JUDAS PRIEST - - 1974 UK DECCA TEST PRESSING - ROCKA ROLLA - DEBUT LP

	£		315
	$		417

JUDA PRIEST 

"ROCKA ROLLA" 

DEBUT LP

ULTRA RARE

1974 PINK LABEL DECCA PRESSED

PRE-RELEASE UK TEST PRESSING

you will probably never find another!

The only other one of these I have seen went for £720 - see Popsike....

http://www.popsike.com/JUDAS-PRIEST-Rocka-Rolla-orig-UK-test-press-in-Trident-sleeve-different-mixes/180876202629.html

XZAL-13291.P-1W & XZAL-13292.P-1W

1st Pressing Machine Stamped Matrix Numbers

1-U/2D-U

Machine Stamped Stampers

When record companies manufacture vinyl records, they invariably produce a ‘test’ pressing to ensure that there have been no errors in reproducing the vinyl disk from the master tapes.  Also, to ensure that the artist is happy with the final mix.

Often the mix on a test pressing differs from the one that is finally released e.g. if the artist feels that changes need to be made before release - this makes test pressings even more collectible. I have never listened to this test pressing alongside the final released version of the LP, so I am unable to tell if there are any differences. 

Test pressings are produced in very small numbers (often between 5 and 10) with copies going to the artist, the producer, sound engineer and possibly an expert (e.g. a DJ) for comments. Most Test Pressings are destroyed after they have fulfilled their function. However, a few filter through to collectors - usually given to fans by either the artist or possibly via an expert who has been asked to comment on the Test Pressing. It is because of their rarity value that many record collectors actively seek out Test Pressings and/or Promotional records.  

Test pressings do not have regular ‘printed’ labels. This would cost too much to produce for small-run test pressings. The information on the labels is invariably hand written or non-existent.  The most common colour for test pressing labels is white but Decca pressings were often pink or light blue.  

Labels: Pink Decca test pressing labels with the sound engineer's handwritten matrix numbers and title. Near Mint condition. Pressed by Decca because Gull Records is a subsidiary label of Decca.

Cover: Robert Stace unlaminated GULL label (GULP 1005) non-gatefold 'BOTTLE-TOP' 1st UK pressing cover in Near Excellent condition. No writings/doodles or seam splits - some light ringwear and wear to edges/corners - see photos. 

Vinyl: Play tested. Side 1 looks Good only with a couple of ugly scratches. However, the scratches do not cause any skips/jumps. Plays Good only with some clicks & pops and quite a lot of background crackle. Still listenable. Side 2 looks VG and plays VG with no skips/jumps but does have some moderate crackle. Would benefit from a clean - not played for many years until play testing.

Postage

£5.50 (UK - signed for)

£12(EUROPE - signed for)

£17.50 REST OF THE WORLD - signed for)

Gradings.......

Mint - The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality.

Excellent - The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality.

Very Good - The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratches.

Good - The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and more significant scratches.

Fair - The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise, it may even jump.

Poor - The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc

Bad - The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection filler.