JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, ELECTRIC LADYLAND 1968 UK TRACK DOUBLE TRUE 1st PRESS

	£		475
	$		629

Before we go any further, it's important to dispel the myth that the earliest first press sleeves had the track-listing text in blue print and larger photos of Mitch and Noel, which has somehow become accepted as fact according to many Ebay sellers. These sleeves are most definitely not the earliest first issues. They were actually a printing error which occurred some time after the initial release. For an enlightened view please check out the information at:
https://recordmecca.com/news/jimi-hendrixs-electric-ladyland-exposing-the-blue-type-hype/

Now that I've got that out of the way!

It's my pleasure to offer for sale an exceptional barely-played copy of the iconic double album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience titled "Electric Ladyland", Catalogue Number 613008/09. It's a 1968 UK stereo first pressing on the Track Record label, with an Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. fully-laminated gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct plain white poly-lined inner sleeves.

This incredible copy has all of the features of a true first press copy released on 16th October 1968:
*The sleeve track-listing printed in white text and small pictures of Mitch and Noel inside the opening gatefold
*Upside down catalogue numbers and no "2 Record Set" text on the record labels
*The earliest corrected matrix numbers and very early mother stampers
*The original soundscape mix

The record matrix numbers and mother stampers are:

Side A: 61300##8 A//1    1   2    3

Side D: 61300#8 B//1     1    5?
Side B: 61300#9 A#//1    1   2     9
Side C: 613009 B ########//1    1    2    2

The infamous naked ladies sleeve is in very good condition. It is one of the earliest first issue sleeves which was turned inside out for display/storage, as was common practise at the time to avoid public offence and moral corruption! The front and back covers are unmarked as is the opening gatefold spread. There is some loss of colour/laminate to the spine due to the inside out folding, but it is not split or damaged other than this. There is a small 2cm tear to the inside left edge of the opening gatefold (after the word "LONDON" below the track-listing text) and a few relatively minor creases, but is is otherwise a very presentable example of this most iconic of covers.

The solidly-pressed records are both visually in excellent condition with only a few superficial sleeve-removal / sleeve rub type surface marks evident under bright light. The matt black Track labels are pretty much like new with only a few faint spindle traces each side (I would estimate maybe 3 or 4 on Sides A, D and B, and just a couple on Side C). There is virtually no wear to the spindle holes. It is clear that the records have only received a few careful plays. All 4 sides play EX+/MINT- throughout with no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The sound quality is truly sensational - very powerful and dynamic with lots of wonderful guitar effects. It really is a top-playing copy which will be very difficult to improve upon.
 

The original matching white poly-lined inner sleeves complete this incredible package.

Overall this is a magnificent and complete first press copy of Hendrix's masterwork which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 linear-tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-30 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is 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 and virtually no discernible 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 but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £14.50

Worldwide - £19.50