The Beatles Abbey Road * FACTORY SAMPLE * EX+ * MISALIGNED APPLE * UK 1st Press
£
300
$
398
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Description
The Beatles - Abbey Road
I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, Factory Sample copy of The Beatles penultimate studio album, Beatles For Sale.
As well as being extremely rare the LP is in fantastic condition. The audio sounds as crisp as it did the first time it was played. Here is a fantastic opportunity to add this museum piece to your own personal collection.
The second half of the 'Mann' collection, which contains the remaining Beatles titles, shall be sold in the coming weeks.
General Information:
EMI produced 'Factory Sample' records for promotional purposes and were generally sent to a journalist for review. Genuine factory samples can be discerned due to the presence of a sticker on one of the labels which reads: "FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR RESALE". Early stickers, such as that seen on this record, are rectangular with triangular ends.
This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper. His article "What Songs the Beatles Sang" was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon.
A copy of William Mann's review of Abbey Road, titled: "Those Inventive Beatles" is included in the sale.
Album Details:
Serial number: PCS 7068
Matrix number: YEX 749 - 2 / YEX 750 - 1
Stamper codes: 3 MG / 3 PR
Tax Codes: N/A
Vinyl Weight: 135g
The matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!
The labels are the first variant as is evident from the presence of "Her Majesty The End" text present to side 2. This was removed from later copies.
This copy comes with the extremely collectable first variant, fully laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve identifiable by the 'misaligned apple' (the edge of the apple does not line up with the edge of the text) to the rear of the sleeve and the pinched spine.
The album is complete with the original die-cut black inner sleeve.
Condition Report:
The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.
Disc: EXCELLENT +
Labels: EXCELLENT +
The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The sticker shows no damage. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.
Visual: EXCELLENT +
Both vinyl playing surfaces retain the original deep gloss shine. In bright daylight there are no visible surface marks. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairline scuffs (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine.
Sound Quality: EXCELLENT +
Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.
Side 1:
Side 2:
As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been played cautiously on good quality equipment. The litmus test for Abbey Road, "Sun King", is truly exceptional. The lead ins are quiet. There is no noise in between tracks. A single pop toward the end of T1 S1 "Come Together" and 4 pops at the beginning of T1 S2 "Here Comes the Sun" are the only audible incursions keeping this from a strong Mint- grading. A truly superb listening experience - you won't need to look for another copy.
Sleeve: EXCELLENT +
The iconic sleeve is in fantastic condition. The colours of the infamous cover art are bright and vibrant with no signs of discolouration or staining. The corners are crisp without any softening. Two laminate creases are visible, one to the front and one to the back - these are usually present from the factory. The spine and all edges are without wear. It would be very difficult to find a better example.
Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT +
The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.
Additional Details:
Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.
After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.
The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.
The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.
Please see my other listings for more Beatles Factory Samply rarities.
Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.
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