THE WHO, QUADROPHENIA, 1973 UK TRACK, TRUE 1st PRESS

	£		32
	$		42

Hello and welcome to my auction. My name is Nick - aka “playgraderecords”. I have been an avid record collector for many years. Although I like lots of modern music, my passion is for classic blues, psych and progressive albums from the mid 60s to the early 70s. I don’t sell many records – the ones that I do sell are either duplicates from my collection or top quality examples sourced from record fairs or my local record shops.

I take pride in the care and attention that I give to every record that I list for auction. The records from my own collection have always been stored upright in polythene sleeves away from dust and light. These seldom require any cleaning other than just a quick dust using a sticky rubber Nagaoka Rolling 152 and a carbon fibre anti-static brush before play.

Each new find is sympathetically cleaned to remove visible dust, debris and fingerprints, before being critically assessed for the quality of play. If I think that the audio can be improved by a deep clean to remove a build-up of debris embedded in the grooves, I will clean it using a tried and tested isopropyl alcohol based record cleaning solution. I have refined my cleaning method over the years to a fine art, and am confident that the results are far superior to those achieved by the popular vacuum cleaning machines. In reality, the playback of most 35+ years old records will be improved massively by a proper clean.

Consequently, the records that I offer for sale will be immaculately presented and will play to a very high standard with barely any unwanted surface sound or static to spoil the listening pleasure.

Each record is strictly graded, and any significant defects to either the record or the sleeve will be highlighted. I will not conveniently forget to mention faults in order to sell for higher prices. If I grade a record as being in MINT- condition, you can rest assured that it will be both visually and aurally a near perfect copy which will be impossible to significantly improve upon!

Customer satisfaction is very important to me and I aim to provide a professional 5-star service to make the Ebay experience an enjoyable one.

Okay, now that I have given you little background information about myself– its time to get on to the important bit:

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic double album by THE WHO titled “QUADROPHENIA”, Catalogue Number 2657 013. This is an ORIGINAL 1973 UK 1st PRESSING on the TRACK RECORD LABEL with a lovely 1st issue widespine gatefold sleeve. Complete with the 22 Page stapled Photo Booklet still attached and the original matching white inner sleeves. [Although this is a relatively common album on Track, it is very difficult to find a genuine first pressing which plays without fault].

It is important to explain the distinctive features which confirm this LP to be a true 1st pressing:

Firstly, all 4 matrix numbers contain inverted triangles – later pressings all have at least one forward slash(/) instead of a triangle. Secondly, the wax run-out on Side B of Record 1 is etched with the text “52-MCA 362”. Thirdly, the records have a square-cut rim edge and are more solidly pressed than later pressings. 

The wide spine sleeve also has the text “Printed by Euro-Albums Holland B.V.” printed inside the back cover, confirming the earliest 1st issue sleeve design.

The matt finish gatefold sleeve, printed by Euro-Albums Holland B.V., is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only light wear and a few minor creases. This is the original UK first issue. The front and back covers are unmarked. The heavy stapled 22-page Photo Booklet is in excellent unmarked condition and is still attached. The wide spine is square and solid with all text fully legible. There are no rips, splits, writing or anything else. Overall this is a very presentable example of this notoriously fragile 1st issue sleeve.

The top quality Track records are fairly solidly pressed and sit flat and true on the turntable. The record edges are square-cut rather than tapered. Both retain a lovely deep shine and the playing surfaces are beautifully clean.

The full Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Record 1 – 2406110 Av1    1    1

                  2406110 Bv1    1  1    4    52-MCA 362

Record 2 – 2406111 Av1   1  3    1

                  2406111 Bv2   1  1   1   0

Visually both records are in EX condition with only a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are only superficial and of no audio significance whatsoever. The beautiful matt black Track labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear to either spindle hole. I am confident that the records have only received a few careful plays.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is one of my favourite Who albums of all time. The material captures the very essence of the band at the height of their powers. The audio quality of the 1st pressings is very impressive and far superior to that of later pressings. The stereo playback is particularly loud-cut and vibrant. Both records play perfectly. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). I think that it will be very difficult to find another true 1st pressed copy of this brilliant album which plays to such a high standard.

The correct matching white poly-lined inner sleeves are both in EX condition. There are no splits or tears – just some age discoloration and a few minor creases.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £39 value - £10.50

Europe over £39 value - £12.70

Worldwide up to £39 value - £16.75

Worldwide over £39 value - £18.95

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs