PINK FLOYD Dark Side of the Moon RARE ORIG UK 1973 1st PRESS A/B COMPLETE - WOW

	£		1,335
	$		1,769

ONEADAYRECORDS – Serving-up a Christmas & New Year Feast of Entertainment

In this most difficult year, I hope these varied quality albums bring some seasonal cheer.

Over the Holiday Period, I am offering some interesting Christmas ‘Crackers’ – lovely albums – some rare – ENJOY!

And as ONEADAYRECORDS enters its 20th year selling on Ebay – I would like to wish all my customers – regulars and newcomers – a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A SAFE, HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Postage: UK £4.95. Europe (including Russia) £12.95 (£1 per extra record). Rest of World £19.95 (£2 per extra record). All my records are sent in boxes and the price of them has increased over time and these are my first price increases for nearly 10 years. Royal Mail prices have also gone up again. I will never compromise on quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all, and records WILL arrive damaged in them at some time as most record buyers will already know. Here, you get what you pay for – SAFE PACKING in BOXES using 7mm DOUBLE-WALL STIFFENERS including full side protection and bubble wrap, the records removed from the covers of course. All this very safe packing means I lose money on every box I post, but safe delivery is, and will always be paramount. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives. Also, I will pay for insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received if possible. PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT send any item, no matter what its value without a Royal Mail or courier tracking number. ALL my items must be trackable to comply with Ebay delivery rules. Please do NOT ask me to make any exceptions to this rule as no country offers reliable service without it.

Artist or Band: PINK FLOYD

Album Title: The Dark Side of the Moon

Producer(s): Pink Floyd

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Speak to Me; Breathe (listed as ‘Breathe in the Air’ on this original label); On the Run; Time; The Great Gig in the Sky.

Side 2: Money; Us and Them; Any Colour You Like; Brain Damage; Eclipse.

Label/Format: Harvest, a very first pressing with the pale blue out of white solid triangle, ‘THE ‘GRAMOPHONE CO LTD’ starts at the correct 10 o’clock position. All other details and beauty of the legendary label can be seen on my pictures.

Label Conditions: One of the most iconic and famous labels ever put on a long playing record, so condition becomes even more important. Well both are fantastic, being ultra clean, fresh and highly attractive with only a tiny few very light, fine and faint spindle marks and no wear around the hole area. The odd rustic area (less smooth) which is totally normal on labels and seen often. This legendary first issue record appears hardly played.

Catalogue Number: SHVL 804

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps or Lateral Movement: The centre maybe very slightly raised being somewhat critical, but there is minimal hint of arm movement whilst playing and it will present no issues whatsoever in tracking for any turntable.

Weight of Record: 128 grams.

Country of Manufacture: England

Rarity & Info: In terms of units sold, this is a very common album. But as most collectors and fans will know, the first issue with its unique label is a different matter. Although the album sold well on issue, the label design was quickly changed to the darker triangle, and few first pressings survive in better, or complete conditions with all the genuine first issue inserts. As posters were hung and used, removed and abused, they could have easily been replaced with later examples which were never the same (that explained further down). Not only that, the cover changed as well – at first glance, all look the same – but the colour of the ‘black’ altered on subsequent printings. Originals included a very deep blue-black hue, then changed to a real black and looking darker, especially seen when put side-by-side where the difference is far more apparent. First issue covers did vary however: the front closed edge sometimes had a tucked and folded end, some where machine cut with a white end (as this copy has), and some were open. Some covers included a promotional sticker, originals were 67mm in diameter with the pale type light grey, the background dark grey. Later ones were only 62mm in diameter. This correctly is 67mm. Originals also included a matt black polylined inner sleeve with dual patent numbers and ‘MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN’ text in pale blue ink, as this one does. The two posters had very matt surfaces and were made with thicker, heavier card, some were more shiny, thinner and lighter. First sticker varied as well, this pair have the plain white backs with the word ‘Permanent’ in red, again correct. So be assured, there is NO swapping of the contents of this impressive first issue copy. Also in terms of rarity, few originals will still offer superb sound throughout. Most who bought this initially, played it many times, often on less than worthy record players. Hence the beautiful sound and clarity ruined or lost. Even by today’s standards, this is still a hi-fi masterpiece and will put any system to the test. Complex productions with all the dynamic ranges included are the most easily damaged by heavy use or abuse on heavy tracking basic turntables, arms and cartridges. This record plays superbly for most of its entirety, side one especially with hardly anything to fault. Side two with a dozen moderately mild clicks from what I think is a minute pressing mark on ‘Brain Damage’ – that the only blemish I heard on the entire album with even those critical heartbeats at the very beginning and end impressively quiet. This proving the true value of a full play-grade soundcheck, because seeing this blemish is beyond difficult, even under light. A masterclass in production, engineering and fidelity, nothing comes close to matching a genuine first pressing of this timeless classic. Pressed a multitude of times long after the famous first label was changed, but few offer that stunning sound quality a first pressing does. Who wants remastered, enhanced or altered versions when the original was perfection in its own right? This is how the band and the production team wanted it to be heard – this is the real deal – and for me, nothing will ever better it – even with the odd blemish.

Original Year of Release: March 1973

Matrix Nos: SHVL-804-A / SHVL-804-B

Mothers / Stampers: There are no mother or stamper codes, which are likely to be the earliest of the several variants for what are deemed ‘first’ pressings

Pink Floyd: David Gilmour – vocals, guitars, Synthi AKS; Roger Waters – bass guitar, vocals, VCS 3, tape effects; Richard Wright – organs (Hammond and Farfisa), piano, electric piano (Wurlitzer, Rhodes), EMS VCS 3, Synthi AKS, vocals; Nick Mason – drums, percussion, tape effects.

Brief Info: An album that hardly needs any long history lessons, most rock fans will know this album well enough. Suffice to say, it sold in huge numbers and remains the biggest selling album that failed to top the UK album charts. A timeless progressive rock masterpiece that will probably never age. It is said, there is always someone, somewhere playing a copy of Dark Side of the Moon. This a very impressive genuine and complete first pressing that offers probably the very best sound I have heard to date with the least blemishes (a dozen moderately mild clicks only). The lack of crackle and distortion more than compensates for that relatively brief blemish, this record still totally blew me away.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(+): this critically graded and arguably better. A couple of moderate creases on the back spine edge, but little else. An unlaminated gatefold format with matt surfaces that have a very gentle hint of texturing, certainly not as smooth as later printings. This with the correct very deep blue hue ink shade, that appears almost black, but when placed next to the next version, the difference is far more apparent, later ones simply being blacker. This includes the 67mm diameter sticker, again rarer as later ones were smaller. The front edge machine cut in manufacture and closed. Printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd, this printed in deep blue turquoise coloured ink seen inside on the bottom left. Includes the matt black patented polylined inner sleeve with paler blue text. Also the first made very matt posters (both unmounted), made with thicker, heavier paper. And the two different ‘permanent’ text stickers (both unused with the backs ‘uncracked’, the sticky surface never exposed).

Cover Front: Beautiful, but immensely prone to wear, this iconic design by the Hipgnosis Studio group, and one of the most famous ever put on any rock album, is probably the best I have seen. Just two very small press marks showing little with normal viewing, any other marks few and faint, this has little else to fault. The first print sticker is immaculate and totally correct, it has never been picked at or removed, try finding this better. The highly wear-prone blue-black ink hardly rubbed, any traces very gentle and very faint near the top and bottom, few can hope to have less these days. If that were not enough, this front is virtually devoid of creasing, any traces also minuscule with none whatsoever away from the very edges. The surface still very clean, fresh and attractive and cover-protected for many years. Very impressive hardly does it full justice.

Cover Back: The back very similar again, and arguably better apart from the two aforementioned creases on the spine edge. However the total lack of ugly ring wear which blights to many of these, more than compensates.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Like wow, this is little short of as made with barely a crease or wear at all. The surfaces fresh and very clean with all the text matter pin-sharp, including the tiny stuff in dark blue at the bottom left.

Top & Bottom Edges: All four very straight, flat, flush and very close to parallel – these small details make a big difference for neatness and appearance. The surfaces appear barely worn at all, I have scrutinised under my magnifier to check for enhancements, and I cannot rule-out possible enhancement on the lower back, but if so, done with skill and hardly obvious. That is my honest opinion.

Right Edge(s), and Type: The front edge is closed and factory machine cut (e.g. it has a white surface). One of three correct variants for this cover, it is still neatly sharp with any burr traces minuscule. The back storage edges are also impressively sharp with hardly any traces of thickening.

Spine and Text: A superb spine which I am certain is natural. Solid, straight with no compression and folded square, so the edges meet up very closely together and virtually parallel. No text printed on this, just the light beam only which is unworn. The surface looks superb with barely a trace of rubbing.

Corners: Any tip rubs tiny and light with excellent or better shape mostly retained with no knocks. A super-faint crease hint on the back lower left being ultra critical.

Cover Summary: A very strong and pleasing all-round example of this very fragile first print cover, one that will prove very difficult to find much better. Although not pristine (and few can hope to be these days), all the positives far outweigh any blemishes and this attractive, rarer original should please many collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: NEAR EXCELLENT: with a crease and some moderate+ crinkle to the back (flipbacked) side that has the pale blue Patent numbers and ‘MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN’ text. The patent numbers are: 112555 & 1072844 (both correct for this inner). The front has little to fault bar the odd very small edge crease. A very matt black inner with two crisp undamaged window circles, the polylining still clear and attached. The paper still fresh and crisp with all edge folds naturally intact. The top waved recessed opening still neat and quite crisp with no tears.

The Pyramid Poster: EXCELLENT(+): and only marked down for some moderately light toning to one square of the white back that has clearly been exposed more when folded. The others have little at all, bar traces in the actual folds. So mild clues of genuine age only. What is far more important is this is the genuine first print poster – beware of substitutions that look a little too new and certainly different. This first pyramid poster was made with much thick paper which is bordering on thin card. It has a very matt surface and has no text on it whatsoever. Equally important, this has never been mounted or displayed with no pin-holes or tape marks. The printed side still very impressive with the graphic very deeply coloured and fresh. Any hint of discolouration this side minimal and very faint. All folds are strong with no tearing, all edges crisp and neat.

The Band Poster: EXCELLENT(+): This is virtually the same as the pyramid poster in all aspects. Apart from it includes the SHVL 804 catalogue number on the bottom right of the printed side.

The Yellow Sticker: EXCELLENT(+): These are probably the more elusive parts of this album, or the most damaged. So often these were used and discarded, often missing now, some even stuck them to the cover or inner sleeve. Well this ‘PERMANENT’ backed example has never been used or abused. The back little short of perfect, the front with gentle traces of age/mild discolouration only with the odd minute corner tip trace. Still impressive and never easily found as such.

The Brown Sticker: EXCELLENT(+): Again, virtually the same as the yellow sticker.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(++)/EXCELLENT(+): Grading it less would hardly do this superb record full justice. A highly impressive visual copy that is very clean with equally fine shine and solidly pressed. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence with any surface marks few, very light, wispy and faint as seen critically under bright light. No obvious penetrating stylus scratches, viewed in average room light, hardly anything even registers. A micro pressing mark seen under a magnifier emits a dozen moderately mild clicks heard on ‘Brain Damage’, but the only blemish I noted during my amazing play-grade. Visually a super record that should please many collectors, but not for the absolute purist connoisseur who only want ‘perfection’ as any cost. I have to say, good luck finding such a copy that is available. Given the scarcity of a genuine first pressing and popularity of the album that was often played to near destruction, few that surface will much better or have fewer blemishes for sound.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing equipment, all listed further down.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This progressive rock masterpiece plays even above it’s high visual grading with barely anything to fault bar those very brief, clicks which I have more than emphasised are present. Offering strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear – sound quality is immense, and that no understatement – this surpassing most of what had come before in terms of high-fidelity sound, production, effects and engineering with a very wide dynamic range and equally detailed sound. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and this is a very clean pressing with no tracking issues* or inherent pressing noises. It has moments of quietness, none more so than the very beginning and end as the famous heartbeat fades in, and then out as the album concludes. Both these crucial areas play very well and as quiet as vintage vinyl probably ever will. The intensity of the female vocals on ‘The Great Gig in the Sky’ and the clocks on ‘Time’ will test the tracking of any cartridge, here crystal clear, precise and sharp. It will send shivers up the spine of most hi-fi fans and no digital version I have heard to date really compares to the warmth and detail of a quality analogue pressing. I still think a first pressing has that extra X-Factor in terms of ultimate detail and dynamic range, this is the sort of record why fans invest heavily in a quality system – myself very much included. Few available copies will outperform this genuine A/B matrix first pressing I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been generally well stored and carefully handled. Yes, a relatively brief few clicks, but nothing else spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this lovely record – and this has far more positive things to offer than negative. Being honest and realistic, how many originals with have fewer blemishes than this after nearly 48 years? This is a remarkably preserved record and will prove very difficult to find better and can be strongly recommended, but if any of the issues I have clearly mentioned are a problem, please wait for another – I cannot be more honest and fairer than that.

* As played-graded on a high-end Linn LP12 Sondek turntable with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge tracking at 2.2 grams. Records are a ‘contact’ format, and few will avoid the odd minor sound blemish.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay as I Play-Grade every record I offer in their entirety – also on higher-end equipment – not just bits to guess a grade – visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean it’s good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are the item being offered with no digital enhancements. Room light factors can make things vary sometimes, that is hard to control, especially in winter. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking – any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2.2 grams). Amps: Naim Supernait 2 with Project USB phono stage and Tellerium Black interconnects. Speakers: B&W 805 Nautilus (bi-wired with Tellurium Black terminated cable) with REL subwoofer. All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting, better quality packaging costs, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is minuscule in over 17­ years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of TWO days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the bid, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site as will any suspicious bids or bid withdrawals. Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £1 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.