URIAH HEEP VERY EAVY VERY UMBLE VERTIGO FIRST NEAR MINT

	£		343
	$		454

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Previous visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums which range from very good plus to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Vinyl Cleaning: I use machine cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by using this method. If I think a vinyl will benefit from this I carry out the procedure with great care using my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. My preferred method with little used vinyls is by soft ‘light touch’ hand brush with natural fine hair gently moved in the direction of the microgrooves. In all methods of cleaning I use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol with a spot of gentle detergent to lubricate and clean the playing surfaces. I am aware that cleaning can be a controversial subject with vinyl collectors, audio purists and enthusiasts so I will state on each individual listing if, and how, the vinyl(s) have been cleaned in the section just before the ‘Play Grade’.

Specific notes concerning this album: This section highlights specific aspects regarding condition of the album(s) offered. These comments will still appear in the dedicated sections but I hope that this ‘headlining’ will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. This particular album has been played on very few occasions (maybe three) during the last 41 years and is generally ‘near mint’ in audio and visual terms, with just minor evidence of handling and use over time. The cover has just a few short and superficial creases to the surface of the laminate, some tiny dents, the slightest of rub wear and a very small, barely visible patch of adhesive residue - which is barely noticeable in the context of this top quality externally laminated gatefold – the centre spread remains in near original as new condition with just the slightest of linear interface pick up at the top edge. The magnificent heavyweight (147 grammes) vinyl looks as new with brilliant high gloss surfaces; it has a minimal quantity of light superficial hairlines caused by brushing against the inner, but it would be churlish to try and make any criticism of this impressive near mint record – any slight surface lines are only visible under a bright halogen light and have no significant consequence on the audio performance whatsoever. The record labels do not display any spindle lines that I can see and are generally as close to perfect as you are likely to find. This is an extraordinarily rare and immensely important classic prog-rock album in equally rare, and possibly incomparable, condition which delivers a sublime audio performance. I recommend this unreservedly to enthusiasts, near mint collectors and anybody who enjoys great rock music and superb vinyl albums.

Album / Record Title: VERY ‘EAVY … VERY ‘UMBLE

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS COMPLETE AND NEAR MINT UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE VARIANT – As I have mentioned in previous listings I measure rarity based on two key factors – one is the estimated quantity in circulation and the other is condition – in my opinion they are equally important. The result of testing this album with these criteria is that it achieves maximum rarity status. The album met with almost international condemnation by the music press on first commercial release and sold in relatively small quantity in this UK original format – not surprisingly it was later acknowledged as the classic it is and has since been repressed and reissued in a number of different formats. However, as a result of the initial response COMPLETE UK ORIGINALS are relatively hard to find these days especially in this NEAR MINT CONDITION.

This is the FIRST UK PRESSING & ISSUE on HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL FROM THE FIRST MASTERS with FIRST MOTHERS & VERY EARLY STAMPERS (8&2 MAKING IT ONE OF THE EARLIEST PRESSED). It has the ORIGINAL TRANSVERSE FRONT PRINT / SIDE LOAD GATEFOLD COVER WITH SEALED FRONT EDGE AND THE ORIGINAL VERTIGO FULL SWIRL POLY-LINED INNER SLEEVE DATE CODED 0470 (April 1970) WHICH INDICATES THAT THIS WAS A PRE-FIRST-RELEASE PRESSING PACKAGED READY FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE RECORD SHOP TO MEET THE ORIGINAL MAY 1970 UK RELEASE DATE. FRANKLY ALBUMS DO NOT COME ANY MORE COMPLETE, GENUINE, EARLIER OR BETTER THAN THIS.

All of the facts, characteristics and features are contained in this listing for bidders to decide upon the extent of their interest. The only comments I will add at this point is that these are generally few and far between, and this is quite possibly one of the earliest and best examples you are ever likely to see or hear.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST MASTERS, FIRST MOTHERS VERY EARLY STAMPER CODES
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN VERY NEAR MINT CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL VERTIGO FULL SWIRL & LARGE SWIRL LABELS MINT
• ORIGINAL TRANSVERSE PRINT SIDE LOAD LAMINATED GATEFOLD
• ORIGINAL VERTIGO FULL SWIRL DATE CODED POLY- LINED INNER
• DIFFICULT TO FIND ANOTHER FIRST PRESS EXAMPLE LIKE THIS

Artiste(s): URIAH HEEP – David Byron, Ken Hensley, Mick Box, Paul Newton, Nigel Olsson

Produced By: Gerry Bron

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL VERTIGO COMPLETE BLACK & WHITE SWIRL ‘A’ SIDE AND LARGE SWIRL LOGO & TITLES ‘B’ SIDE WITH ‘ALL RIGHTS….TEXT.

Catalogue Number: 6360 006

Country of manufacture and first published date: ENGLAND 1970 (May)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side A:     6360006 1Y//1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side B:     6360006 2Y//1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother side A:     1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother side B:     1 (FIRST)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper side A:    8

Vinyl ‘run off’ stamper side B:    2

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic side 1:  ?420 (UK country code)

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic side 2:  ?420 (UK country code)

N.B. Please note that all matrices, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Track listing as per label: SIDE A: GYPSY/ WALKING IN YOUR SHADOW / COME AWAY MELINDA / LUCY BLUES / SIDE B: DREAMMARE / REAL TURNED ON / I’LL KEEP TRYING / WAKE UP (SET YOUR SIGHTS)

Background and summary of condition: A brilliant debut album which knows no peers in the genre and a cornerstone of any classic prog-rock collection. This particular example is near mint and the best I have ever seen or heard.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side A: NEAR MINT, some superficial surface lines and light bag marks, not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side B: NEAR MINT, some superficial surface lines and light bag marks, not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side A: NEAR MINT, no spindle lines that I can see and no evidence of handling, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side B: NEAR MINT, no spindle lines that I can see and no evidence of handling, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, slight shrinkage marks, stretch marks / lines on labels, misalignment or marginal print bleed caused in original pressing; these features are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT PLUS, the UK original outer laminated gatefold cover with transverse front print / side load and sealed front edge of mid-weight card construction designed by Robin Nicol (Design Machine)  This is one of those rare gatefolds that still creaks as if it’s new when opened. It has just a few short and superficial creases to the surface of the laminate, some tiny dents, the slightest of rub wear and a very small, barely visible patch of adhesive residue - which is barely noticeable in the context of this top quality externally laminated gatefold – the centre spread remains in near original as new condition with just the slightest of linear interface pick up at the top edge where the overlapped laminate finishes. I have no hesitation in awarding this the excellent plus grade and that is harsh grading as only two of the tiniest blemishes stop me from grading near mint, but please take a look at the ‘zoom and enlarge’ photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: NEAR MINT, hard to imaging that there could be a better example in existence, this is in first rate nearly new condition, please see photographs.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT, the original era specific, date coded, VERTIGO FULL SWIRL INNER with centre window, polythene lined, only slightly discoloured and lightly creased with age.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 147 grammes (a vital VERTIGO heavyweight)

Vinyl Cleaning: By hand only, light touch soft brush, very little required.

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR MINT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR MINT

Audio Performance: AN EXQUISITE AUDIO PERFORMANCE OF SUPREME CLARITY AND QUALITY WHICH CHALLENGES FOR TOP SPOT IN MY EXPERIENCE OF LISTENING TO OTHER FINE EXAMPLES OF VERTIGO VINYLS – ALMOST CERTAINLY THE BEST YOU ARE EVER LIKELY TO HEAR OF THIS ALBUM. THERE MAY BE JUST THE SLIGHTEST HINT OF UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND ON THE LEAD IN, LINKING GROOVES, QUIETER PARTS AND RUN OFF, AS YOU WOULD EXPECT, BUT IT’S ALMOST IMPERCEPTIBLE. AS PREVIOUS VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK – BUT THIS IS APPROACHING AUDIO PERFECTION, I DOUBT I WILL EVER HEAR A BETTER EXAMPLE.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes.

Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections.

Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please read my terms and conditions of sale below which are there to inform bidders and prevent any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and early ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Please Note: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. As stated in the previous paragraph for overseas deliveries I will also only dispatch to UK destinations using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.