The Beatles "Let It Be" Parlophone LP in shrink

	£		21
	$		28

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL 

THE BEATLES "Let It Be"

Parlophone PCS 7096 (see below for country of pressing)

A very unusual copy. Though the early Singapore pressed ones came in a jacket with the red Apple behind, the labels were Apple. The jacket on this is of the red Apple type but the label is Parlophone. It is also in shrink unlike the stock Singapore copies. I am reasonably sure that its some sort of export copy, with the vinyl most likely pressed in the UK but with the jacket made here, a not uncommon practice in those days. I reached this conclusion as the matrix numbers are machine stamped whereas Singapore ones are scratched in. (the label does not indicate where it was pressed). Incidently, the matrix numbers are YEX 773 3 U/YEX 774 3U. I have only seen one other Beatles LP like this here ier Abbey Road.

Both the jacket and the vinyl are in a beautiful condition.

GRADING RESULTS:

 The jacket is generally Near Mint. There are some very light wear at the corner edges but nothing serious. 

Visually the vinyl is free of lines though there are some light spindle marks. It maintains its lustre . Tracking at 1.7g on a LP12 mounted with an ARO arm and a Lyra Helikon SL cartridge, there are a very occasional light click which were not intrusive. I would grade the playing as Near Mint  in view of this.

How I Clean and  Grade my Records

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC 4 cleaning machine  using the US made Walker Audio 3 stage cleaning solution.

Playback Equipment: Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Armeggedon/Naim Aro tonearm/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers. For 45s I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Linn Troika though I change them occasionally as the arm tubes can be easily transferred from one deck to another.

I use both Goldmine and Rare Record Price Guide grading system as a guide and came up with the following:

·       Mint  I only use this for sealed items. The record is virtually unplayed and is in a brand new condition. Cover is pristine. Up till now, I have never used this grading and, chances are, never will, due to my conservative nature in matters of record grading.

·       Near Mint  Very little or negligible flaws. Faint lines or very faint creasing  on laminated covers visible under a strong light is acceptable but nothing serious. Records which show some signs of having been played such as very faint spindle marks are allowed but there should be no lessening in sound quality. .

·       Excellent   Item obviously played, though not often,and enjoyed with some slight noise. The record should be nice and shiny but may have a few light marks which should not intrude on play. Slight wear on cover is acceptable. 

·         Very Good Many more imperfections which are noticeable but not obtrusive. The record has been played several times but there should be no major deterioration in sound quality despite some noticeable surface marks and light scratches. Normal wear and tear or writings on the cover  is acceptable but there should not be any major tears.

I do not offer any records below Very Good  unless its extremely rare. 

Shipping costs

I  use brand new custom made  plastic sleeves  for both the vinyl and for the sleeve. Shipping from Singapore is always by Airmail and by registered post as it allows one to track items in case of delays. I usually post within 2 working days from date of payment. From experience, I know that it generally takes about 10 days to arrive at the destination though there might be variations of plus/minus 3 days. Shipping costs in pounds are:

UK/USA/Europe Australia Japan          10 pounds

Hongkong, Taiwan South Korea China  8.9  pounds

Each additional LP                       3GBP

Postage is via Airmail, "signed for" delivery. I prefer signed for delivery as it allows me to "chase" on my side if buyers do not get their items within 2 weeks though so far this has only happened with Italy.

 I will  inform buyers of the registration details through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice)