PINK FLOYD, MEDDLE, 1971 UK HARVEST 1st PRESS, A-1U/B-1U & GRAMOPHONE CO.TEXT

	£		80
	$		106

It's my pleasure to offer for sale a superb copy of Pink Floyd's highly regarded sixth studio album titled "Meddle", Catalogue Number SHVL 795. It's a 1971 UK stereo first pressing on the EMI Harvest record label, with a fully textured (inside and out) Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct first issue EMI Harvest inner sleeve which advertises other EMI albums of the period. [The matrix numbers are the earliest SHVL 795 A-1U and SHVL 795 B-1U and the record labels have "THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD..." text around the outside].

The Hipgnosis designed gatefold sleeve is in EX condition with only very light signs of wear and a few very minor creases. The front and back covers are unmarked as is the opening gatefold spread. The spine is in excellent shape with all text clearly legible.

The solidly-pressed 146g record is in excellent condition with only a few superficial sleeve-removal / sleeve rub type surface marks evident under bright light. The EMI Harvest labels are unmarked with only a moderate number of spindle traces near the centres. Both sides play excellently throughout with barely any discernible deterioration in sound quality. The sound quality is very dynamic and powerful with lots of wonderful sound effects. It is well documented that most first issue pressings of Meddle suffered badly from unwanted surface sound due to the use of recycled vinyl. This particular copy doesn't play with a background of complete silence, but the low level of residual surface sound inherent in the pressing is only noticeable in the quiet passages and is never intrusive. It's definitely one of the better quality pressings.
 

The original EMI Harvest poly-lined inner sleeve completes the package.

Overall this is a very well preserved first press copy of  one of Pink Floyd's most accomplished albums 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 - £11.50

Worldwide - £14.50