THE BEATLES Help SINGAPORE FIRST BLACK/YELLOW PARLOPHONE LP EARLIEST 1/1 matrix

	£		25
	$		33

THE BEATLES Help, SINGAPORE 1st B/Y PARLOPHONE LP, 1/1 matrix

The Beatles, Help.

Features yellow and black labels similar to UK issues, with the usual slight differences in design, font etc. typical of non-UK pressings.

Side One: YEX 168 1 - Side Two: YEX 169 1.

Being a Singapore press this does not have the standard UK Mothers/Stampers, although there is a single 2 stamped to the 9 o'clock position of side two.

Not mint, but an unusually clean issue.

Vinyl grades top end VG. Spider trail marks around the spindle areas suggests just a few plays. Vinyl surfaces still have a high gloss however. There are just a very few light hairline scuff marks, with just two or three of these being slightly more visible. Beneath this however are underlyingly clean surfaces which are not a network of fine hairline marks. The few marks that are visible are isolated marks on an otherwise very clean LP. There are no deep scratches or marks. This is clearly an LP which has received careful handling. There are some areas of whitening to the run-ins of both sides, which appears to be residue from gumming of the paper sleeve. This is well outside the playing area and is not disruptive. Note that in the photos of the actual LP any dark marks visible are actually reflections and not blemishes to the surfaces. 

Actual playback is superb throughout. There is no distortion or groove wear. There are no ticks or clicks, and barely any crackle whatsoever. The majority of the silent bands between tracks are impressively quiet. Playback has been tested in entirety, and I noticed just four or five isolated instances of static dust crackle/pops during entire playback. A really pleasing listening experience throughout.

Note that I have not cleaned or treated the LP in any way (see notes below).

Both are clean, undulled and bright and without annotations or damage.

Sleeve is unique to Singapore with EMI Far East panel to bottom of rear. (Some LPs presses outside the UK are housed in regular issue UK sleeves). While similar in design to the UK sleeve, the construction of this one is more USA in style, being thick card and unlaminated. The surfaces have a very slightly textured feel. The joining flaps are internal. Sleeve is not perfect but is complete and without glaring damage. The front panel has some overall foxing/tanning spotting. This is not heavy. Else there are just a couple of very small stain marks and just a touch of ringwear darkening. Penned name to top left. Rear panel has fared better and has just a touch of ringwear and handling darkening. Given the matt textured predominantly white surfaces this hasn't suffered too badly however, as it has high potential for becoming grubby and dirty. The top and bottom corner areas of the left hand side of the sleeve have furled upwards slightly, although without noticeable creasing in these areas. The seams and edges have survived very well, and there are no seam splits or tears. The spine is gently foxed, else all edges are in excellent shape and without chipping or wear of any kind. There is just some fractional wear and loss of surface material to tips of left hand side. The right hand tips are well preserved. Entry side is still very sharp and free of dinks or feathering.

Plain unmarked white paper, which I believe is standard for these pressings.

A generally very nice if imperfect copy of this scarce Singapore original with very acceptably clean playback.

1. Help!

2. The Night Before

3. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away

4. I Need You

5. Another Girl

6. You're Going To Lose That Girl

7. Ticket To Ride

8. Act Naturally

9. It's Only Love

10. You Like Me Too Much

11. Tell Me What You See

12. I've Just Seen A Face

13. Yesterday

14. Dizzy Miss Lizzy

John Lennon - Paul McCartney - George Harrison - Ringo Starr

Note that audio grading is subjective and based on sensitivity of equipment used for playback. In this instance playback has been tested on a vintage Technics Quartz Direct Drive SL1700 MKII turntable with Shure cartridge, Technics SU-C 03 amp and Technics SB-F2 Linear Phase speakers.

Also note that I generally do not clean vinyl unless so noted. Most vinyl will show improved playback quality with your preferred cleaning method, but I leave this to the prospective buyer, as controversy still surrounds the ideal method of cleaning vinyl.

I CAN ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING PAYMENT METHODS ONLY

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