KING CRIMSON, IN THE COURT OF...MAGNIFICENT 1969 UK PINK ISLAND A2/B2 1st PRESS

KING CRIMSON, IN THE COURT OF...MAGNIFICENT 1969 UK PINK ISLAND A2/B2 1st PRESS

Click images to enlarge

Description

It's my pleasure to offer for sale a superb copy of  King Crimson's iconic debut studio album titled "In the Court of the Crimson King", subtitled "An Observation by King Crimson", Catalogue Number ILPS-9111. It's a 1969 UK stereo first pressing on the Pink Island Record Label, with a first issue Barry Godber designed E. J. Day matt-finish gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve. [The inner portion of the record labels have a rough-textured finish. The record matrix numbers are the earliest ILPS 9111 Av2 and ILPS 9111 B//2 (where v=inverted triangle).

The gatefold sleeve is in EX condition (strictly graded) with no creases of any significance and only light signs of wear to the edges. It's nice and flat and the colours are still vibrant. There is a small area of surface rubbing in the bottom left corner of the front cover (see close-up photo) and a few minor impression marks on the back cover which are not obvious and only noticeable under close inspection. The front and back covers are otherwise in unmarked EX condition. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. Overall it's a beautifully preserved example of one of the most memorable sleeves ever created. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually it is in EX condition with only a few faint sleeve-removal/rub type hairline surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not have any effect on the audio playback. The Pink Island labels are unmarked with only a modest number of spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear around the spindle hole. The audio playback is EX+ throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and an absolute minimum of unwanted noise. The sound quality is nothing short of sensational, very powerful and vibrant with exceptional bass. There is a touch of surface sound evident during the delicate tinklings and percussion sounds of "Moonchild", but this is minimal and only mentioned for complete accuracy. It is my experience that none of the earliest B//2 pressings play with a background of complete silence. I've owned and listened to several during my years of record collecting and all exhibited some inherent degree of surface sound. This particular pressing plays to a very high standard throughout and should please most collectors.

The white poly-lined inner sleeve is in EX condition with no rips or tears.

Overall this is a wonderful first press copy of King Crimson'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 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 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 - £8.50

Worldwide - £11.50