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GENTLE GIANT - Three Friends LP 1st UK Pressing

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Gentle Giant - Three Friends LP Original UK 1st Pressing with Vertigo Swirl 1972

V636 0070

Matrix: A Side 1Y//2 420
           B Side 2Y//2 420 Album will be despatched in a secure 12" Cruciform Record Mailer.

Look out for other original first pressings from the early 70's and other rarities from my collection which is currently being broken up

This has to be one of the finest early 70's albums among my personal collection in terms of overall cover condition and wear. I have no hesitation in describing the cover as near mint without a single blemish of any description. Opening the gatefold still gives the impression of an almost brand new album. I am seriously looking hard to find any flaw and all I can find is the tiniest amount of rub-wear at the very top and also very bottom of the spine. The spine (despite the rub wear) is pristine. The only other sign of wear is a very faint degree of wear-through on the back sleeve where the album was possibly tightly packed in a cabinet. View the supersize photos to appreciate what stunning condition this cover has been kept.  Original inner sleeve is also present and in excellent condition.

The vinyl shows very little wear and nothing to suggest any serious other marks. I would describe this as excellent. Like the rest of my collection is has remained dormant (unplayed) for 20 years.

History: similar to a number of my other original albums this was purchased at Leonard Beakhurst Records (long gone) Uxbridge Road, Hayes, Middlesex, upon release in 1972. On a personal note, am attending a Gentle Giant reunion gig (3 members) under the band name "Three Friends" at Shoreham, Sussex, 16th April. 

Probably one of the finest examples of this Original 1st UK Pressing still around.

**ANY ITEMS WITH A VALUE OF £50.00GBP OR MORE WILL HAVE TO BE SENT ( SIGNED FOR ) TO ANY DESTINATION**

Grading of Vinyl Records:

• M (Mint = New) – The item is unsealed (which is normal for records manufactured in Europe) but otherwise never played. I use this grade only for items coming from store overstock/library backup stock that were positively never played.
• NM (Near Mint = M-) – Vinyl: The vinyl is virtually flawless, bright and shiny. Sometimes a very minor scuff or two may be present, in which case the item will certainly play Near Mint. No scratches of any kind. Cover: The cover has no more than minor defects such as minor impressions to the cover (due to the outer edge of the vinyl resting inside).
• EX (Excellent = VG++) – Vinyl: May have minor scuffs which are visible but only slightly, and the wear is to no more than 15% of the surface. There can possibly be a hairline scratch or two, but nothing that is obvious or affect play. Cover: Some impression to the cover (minor outer ring wear) is present, but no ink wear. Some slight creases to the corners, but not wrinkled and obtrusive to the eye. The corners can show white, meaning, slight wear.
• VG+ (Very Good Plus) – Vinyl: Some visible surface wear, very minor scratches and scuffs, but minimal impact on the sound quality. A slight noise at the beginning is possible, but the remainder will be nearly flawless. The vinyl will have more than 15% yet less than 30% wear to the surface. It will still have good luster. Labels may have minor imperfections (small labels or initials, etc.) but are otherwise clean. A VG+ record has unquestionably seen some time on a turntable, but it has been played gently and carefully stored. Cover: The artwork looks clean with slightly more aging. There will be some minor ring wear. Cover may have small writing on it or a sticker. May have lightly turned up corners, some minor wear to the seams or spine, but no tears or holes popping through. It may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation of corner. However it will have no more than 3 flaws mentioned.
• VG (Very Good) – Vinyl: A VG record has substantial but superficial wear. It exhibits numerous “spider web” stylus marks, faded gloss and has noticeable scuffs and perhaps a few bona fide “scratches” that cause minor surface noise, but do not overpower the music. There are no skips. The surface noise is only heard in between tracks or in low musical passages. Labels may have small tears, tape marks, larger writing, etc. but still easily legible. There may be wear or deformation of the spindle hole. Cover: Looks worn, used. There may be some seam splitting (but not completely separated). There is some ring wear, where the ink has begun to wear off, giving the cover a look of snow falling. May have larger writing on it.
• G (Good) – Vinyl: Well-played, dull, grayish vinyl with deeper scratches and wear causing distracting surface noise (such as crackle that is continuous, or some hiss, pops, and similar). The record still plays through without any skips or any obtrusively loud pops or repeated clicks caused by deep scratches. It plays with some form of decency, so one can still enjoy the music even though you can still hear noise caused from the wear. Labels may be significantly defaced or damaged. Cover: A cover or sleeve have seam splits (possibly taped and repaired), especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects start to overwhelm the object.