I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale.  No shipping to Russia currently.

ELP Emerson, Lake & Palmer : Brain Salad Surgery G / G 1st Press USA + Poster

This first Specialty US pressing plays with stunning audio across both sides with no interference, it is definitely a FINAL UPGRADE archive pressing.  The clarity, depth and power of the audio is so impressive and this vinyl has hardly been played if at all!  It is from the same collection I purchased recently where the owner looked after his records so well and this one is no exception.  There is just one minor tick and a couple of minor statics, you would not believe how clean and precise the audio is!  The vinyl is also in superb condition with very little marking and no spindle wear.

The cover is in excellent shape and has only a little wear, mainly on the die-cut section although minimal.  The large lyric poster in in superb shape as is the the original inner which has just one tiny split on the bottom edge.

This first pressing is known as a Specialty pressing as was produced in the US by the Specialty Records Corporation.

ST-MC-732991-G (SRC Logo) AT  //  ST-MC-732992-G (SRC Logo) AT

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The die-cut fold out cover is Ex

The large lyric poster is Near Mint

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

The labels are Mint

Visual description

The vinyl is in lovely condition and still has a strong glossy sheen with obvious marks or scratches.  Under a strong bright light there are hardly any hairlines to be seen, just some minor 'specks' and one faint line of mottling on S1 which has no affect on the audio.  There is also a very faint 'band' line on S1 which was no doubt caused during the pressing of the vinyl and again has no impact on the audio.  None of these 'issues' can be seen in 'normal' lighting.  The run out grooves are very clean and the Manticore labels are pristine with no marking or spindle wear.

Play grading

The intro on 'Jerusalem' has no background and then the vocal sections play to perfection.  Put simply it plays without fault and very deserves a Mint grade.

The quiet intro on 'Toccata' is close to perfect with only a couple of minor statics and the following high octane section then plays with stunning precision.  The power and depth of the audio is astonishing and Palmer's solo has no intrusion either.  The next quieter part of the instrumental plays with sublime clarity, I 'picked up' only a couple of minor statics, and the powerful closing section could not play any better.  This is still worthy of a Mint grade in my opinion.

'Still... You Turn Me On' plays with wonderful clarity from start to finish and the depth on the audio is very impressive.  No exaggeration every vocal and instrumental play with crystal clear audio with no background of any kind.  A perfect Mint version including the fade out.

'Benny The Bouncer' may be somewhat out of place but it nonetheless plays with genuine quality i.e. no interference.  Mint

The intro and first vocal section on 'Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression-Part 1' play with no intrusion and the following instrumental is just as strong and clear.  It continues in the same precise way - despite being a powerful, dynamic track there is no inner groove distortion, the sonic quality is superb.  No ticks, clicks, pops or static it could not play any better and the closing instrumental is phenomenal!  Mint

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The 'fade in' on 'Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression-Part 2' has no background and the opening vocal section is perfect.  The long instrumental is just as impressive, great power and definition, and the next vocal is on the same level.  We all know this is a 'powerful' album and yet the original sonic quality is still very much there.  This is Mint from the first note to the last.

The instrumental 'Karn Evil 9: 2nd Impression' plays with imperious quality through every section.  The sound is so clean and concise and even the very quiet piano / bass mid section plays beautifully with only a couple of minor statics.  You can hear every background 'note' so clearly and that is a measure of the clarity on offer here.  The remainder is of the same standard and I only heard one other mega quiet tick.  Let's say Mint-

The 9 minute 'Karn Evil 9: 3rd Impression' ends the album with superlative audio once more.  Perhaps never played and the audio certainly suggests that!  There is literally no background and the depth and warmth, not to mention the power of the audio is first class to say the least.  I can't overstate how well it plays and it is unequivocally Mint from start to finish.  The most 'complete' version you are ever likely to hear!

The Die-cut Cover, Lyric Poster & Inner Sleeve

The fold-out cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear.  The top edges are perfect and only the bottom edge of the front cover has some rubbing.  There is one small rub on the left edge but the right edge (with band name and title) is very clean with only light wear at either end.  The corners are very clean and the front cover is unmarked with only the left edge of the die-cut section in the centre having a little wear - 4/5 small rubs and a couple of edge creases.  The back cover is very impressive with just one minor white 'speckling' near the top.  The 'inside' of the cover is immaculate with no marking on the main picture or either panel.  A very strong example overall.

The large fold out lyric poster is in superb condition with no rips, tears or marking.  Just very minor edge rubbing you could say but that's hardly an issue.  The original paper inner sleeve is in superb condition with no real marking and just one tiny rub / split on the bottom edge.  Hardly any creasing or ringwear either.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on my Pro-Ject VC-S machine

ST-MC-732991-G (SRC Logo) AT  //  ST-MC-732992-G (SRC Logo) AT

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

THIS IS WHAT A SELLER SHOULD BE LIKE ON HIGH END VINYL! Exactly as described if not better ! I could not be a happier customer .. well packed for international flight .. and shipped and received very fast .. No worries here this guy is the tops

GREAT AS DESCRIBED BEST SELLR OF ALL THE UK PEOPLE AND I HAVE BOUGHT FROM ALL OF THEM

Beautiful record as described, fast safe delivery, top seller. Cheers Steve.

Another fantastic LP from this seller - condition exactly as shown and the audio as described! Fast delivery, vinyl properly and carefully packed. Very highly recommended A++++

Another stunning LP from this very reliable and helpful seller.

Very quick delivery. Album exactly as described. Excellent packaging. Once again all perfect. Thanks!!!

Great item and seller (no.1), many thanks from ITALY !!!!!!!!!!!

Fantastic! Record as Described! Excellent Packaging and Fast Overseas Shipping!

One of the best on Ebay!

Another amazing record from this exceptional seller. Absolutely delighted!

Great seller and great vinyl record, professionally packaged. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and will certainly buy again!

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £22.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!