THE BEATLES Rubber Soul LOVELY HEAVYWEIGHT 164g UK 1965 MONO EX++ SUPER SOUND LP

	£		102
	$		135

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World in Quality, Safe Packing.

Postage: UK £4.75 (£1 per extra record). Europe (including Russia) £12.50 (£2 per extra record). Rest of World (including ALL parts of the USA) £16.50 (£3 per extra record). All boxes signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all – in fact I think these things should be banned as records WILL arrive damaged in them at some time. Here, you get what you pay for – SAFE PACKING in BOXES using 7mm DOUBLE-WALL STIFFENERS. Full details nearer the end of the listing.

Posting to Russia: Yes, I do post to Russia. But delivery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the UK. So please be patient. I will submit a tracking number to the winning bidder, and when the packet arrives there it can be followed online using the Russian post website.

ALSO: I now apply the Ebay ‘2-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important for any small business. I will always keep my P&P prices as low as possible, and even after yet another Royal Mail price hike from April this year, I have NOT raised my prices and will never compromise on solid, safe packing that is invariably heavier than most you will get. My P&P offers probably the best value-for-money for vinyl records available, and I even will pay for full insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives.

FINALLY: Late payers will now be blocked at my discretion. As will any bidder who cancels a bid. I do not like this practice as it is most often used to phish out the price to beat. Ebay does not approve and neither do I – so only bid on my items if you want them.

Artist or Band: THE BEATLES

Album Title: Rubber Soul

Producer(s): George Martin.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Drive My Car; Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown); You Won’t See Me; Nowhere Man; Think for Yourself; The Word; Michelle.

Side 2: What Goes On; Girl; I’m Looking Through You; In My Life; Wait; If I Needed Someone; Run for Your Life.

Label/Format: Parlophone – matt surfaces with a very gentle hint of texturing, this can be seen on my labels pictures which are uploaded to the highest resolution possible. These meet the criteria for a 1965 pressing with ‘THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD’ rim text and ‘SOLD IN U.K. all as seen on the pictures.

Label Conditions: Two of the finest I have ever seen on this record: both very clean, fresh and highly attractive with only a tiny few, light and mainly fine spindle marks and no wear around the hole area. This one remains a very tight fit on my LP12 spindle and clearly, this record has hardly been played. Finding this evergreen classic in mono in such condition is very difficult indeed, and this copy plays as wonderfully as it looks.

Cat Number: PMC 1267.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 164 grams. A real heavyweight pressing and above average even for this era of quality.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: As I always state: very few standard issue Beatles albums are rare, they sold in vast numbers as most will know, this was no exception. However, condition is always of paramount concern, and hardly played vintage Beatles records, especially in mono, are getting increasingly hard to find. Any copy, whether a first or second matrix (this is a second) that offers superb, little short of perfect sound are elusive and are seldom seen now. This copy also has the less common Ernest J. Day cover, most seen are Garrod & Lofthouse. Early Beatles ‘EJD’ covers were quite different to the G&L’s, but by now, they differed little (apart from the main imprint itself of course), these now also having rounded flipback ends and thicker card.

Original Year of Release: 1965

Matrix Nos: XEX 579-4 / XEX 580-4

Mothers / Stampers: 48 0HG / ? DGR

Brief Info: The sixth UK Beatles album, and for me, one of the very best. Most will know this album well enough, so I will concentrate on the conditions of what is on offer.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(+): but looks considerably better, in terms of actual wear, this has barely any as such. A single format with front laminate, this covers all the closed edges and ends on the back atop three external flipbacks. Printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day and includes the original tracing paper style lined inner sleeve.

Cover Cosmetic Improvements: None Apparent.

Lamination & Front: This is one of the cleanest and freshest looking examples of this cover I have yet had to offer. This is only marked down a little for a fairly light crease on the front and back. Also over time, this has bowed a little, this not an uncommon trait of some laminated covers. With age, laminate pulls and contracts either resulting in lifting or bowing of the card. Well this front has no lifting whatsoever. The surface retains a super shine, freshness and clarity with barely any hint of friction rubbing or dulling at all – even under angled light. The aforementioned laminate crease is near the bottom right corner area, but has very modest visibility with normal full-on viewing. Any other crease are few and very light indeed, the graphic looks fantastic and this famous front will prove hard to find a great deal better.

Cover Back: The crease on this side is near the top right corner, again this is less than moderate, and this blemish apart, this superb back has little else to fault. These seldom show up this clean and unworn. That includes the flipbacks which are all little short of immaculate with even the ends being incredibly clean with no grime line formation to the ends. Use the Ebay magnifier select the large picture option to see just how lovely this cover is. I scan all my pictures to the highest resolution possible with nothing to hide.

Top Edge: The edge is super-smooth and unworn, but as stated it is not straight with some natural bowing. Being honest, if stored within a rack system, this could indeed flatten out totally again – that is an opinion – not a definitive statement.

Bottom Edge: As above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, mostly sharp with very little wear. Any thickening or burring minimal and light as seen viewed end-on. Record enters on this edge that is guaranteed untrimmed or enhanced in any way.

Spine and Text: Apart from only a gentle hint of bowing, this is little short of perfect. Solid, straight with any compression mild. EJD spines tended to be more rounded than square. All text is perfect and unworn under the solid and uncracked, super-smooth, unscuffed laminate. This also totally unaged – as per the rest of the cover in terms of appearance – remaining ultra white, clear and fresh. For good measure, the test is perfectly centred.

Corners: All four corners are close to perfect as well with no dinks and retaing beautiful crisp shape. These vintage covers are rarely seen as such.

Cover Summary: A very strong all-round example of this classic 1960s cover, one that will prove difficult to find much better in terms of lack of wear and ageing. The bowing is hardly major and indeed it could even be a mild reaction to temperature variation during this time of year. Any adhesive and laminate can be sensitive to this – being a stamp collector, I am all too aware of this effect. This beautiful item should please many collectors, but not for the purists who only demand perfection at any cost. That said, this looks really lovely.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT: again conservatively graded for such a delicate piece. The only issue of any real note on this fragile tracing paper style lined inner are corner creases. Again this is a common trait of the time, many retailers or owners often used to fold in the corners to reduce the risk of the record sliding out – not something I ever did myself, but many did. There is little else to fault on this hardly aged inner sleeve. Two immaculate window circles, undamaged lining, all edges unsplit with no repairs. The recessed top opening is superb with barely any thickening, the overall lack of discolouration is also unusual to see. As I often state: a very clean inner often means a very clean record – this more than stands up on this copy.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(++): and for a very popular mono record this considerable age, this is in beautiful visual (and playing) condition. Very clean, with equally fine shine and heavily pressed at something over average weight. Any surface marks are beyond fine and whispy as seen with utmost scrutiny under bright angled light. A copy appearing hardly even played, and viewed in normal room light conditions, this looks practically as made. We all know the state these vintage mono Beatles albums are usually found in, but this one is on the other side of the vinyl spectrum. Two hugely impressive labels, superb playing surfaces and gorgeous clean mono sound. Visually a super record that should please most-all collectors – indeed this record could prove a major upgrade for many.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: Firstly, this is a second matrix -4 / -4 copy as seen further up. I do not intend to debate sound differences between this and the first -1/-1 matrix version. I have my own opinions on this, and will keep them to myself – suffice to say, I prefer this version. This top-quality album plays up to, and practically all, even above it’s high visual grading with barely anything to fault. That INCLUDES ‘Michelle’, by far the most ‘troublesome’ song on the album. So often this vulnerable, innermost track on side one will crackle and distort, and quite frankly sound terrible. I have heard some copies of this record that plays beautifully until they come to ‘Michelle’, then the problems begin. The innermost bands of records are the most intolerant of worn or badly aligned stylus, and this song is one of the most unforgiving in the entire Beatles catalogue. Finding a copy, especially in mono that plays this beautiful and delicate song well is very difficult. But this copy really DOES, in fact it plays little short of perfectly with clear, crackle-free and fully focused sound, that really is some achievement and what a difference it truly makes. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear for this song and all others as well. Sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound, another master-class in production and audio perfection from George Martin. Any surface sounds are minuscule or less and no pops or clicks were noted, overall an exceptional clean, and heavyweight pressing. No damaging worn mono ‘needles’ have been let loose on this copy. No mishaps or accidents – remember, just one arm drop or jolt, and there is another copy written-off – we have all seen such types, leave them well alone. Few available copies will match or outperform this still early pressing I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp with no mono noises from either channel, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been generally well stored and carefully handled, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record, when heard this clean, a classic of immense beauty, and for purists, this still the only true way to fully appreciate the original sound of this genuine classic. It will prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended – as stated, this record could prove a major upgrade for many, and few, if any will be disappointed with this lovely example.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Terrarium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand+ based on over 10,000+ items sold in over 12 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £8. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.