THE WHO, TOMMY, V.RARE 1969 UK TRACK DOUBLE 1st PRESS

	£		64
	$		84

betsy50 Store

Here for auction is a lovely example of the iconic rock opera double album by THE WHO titled “TOMMY”, Catalogue Number 613013/4. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the TRACK RECORD LABEL with the earliest A//1, B//1, A//1, B//1 Matrix Numbers, and the 1st issue ‘Patent Pending’ fold-out glossy tri-fold E. J. DAY SLEEVE. Complete with the elusive limited edition numbered booklet.

The laminated tri-fold sleeve, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in VG condition (strictly graded) with some storage wear to the edges and a few creases. The front and back covers are unmarked with the laminate in excellent shape. There is a repaired tear to the opening edge of the internal record pocket which can be seen in the image below. Overall this is a very presentable example of this notoriously fragile 1st issue sleeve with no major issues.

These are nice solid Track 1st pressings with square-cut rim edges. Both retain a lovely shine and sit flat and true on the turntable.

The matrix numbers and stampers are:

SIDE 1 – 613013  A//1   1  1    6

SIDE 4 – 613013  B//1   1  1   ?

SIDE 2 – 613014  A//1   1  1   1  4

SIDE 3 – 613014  B//1   1  1   1   ?

Visually I would grade both records as being in VG+ condition, as there are a few light surface marks evident under bright light. These are only superficial and do not cause any significant audio problems whatsoever. The matt black Track labels are unmarked apart from some spindle traces near the centres. There is only minimal wear to the spindle holes.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These original Track 1st pressings are very special. The sound quality is particularly vibrant and the bass sounds amazing (far superior to the later re-issues in my opinion). Both records play to a very high standard. 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). Please don’t be put off by my visual grading – the records really do play almost perfectly. I think that it will be very difficult to find a significantly better-playing 1st press copy of this wonderful rock opera.

The Limited Edition 12-Page Lyric/Picture Booklet, numbered 75915, is in unmarked EX+ condition.

Complete with the original matching white poly-lined inner sleeves.

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 £41 value - £10.95

Europe over £41 value - £13.50

Worldwide up to £41 value - £15.50

Worldwide over £41 value - £17.95

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.