PINK FLOYD, Piper at the Gates of Dawn * NM AUDIO * 1R/1A * UK STEREO 1st PRESS

	£		900
	$		1,193

Pink Floyd - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

I am pleased to offer for sale this exceptional copy of the Pink Floyd's debut studio album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

Album Background:

Piper at the Gates of Dawn is the sole Pink Floyd LP to be produced under the leadership of founder member, Syd Barret. The album was named after a chapter in the children's novel, the Wind in the Willows, in which the godly character, Pan, is introduced and whom Barret's friends claimed he physically embodied. The album epitomises, almost defines, British psychedelia merging long improvisational instrumentation with whimsical rhyme. 

Album Details:

Serial number: SCX 6157

Matrix number: YEX 3419 - 1 / YEX 3420 - 1

Stamper codes: 1 R / 1 A 

Vinyl Weight: 170g

The matrix numbers identify the record as a true UK first pressing. The mother and stamper codes communicate that the record was produced in the fourth production run (1. 1G/1G 2. 1R/1G 3. 1R/1R 4. 1R/1A). Consequently the audio reproduction is absolutely fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The black labels with blue Columbia logo are the first variant as is evident from the side 2 label on which Track 1, Interstellar Overdrive, along with the song writers credits are all printed on a single line. On all subsequent variants this was printed over two lines. 

There is some controversy over which variant the sleeve is. Some would state that this is a second variant as the text: "File Under: Popular Music" is printed to the right-hand side of the top flip-back. They would suggest that first variant did not have this text. However, I have in my own collection a 1G/1G disc that is housed within a sleeve with the "File Under ..." text. I have also seen records with later mother stampers without the "File Under ..." text. Consequently, I have always assumed that the two sleeves were released simultaneously. To some it won't matter - to some it will. Make up your own mind! 

The album is complete with the original EMI advertising inner sleeve. 

Condition Report:

Please note: the condition report below is provided as a guide only. I include high-quality comprehensive photographs in addition to a full audio recording in order to enable you to make your own informed decision. 

Vinyl: MINT -

Labels: MINT -

The labels are bright and clean. A handful of dull spindle trails are visible around each otherwise unworn centre hole. 

Visual: EXCELLENT +

The record maintains superb deep-gloss playing surfaces which appear blemish free in bright daylight. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a number of paper hairlines can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine.

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please use the eBay internet site to enjoy the audio files. The eBay app does not facilitate playback.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the audio clips, the heavy-weight vinyl sounds superb. Very little audible intrusion can be heard throughout the entire record. The lead ins are quiet, as is the dead wax between tracks and at the end of each side. There is great channel separation, the bass is punchy, the vocals are crisp and clear and the instrumentation is well defined. 

Sleeve: EXCELLENT 

The iconic sleeve looks fantastic. The front is bright and clean. The cover art retains the original deep colours. Two short laminate wrinkles and a neatly repaired 2cm tear can be seen to the front side. The rear is clean and without discolouration. The flip-backs are clean and without damage. The spine and all other edges are without wear. A great example.

Inners: EXCELLENT 

The original inner sleeve is in great condition.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner (using L'art du Son cleaning solution), then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner is performed before a final rinse with distilled water.

After cleaning, the vinyl is housed inside a brand new mobile fidelity audiophile quality, anti-static inner sleeve.

The album will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more vinyl rarities.

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