THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - ARE YOU EXPERIENCED - US 1st press 3-tone Reprise

	£		36
	$		48

THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - ARE YOU EXPERIENCED

1st US Pressing on the "3-tone" Reprise Label RS 6261

Stamper matrixes 1A and 1B

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Some general remarks: This one brings up the question who came first: the hen or the egg? Many collectors consider the first UK Track releases as the real first pressings (especially the MONO versions) although Jimi was a US artist. To me it makes not much difference because the US 3-tone Reprise was released just approx. 3 months after the UK Track (in summer 1967). But there is one undisputed fact: the US boys did a much better job when they cut the lacquers. Compare "Are you experienced" on the first UK Track Label with this first US Reprise issue and you know immediately what I mean. The sound on this one supercedes the UK version by far. It has bass and sparkling treble where the UK Track sounds thin, tubey and brassy. It is a big dissapointment when compared to this US release. It is interesting that this also applies to "Axis" and the majority of the other Hendrix releases with one exception: Electric Ladyland sounds better as a UK Track 1st pressing (1/1/1/1 stampers) than the US 2-tone Reprise first pressing. If you have not heard the US 3-tone of "Are you experienced" you really missed the spot. The US release contains 3 "Hit-Singles" the UK Track release omits: "Hey Joe", "Purple Haze" and "The wind cries Mary". The tracks "Red House", "Can you see me" and "Remember" were removed from the UK listing to make way for the "Hits".        

I grade my records on top notch equipment, using the expensive Lyra Kleos MC-cartridge. It reveals everything from any Vinyl which sometimes can be a curse, especially with 40+ year old records. When I grade a record as Excellent, I am pretty sure many other sellers would not hestitate to call it Near Mint. When I give a record the "Near Mint" grading it is practically flawless. I am collecting Vinyl since 35+ years and own hundreds of records from the day they came into the shops. I clean all records on my Keith Monks RCM II and add the Nagaoka N102 protective sleeve to each record.

The Vinyl: VG+ to VG++

Held up into strong sunlight (!) I can see hairlines, scuffs and small scratches. Although this copy is far from being beaten up it plays with intermident soft tics in some of the quieter sections and between tracks. The only track with some repetitive clicks is "Hey Joe", the rest is very acceptable. Not the best copy around but still in very enjoyable nick. The Vinyl sits flat on the turntable.

The Labels: NEAR MINT

Original Sleeve: VG++ to EXCELLENT

One of the best preserved Sleeves I have seen of this title. No splits or tears, a minimum of edge rubbing, strong spine clearly readable. Clean. 

Original Inner Sleeve: VG++

White with rounded corners. 5 cm seam-split on bottom, otherwise perfect.    

The Vinyl is very hard to find in EXCELLENT or Near Mint condition and although this one does not make it to a better grade it still is very enjoyable and it is rare too. Don't let it pass by.

In case of any further questions please don't hesitate to mail me. I will answer promptly.

Due to the somehow weird eBay policies regarding postage please ignore the postage fee listed above. I decided to fix shipping at 7 GBP to anywhere in Europe and 9 GBP to the rest of the world. This includes the fees for "signed for/registered" and also Insurance to make sure the record arrives safely. It also allows to track it during its transit. The record ships from Germany.

Payment is required within 3 working days after auction ended.

I pack my records professionally in stiff record mailers leaving the Vinyl (housed in Nagaoka anti-static bags) outside the Sleeve.  

Good luck.