and carefully stored had their spines preserved in the way that they left the factory. I’m happy to report that the all important spine on this cover is uncrushed and in near perfect condition.

The front panel is pristine and bears only one small ultra faint ‘thumbnail’, a remarkable feat for a cover which is rapidly approaching its half centenary. Very little to fault on this cover; there is a small area of thumbnail creasing on the interior gatefold along the opening right hand edge. The interior gatefold crackles like new when opened and still retains its original shop sticker. Whilst owners may have previously removed such stickers they are now adding value to a record and I have therefore made no attempts to remove it. The sticker however could quite easily  be removed as it is on a laminate surface but I would strongly advise any prospective buyer against doing so as it forms part of its provenance; tracing it back to the shop where it was originally purchased back in 1967 during the ‘summer of love’. A strong and truly excellent example of this ultra-rare and early cover.                                          

Cardboard cut-out MINT-

Inner-sleeve Excellent

Original 1967 psychedelic inner

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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.

In the unlikely event that you are not happy with your purchase then I offer a no quibble refund. Buyer to pay return postage.

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

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