DEEP PURPLE, MACHINE HEAD, 1972 UK PURPLE, 1U/1U MATRIX

	£		42
	$		56

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic studio album by DEEP PURPLE titled ‘MACHINE HEAD’, Catalogue Number TSPA 7504. This is an ORIGINAL 1972 UK STEREO PRESSING on the PURPLE RECORDS LABEL, with A-1U/B-1U Matrix Numbers and a stunning 1st issue Garrod & Lofthouse Sleeve. This particular record is a rare transitional copy which has the unusual combination of the 1U/1U matrix numbers together with the later ‘EMI RECORDS…’ text around the tops of the record labels, rather than ‘The Gramophone Co. Ltd…’ text which you would expect to find on a 1U/1U first pressing.        

The fully-laminated gatefold sleeve, made and printed in Great Britain by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd., is in EX+ condition (strictly graded) with barely any signs of wear at all. The front and back covers and gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid with all text perfectly legible. There is virtually no wear to the edges. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful sleeve which will be very difficult to improve upon. Almost impossible to find like this!

The top quality Purple record is solidly pressed and retains a deep mirror-like shine.

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – TPSA 7504  A-1U   GGH   4

Side 2 – TPSA 7504  B-1U   GAG   2 5

Both sides are visually in EX condition with just a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The Purple labels are unmarked with just a few spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a very loud-cut and vibrant pressing with superb sound quality. When played at loud volume it sounds absolutely sensational. The record plays perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks and barely any unwanted noise at all. Lead-in and linking grooves play with near silence. You simply will not find a better playing copy of this wonderful album!

The fold-out lyric insert is in good condition. This has some wear and creasing to the edges and corners but is fully intact.

Complete with the original plain white inner sleeve which is in EX condition.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG+ Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.