SHEER HEART ATTACK (3U/3U) very early first pressing

This mega early 3U/3U first pressing of Sheer Heart Attack is in stunning condition.  The vinyl is in wonderful condition with only a couple of hairlines on Side Two and the iconic cover is in absolutely pristine condition, I have never seen better.  It also does not have the Trident logo on the reverse confirming it as a very early first pressing cover.  A true archive copy that any avid fan would love to own!

  Many think that 3U/4U are the first known matrix numbers but this is not actually true.  On Queenmuseum.com the first reported commercial issue has matrix numbers 3U/3U so the one I am selling is even more rare.  The fact that it is as near to Mint as you will find makes it all the more rare and highly collectible.  3U/3U pressings are known to be extremely rare and it is estimated only 2000 were pressed and it is certainly a lot rarer than the 3U/4U pressings.  I sold one a few months back and it went for over £100 such was the interest shown. 

I am not one to over-estimate but I think it would be nigh on impossible to find a better 3U/3U first pressing than this.  It definitely has the wow factor!

EMC 3061 // YAX 4881 - 3U / YAX 4882 - 3U // Mother Stampers MR 4 & OG 1

I would grade the vinyl as Mint-

The laminated cover is Mint-

The lyric inner is Near Mint

The original EMI labels are Mint

 Visual grading

  This vinyl looks stunning under a strong bright light and retains that glossy sheen.  Side One in particular is immaculate and is incredible for 42 years old.  I can only see a couple of the faintest of hairlines and only one very tiny spindle line.  Side Two does have a couple of more obvious hairlines but I must add they are not scratches and have no bearing on the audio whatsoever and it still looks in superb order for a first pressing.  It definitely has the wow factor!

Play grading

I just love the depth of sound and the strong bass on these early pressings.  Side One plays with immaculate audio with just a few faint dust ticks but I quite simply I cannot over-estimate the quality on offer here, such a rarity for a 3U/3U pressing.  'Brighton Rock' plays with such power and clarity it's hard to believe this was pressed 42 years ago.  The whole side has no interference of any consequence and even on the quiet 'Lily of the Valley' there is no background static to speak of.  Simply stunning!  I'm half tempted to keep this as the audio is just so amazingly good!  As is always the case on the early pressings 'Now I'm Here' plays with a little distortion in places but is still a great listen.

Suffice to say Side Two continues the quality.  Again the depth and richness of the sound across the side is just immense and again an indicator of the quality is how well the quiet tracks play.  'Dear Friends' has almost no static at all.  Every track plays superbly well with no clicks, pops, sticks, jumps etc.  I cannot stress just how good this audio is for mega rare 3U/3U pressing.  The depth and resonance across on every track is incredible and belies its 42 years.

In summary, this is a stunning final upgrade copy and having heard so many issues of this classic LP this is one of the best I have ever heard without doubt.  It is in sublime condition and as you can see I do not have enough superlatives for it!  When you consider this is the 3U/3U holy grail of 'Sheer Heart Attack' pressings it is a genuine mega rare find and hardly ever will you find one in this condition.

Cover

The G & L laminated cover is in absolutely stunning condition and in all honesty looks like new and as stated earlier it does not have the Trident logo on the reverse.  The laminate remains in immaculate condition with no splits or lifting anywhere.  If you look closely there is just one crease on the back next to Roger's head.  The edges and thin pinched spine are 100% in Mint order.  This is without doubt one of the best first press covers you will ever see.  An amazing rarity.

Lyric inner

The paper lyric inner is also in amazing condition and is exceptionally clean with only very minor creasing on the opening edge and a little ringwear on the Side One lyric side.  There are no splits which is so rare when you consider it is made of thin paper.  As this album is a very first pressing this inner has three cut corners.  It really is in remarkable condition and without doubt one of the best I have seen.

Play tested on my Technics SL-J110R turntable system 

EMC 3061 // YAX 4881 - 3U / YAX 4882 - 3U // Mother Stampers MR 4 & OG 1

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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