East Of Eden - Mercator Projected Stereo MINT

	£		50
	$		66

Mercator Projected - East Of Eden in Stereo format SML 1038 - plays Mint!

This copy has sat on my shelves along with many others un-played, but not unloved, for the best part of 40 years and I guess it’s time to let it go to someone who will appreciate it and play it more often.

I bought this when it was first released and it has been stored upright and the vinyl has always been kept clean. It has been recently “vacuumed” on my Moth Record Cleaning machine using L’Art du Son” cleaning fluid, which has no alcohol in it, to restore it to its original lustre, since when it has been housed in a Nagaoka anti-static inner sleeve (they really do work), although the original inner sleeve is included here as well. This LP has never been loaned out or taken to any party so I know its entire history and it has always been played on quality equipment.

The sleeve is generally sound and retains its original gloss. The spine shows no signs of wear and the lettering is sharp and complete. The corners are all intact and the opening is still sharp. There is a slight lifting of the laminate on the front cover in various places as can be seen in the photographs. The rear cover is not laminated but is very clean with little signs of discolouration. There is a little ring wear to the left hand side of the sleeve. There is no writing on either surface.

Inner Ex+

This comes supplied with the original blue edged inner sleeve to denote the stereo version as viewed through the pre-drilled hole at the top right corner of the rear of the sleeve. This is very slightly creased but is intact and unmarked apart from three small dials drawn in red biro on the reverse. At the time this was my misguided attempt at recording the optimum settings on my amp for this record!

Labels Ex

Side 1:            SML 1038 with ZAL 8688 upside down above that

The labels are in superb condition with no tears or writing and barely any signs of spindle marks. The white area on each label has very slight yellowing in parts

Vinyl (visual) Excellent+

There are no matrix numbers in the dead wax area.

The record has a few non-sounding hairlines (most likely caused on removal from the paper inner) on Side 1 and on Side 2. It looks in superb condition and still has an almost new shiny lustre to it.

Vinyl (sound quality) Very near Mint

The good news is that it plays very near Mint on both Side 1 and Side Two. I bought this LP when it was first released. There is no distortion to the sound and virtually no surface noise except traces here and there which is normal for all vinyl, even new pressings. The quality of sound reproduction is excellent, including the very lifelike chain-pulled flushing of a toilet cistern at the end of Side1!

I have played this on my latest set-up which is Project Perspective deck, Ortofon Kontrapunkt B cartridge through Musical Fidelity XLPS2 twin mono block phono stage into a WAD Pre–11 valve pre amp coupled to a Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amp and finally Ruark Prelude ‘speakers and it sounds dynamic and clear.

It is worth bearing in mind that other systems may not reveal the same level of hi-fi sound, especially with respect to surface noise.

The LP has been visually and play graded as accurately as possible using the Record Collector's grading system (see below) with an added + where the condition is somewhere between two grades.

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records listed as un-played should be mint.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have some slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays 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 is acceptable.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that 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, discoloration etc.

Postage & Packaging information

UK. £3.95

EU/Russia £5.00

U.S.A/Canada £6.50

Rest Of World, / Hong Kong / Japan £7.50.

The postage quoted is for Royal Mail 1st Class & Royal Mail Airmail registered /international signed-for post. If you require any other method of posting or insurance please ask.

I always keep proof of posting & will assist you if you need to make a claim for loss or damage with Royal Mail. Please ensure that you provide me with your correct address.

This LP will be posted in a thick purpose-made cardboard mailer with cardboard inserts for extra protection and the sleeve and LP will be separated to avoid any potential damage to either.

Keep a look-out as I will soon be posting more superb condition LPs from Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, The Who and a few more, all from my own collection and all bought at the time of release and extremely well-looked after.

Under Vinyl (sound quality) Very near Mint

it should read ".....the very lifelike chain-pulled flushing of a toilet cistern at the end of "Waterways" on Side1!"