Pink Floyd PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN, UK Columbia Mono LP, Syd Barrett

$

184

Important! Please read the item description thoroughly before you bid!

Almost every song on this monaural record has a different mix than the stereo version, and the fidelity of the HiFi audio is outstanding. After hearing the mono version, you may never want to listen to this album in stereo again!

The cover is in G to VG used condition with two visible creases at upper left on the front, a snubbed upper right corner, and light wear and tear on the flaps on the reverse (see scans).

The vinyl is in damaged but playable condition. The damage is difficult to describe, but there are 8 small areas arranged in a circle on both sides where it appears something hot came into contact with the record and caused distortion (spot warpage) of the vinyl's surface (see photos). Amazingly, the bumps do not interfere with playback (with a cartridge tracking at 1.25g, anyway), and can only be heard during the first few seconds at the very beginning of 'Scarecrow' on Side 2.

While the surface defects have almost no effect on playback, they do detract significantly from the visual presentation of the disc itself. (There are also some slight surface abrasions on the vinyl on both sides, but these, too, do not affect the audio.) In general, playback is quite acceptable, with some very soft background crackling to be heard from time to time in quieter sections, but these artifacts are not significant enough to distract from the overall outstanding high fidelity audio.

Terms (Please read before bidding!):

1) Payment is by PayPal only, and is due within 3 days of the end of the auction.

2) By default, I ship by USPS Media Mail with Tracking. If you prefer Priority Mail or UPS, those options are available, too.

3) ALL international shipments will be handled by eBay's Global Shipping Program; no exceptions. International buyers are responsible for all associated expenses and customs duties, and for informing themselves about the particulars of the Global Shipping Program prior to bidding.

4) I am happy to combine multiple items into a single shipment, but only on items that end on the same day and are purchased at the same time.

Bidding in this auction constitutes acceptance of the terms of sale as listed above.

Prompt payment ensures that your item will be shipped the next business day!

Please note:

I do not accept offers to close auctions early, or conduct private sales outside of eBay's auction system.

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A postscript about my music auctions. I am not a dealer. I am (or was) a serious private collector. Almost all the records I'm now offering on eBay are ones I acquired myself in the 1970s and early 1980s, and most have remained unplayed and basically in a state of physical 'stasis' during the 30+ years since.

I put a lot of time and effort into my pictures. I want to make sure they accurately depict the item being auctioned – like they would look if you were actually holding them in your hands. Sometimes a mere photo won't do, though, so I'll make scans of the cover. (I do this by default for my most valuable offerings.)

Re: grading. I have very high standards for both the physical condition of an album and its playback characteristics. I strive to use the most accurate language possible in my descriptions, and compared to most other sellers, I tend to under-grade my records. (E.g. what I would grade as 'good' would probably be described by the majority of others here as 'excellent'.) Seriously, if I say an album is nice, be assured, it is really nice!

I also take the greatest of care packing your purchases for shipment. I only use brand new cardboard shipping boxes that are custom made for record albums. Additionally, I use pre-formed cardboard inserts as stiffeners and bubble wrap inside the box for maximum protection. Rest assured: I will make certain that you receive your record in exactly the same condition as it is shown/described here.

I think I should emphasize - aside from the cosmetic blemishes, the listening experience with this record is essentially indistinguishable from other copies that have sold for several hundred more dollars than this one probably will. If playback is really what matters most to you - not necessarily what the record looks like - then this disc could end up being an amazing bargain for you. It really does sound great!