DEEP PURPLE, THE BOOK OF TALIESYN, 1968 UK HARVEST

	£		42
	$		56

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer a superb example of the second studio album by DEEP PURPLE titled “THE BOOK OF TALIESYN”, Catalogue Number SHVL 751. This is a 1968 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the HARVEST RECORD LABEL with a stunning 1st issue laminated E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. [The record labels have “THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD...” text around the tops and there is no EMI box above HARVEST. The Matrix Numbers are A-1G/B-1G and the stampers are 1 M on Side 1 and 1 H on Side 2 indicating that this is a very early pressing].

The fully-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in EX condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid with perfect text.

The Harvest record is solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually I would grade it as being in somewhere between VG and EX condition as there are a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are only superficial and do not cause any audio problems whatsoever. The beautiful Harvest labels are unmarked apart from some spindle traces near the centres.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a very detailed and vibrant recording with outstanding sound quality. Both sides play to a very high standard. There is no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). This is very important for this particular album as there are several quiet introductions and passages which are easily ruined by excessive surface sound. I think it will be difficult to find a significantly better-playing 1st press copy of this wonderful album.

The white poly-lined inner sleeve is also 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

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 at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.