Black Sabbath 1st LP UK Large Vertigo Swirl VO6 + Inner Ozzie Osbourne VG+

	£		36
	$		48

Black Sabbath – Self-Titled was released in the UK on 13th February 1970 on Vertigo (Swirl) VO 6. This copy is the second pressing with the large swirl but without the Philips text (pressed sometime between mid 1970 to early 1971). Matrix numbers are: VO6 1Y  1 420 1 3 / VO6 2Y  1 420 1 9.

It was the band’s eponymous debut and is credited as having given birth to the heavy metal genre. Apparently it was recorded more or less live in the studio in one day.

In August 1969 the band, who were then known as Earth, decided to change their name to Black Sabbath in order to avoid confusion with another band also called Earth, and as an homage to the 1963 classic horror film starring Boris Karloff.

Tracks: 

Side 1

1.   Black Sabbath

2.   The Wizard

3.   Behind the Wall of Sleep

4.   N.I.B.

Side 2

1.   Evil Woman

2.   Sleeping Village

3.   Warning

Personnel:

Ozzy Osbourne:Vocals, Harmonica On "The Wizard"

Tony Iommi: Guitar, Slide Guitar On "The Wizard"

Geezer Butler: Bass

Bill Ward: Drums

Recorded in November 1969 at Regent Sound Studios, London

Produced by Rodger Bain

Engineered by Tom Allom

Heavy unlaminated gatefold sleeve is in Very Good + condition overall with gentle wear to the opening and bottom edges and tiny wear to the bottom corners. No wear to the top edge or the spine, where the text remains clearly legible. The only other issue happens to be the main one; what I assume to have been a sticker tear, at the top right front, has been rather unsatisfactorily inked over in black, partly obscuring the swirl symbol and the second half of the VERTIGO text (see photo).

Comes complete with original Swirl innersleeve which has a 3 inch split down one of its sides and has also some age-related yellowing.

The vinyl is also in Very Good + condition. Examination of the playing surfaces reveal a few surface scuffs and hairlines. On playback, however, the only audible imperfections I could make out were 2 or 3 light clicks on the opening bars of the record, 8 or 9 light ticks as T1S1 goes into T2S1 (visible mark here across the gap between the two tracks) and, generally, a little light crackle in the gaps between the tracks and in the quietest sections of the music (which are few indeed!). Absolutely no sticks or jumps. Clean, undistorted sound. Overall a fine keeper’s copy.

I am not a dealer but a serious collector. All my records come from my private collection. Please read my ME page for details of my philosophy on descriptions and gradings. I absolutely guarantee my gradings as played through my system. All my records are cleaned on a Moth Mk II RCM and play-graded in their entirety on a Rega Planar 3 turntable with RB300 tonearm and Denon DL-304 MC cartridge tracking at 1.5 g through an azur 840a amp via Chord Odyssey 4 bi-wired cable into KEF Q900 speakers. Inferior component-type turntables without proper tracking are more prone to sticking and jumping than high-grade turntables. If you love vinyl, do yourself a favour and invest in a decent system if you don't already own one. You don't have to pay thousands. Excellent quality 2nd hand turntables are available on eBay for around £100 (about the price of 1 rare LP). Your investment will be more than rewarded by the additional listening pleasure you derive.

BUT if, unexpectedly, you are unhappy for any reason, please get in touch.

Please see my other similar LPs for sale. Over the coming weeks and months I will be listing lots of classic prog, psych, folk and jazz LPs. Don't miss out - keep watching and bookmark me in your favourite sellers. Once they are gone, they are gone!!

Grading :

M = Mint - as new

NM = Near Mint - very few, light signs of usage that don’t affect play - the cover has only minor signs of wear.

EX = Excellent - some signs of usage, but very little lessening in sound quality – the cover might have slight wear and/or creasing.

VG = Very Good - no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch - normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items.

G = Good - 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, discolouration, etc.

+ and - are used as appropriate.

Payment

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end. PAYPAL is welcomed. In the UK cheques or direct credit into my bank account (please ask for the account details) are also fine. 

Non-paying bidders will be reported to eBay.

Shipping Policy :

If not still sealed, records are taken out of the sleeve to avoid splitting. They are posted in professional mailers with proper stiffeners for extra protection. These are pre-used and so are provided free of charge. A polythene sleeve is also always included. 

WITH EFFECT FROM 2nd APRIL 2013, ROYAL MAIL HAVE AMENDED THEIR SERVICES AND PRICES. THE RATES BELOW TAKE THESE REVISIONS INTO ACCOUNT.

Although the cost of some services have increased, or the compensation elements have been decreased, in some instances costs have been reduced, e.g. I have calculated that I can ship 3 low value LPs (i.e. combined value under £20) in the UK for only £2.90!!! 

Postage / Shipping Charges

UK (for packages up to £20 in value)

1 – 3 LPs            £2.90

4 – 6 LPs            £5.80 (sent as two separate packages which works out marginally cheaper than one)

UK (for packages above £20 but not exceeding £50 in value)

1 – 3 LPs            £3.95

4 – 6 LPs            £6.95

Larger quantities, please enquire. Costs are always kept to the absolute necessary minimum.

All packages with a value exceeding £50 will be sent by SPECIAL DELIVERY GUARANTEED by 1pm Next Day unless you decline it.

Value £50 to £500

1 LP                     £7.35

2 – 3 LPs            £8.65

OVERSEAS

Standard Airmail rates to all parts of the world contain only £20 compensation (insurance).

I have quoted shipping rates up to 1kg which is generally 3 LPs maximum. Please enquire about rates for larger numbers.

Compensation for packages with a value from £20 up to £50 is available via Royal Mail AIRSURE or INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR services. Compensation through these services can generally be extended up to £500 for an additional fee, depending on territory. If you decline to pay for compensation (insurance), the goods will be shipped Standard Airmail AT YOUR OWN RISK. Standard Airmail charges are as follows:

Europe

1 LP                     £5.25

2 LPs                   £6.95

3 LPs                   £8.25

Europe (compensation (insurance) between £20 and £50)

Same prices as those for Standard Airmail (see above) + £5.30

Europe (compensation (insurance) between £50 and £500)

Same prices as those for Standard Airmail (see above) + £8.35.

The Americas / Asia / Australasia / Rest of the World (ROW)

1 LP                     £  7.70

2 LPs                   £10.60

3 LPs                   £13.45

The Americas / Asia / Australasia / ROW (compensation (insurance) between £20 and  £50)

Same prices as those for Standard Airmail (see above) + £5.60

The Americas / Asia / Australasia / ROW (compensation (insurance) between £50 and £500)

Same prices as those for Standard Airmail (see above) + £8.85