Rolling Stones AFTERMATH Mono LK4786 Unboxed MINT-

	£		166
	$		220

The Rolling Stones - Aftermath

Decca Records: catalogue LK 4786

Matrix Numbers: 7209-6B / 7210-5A

Stampers: 1 G / 3B HA

On offer here is an absolutly immaculate example of Aftermath in what can only be described as Highest Grade Collectible Condition.

Featuring such classic tracks as Mothers Little helper, Lady Jane, Under My Thumb, and Out Of Time

If you are looking for a spectacular copy of this LP, then look no further.

The Sleeve

What a stunning example of this easily damaged sleeve. All of the early stones covers were made of very flimsy card which was laminated on the front, and unlaminated on the back. A far cry from the Beatles early sleeves which were far more robust. As a result it is very very rare to find on that has been so well looked after that it can be described as NMINT.

This stunning example is as good as you will ever find in my opinion. the laminated front side is uncreased and has no ring wear whatsoever. this is also very unusual. the opening edge is unworn. If I am being ultra picky there are a couple of very very small laminate lines in the bottom right corner, but none where they normally form near the spine, and talking about the spine, here is one that is unsquashed. perfectly flat and legible.The back of the sleeve has a little tiny bit of browning through age and the quality of the card used in the manufacture ofthe sleeve, but there are no pen marks or any writing on the cover. It really deserves a NMINT grade. The original poly-lined inner sleeve is also included with the set, and this has all the information on it ABOUT LOOKING AFTER YOUR EQUIPMENT, AND THE RECORD.It is also in superb condition.

The Labels

Simply Superb examples. Unfaded red surface with clear and undamaged silver typeface. The spindle hole is unworn, and the best part of all is the fact that even by using a magnifying glass I can only make out 2-3 very faint spider lines. For those in the know, the Red Decca label shows up spider lines more prominently than any other and it is therefore very visible how the LP has been looked after.The fact that this superb LP has only a couple of lines indicates an LP that has had barely 5 or so plays in its 30 years, a fact that is bourne out by the condition of the vinyl (further down)

It also confirms that the LP has been meticulously handled to ensure that the spindle hole was placed directly over the spindle and not placed on like "pin the tail on the donkey"

The Vinyl

Absolutely Stunning!! Looks like a brand new record. full gloss shine and unmarked. having spent ages looking for signs of handling marks I can only spot a couple of whispy hairlines and these were only visible under intense illumination. A fantastic example of 30 year old vinyl in superb condition

The Sound

The three tests I always run on any LP I list should give the buyer a great insight into the reproduction of the record.

Distortion Test:

Pushing the volume up when playing any LP will tell you a lot about the use the LP has had. For example it will show immediately if the groove has suffered any wear through having been subjected to a worn or damaged stylus, or indeed one that was too heavy and caused wear. many people confuse background noise from scratches, and lines with distortion from groove wear. they are very different, and in my opinion I can put up with the odd bit of crackle or light pop, but the sound of a worn record is unacceptable to me. The loud volume ensures that all this is detected because the vibration of the stylus is more pronounced at higher volumes.

This LP is totally distortion free. It sounds superb and just confirms what I already knew about it, in that it has been owned, and cared for by someone who has only played it a few times, and on decent Hi-Fi equipment. Just what every collector wishes for.

Production Test:

Not so much of a test, but a report on the quality of the recording and the clarity of the sound.

Being A Mono recording it is vital to have a great production to ensure that instruments are detectable and clear. This fine example has the great 60's production that is and was associated with these early stones recordings.Guitar strings that can be heard being plucked and strummed, percussion that hits all the right notes, and a bass line that is driving the music rather than overpowering it.

Unwanted Noise Test:

This concentrates on the noise in the run in groove, the linking groove between the tracks, background crackle, hisses, and pops. I wont mention jumps or sticking as I wouldn't list a record that did either. This is what you can expect to hear on your system, and along with the distortion test form the basis of my overall sound grading.

The run in groove to side one is silent and is a sure sign of things to come. Each linking groove throughout the Lp is as quiet as the next. Side 2's run in is near silent with a tiny little crackle before the music starts, again the linking groove is silent.

There is no background crackle at all throughout the play of this album, and I only counted about 2-3 very light pops throughout the whole play. Indeed a stunning and magnificent example of this classic stones LP, and fully justifies its MINT MINUS Status

I have been selling vinyl on Ebay now for 7 years and have built up a good reputation for offering quality vinyl, and in the main this has always been Classic and Prog Rock and Pop from the early 60's through the mid 70's. I would ask that you look at my feedback if in any doubt. I always conduct 3 vital tests on any vinyl that I list, which includes Distortion, Production, and Background Noise. All of which you will find detailed in the listing. I also always offer a full refund if the purchaser is not happy.