ZAPPA / MOI We're Only In It… RARE ORIG UK 68 MONO LP

	£		125
	$		166

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Postage: UK £4.25. Europe £11.75. Rest of World £15.75. ALL signed for. – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment. I try to keep my P&P as low as possible after the Royal Mail price increases.

Artist or Band: THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION

Album Title: We’re Only In It For The Money.

Cat Number: SVLP 9199.

Producer: Frank Zappa.

Executive Producer: Tom Wilson.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Are You Hung Up?; Who Need the Peace Corps; Concentration Moon; Mom and Dad; Telephone Conversation; Bow Tie Daddy; Harry, Your a Beast; What’s the Ugliest Part of Your Body?; Absolutely Free; Flower Punk; Hot Poop.

Side 2: Nasal Retentive Calliope Music; Let’s Make the Water Turn Black; The Idiot Bastard Son; Lonely Little Girl; Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance; What’s the Ugliest Part of Your Body (reprise); Mother People; The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny.

Label/Format: Verve – Original VLP silver and intense black, matt finish. These labels also include the ‘Sold in UK’ etc text and with MGM credits.

Label Conditions: Both very clean, fresh and attractive but side one does have moderate spindle marks that are somewhat extended – side two far less so and are lighter and fewer in number. This evidence suggests the record has been played a fair number of times – BUT, apart from one small mark on the final track which omits a few light, brief clicks, this vintage mono record plays superbly. And quite frankly, if it didn’t I would have purchased or offered it. Finding these early cut mono Zappa classics is very difficult with so few surviving in really fine conditions from the era of those heady days.

Rarity: Rare: Finding the very early pressed original UK mono copies is getting very difficult indeed, I personally feel the stereo version is harder to find than the mono, but as most collectors will know, the mono copies were often destroyed by heavy tracking thick, worn stylus of the equipment of the time. Genuine originals seem to be drying up now, and I am regularly trying to seek them out. So often the 1970s Select reissues are being offered as ‘originals’, well simply not the case – they sound TOTALLY different. My regular buyers will already know I am a huge Zappa fan and this my favourite work – indeed I regard this album as my favourite of all-time. Trashed copies show up, but cleaner one that still offer near top quality sound are a different story. Please remember also only the original mix via the 4-tracks master tapes will be heard on vinyl. The CD version was mastered from the only surviving two-tracks masters as the original 4-track tapes were written off from poor storage. For those fans who have yet to hear this amazing album from the VLP record, well you haven’t really heard it for real. Zappa’s Money takes you directly into the psychedelic underground and little else for me comes close.

Original Year of Release: September 1968

Matrix Nos: V 5045 A-1 / V 5045 B-1

Stamper Codes: 1 G / 1 A (this is very early indeed, any 1 G is from the first mother and stamper).

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 146 grams. Above average.

Musicians: From left to right: Frank Zappa – Guitar, piano, vocals; Billy Mundi - drums, vocal; Bunk Gardner – All woodwinds, mumbled vocal; Roy Estrada – Electric bass, vocal; Don Preston - keyboards; Jimmy Carl Black (The Indian of the Group) – drums, trumpet, vocals; Ian Underwood - piano, saxophones. Motorhead Sherwood (not pictured on the front, he is seen face-on, on the red inside left) - soprano and baritone saxophones. Guest: Eric Clapton contributes some vocals.

Brief Artist & Album Info: ‘Are you hung up’? - the famous line opening this psychedelic masterpiece. A priceless album and for me the greatest ever made. These early Zappa albums were treasured by the few and totally misunderstood by the majority – he put the sneer into underground rock. The brilliant satire of the Sgt Pepper cover should have guaranteed extra sales, but no. It failed to even chart in the UK, and it only made 30 in his native America (US copies are somewhat easier to find). Zappa’s scathing wit homed in on modern middle-class America and the West Coast hippies and his fears of what was to later emerge. Nineteen mind-twisting songs of avant garde rock, doo-wop, psychedelic pop and hilarious dialogue, which was so hip it has never dated. Zappa made us confront the obvious, and the results were alarming. This album reconstructs music and then turns it inside out - it was so far ahead of its time, as was the man himself, few but the brave could accept it. A surreal collage of sound, a psychedelic masterwork that blends together to form the perfect ‘alternative’ album for that heady time. Treated voices, strange sounds, a needle being scratched over a record, sections recorded backwards, phasing, short classical interludes, surf sounds, chamber music and finally, the band going off their heads on ‘The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny’ which was Zappa’s answer to ‘A Day in the Life’ from the more famous album. It’s almost incredible how so much entertainment and sound can be compressed onto an album that lasts less than 40 minutes. Among all the weirdness (Zappa describes this as a ‘monstrosity’ on the cover’s inner) there are stark messages too: ‘Who Needs the Peace Corps’ ran through a list of Frisco cliches, Augustus Stanley Owsley III, the scene’s acid-maker; the ‘psychedelic dungeons’ that were the hippie clubs; Bill Graham’s celebrated venue, the Fillmore. Zappa’s criticism of the hippies wasn’t just grouchy; it was urgent, political and frightening. ‘Concentration Moon’ gave warnings about the internment camps Richard Nixon was readying for non-conformists, while ‘Mom and Dad’ was a chilling premonition of how establishment forces would respond to the anti-war movement (in 1971, when the National Guard University, Zappa’s lyric became a prophecy and a bloody reality). ‘Absolutely Free’ and ‘Flower Punk’ mocked Hippy ‘Flower Power’. The album concludes with ‘The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny’, an outrageous sonic-montage designed to out-do George Martin’s ‘mind blowing’ orchestration at the end of Sgt Pepper. This band were not pretty, older than most when they started, but special, very special indeed and the originality of this album and all Zappa’s early works is undeniable.

"Hey Punk, where you goin' with that flower in your hand?" – "I'm going off to Frisco to join a psychedelic band".

Now what makes owning an original Money so important? Well many, who only discovered this album later via the Select reissue or modern CDs, may not know how this original varies or even sounds. There are several versions of this title, a highly controversial record that has varying degrees of cuts, edits and censoring. From the outset, this caused alarm bells for the label. The Verve Select reissue is possibly considered THE definitive version, but this original copy shows how this album evolved as censoring relaxed – Zappa hated censorship, but had little choice on this album. This copy has more censoring than subsequent pressings, also a totally different mix and from the original tapes, with FAR MORE DETAILS. Some parts were omitted and some less familiar parts actually included (later to be deleted again) [are you following me?]. For those who have the CD version of this album (excluding that dreadful remixed overdubbed effort way back, only of interest as it is totally uncensored) these were based on the Select reissue version. This original mix has never made it to the silver format and is never likely to unless it can be mastered from a vinyl copy (I have yet to hear the Lumpy-Money CD project). The original 4-track master tapes, when Frank acquired them back, were badly damaged, hence new bass and drum parts were mixed on to the first CD issues – this was scorned upon and loathed by Zappa fans. Then the later CD issues were mastered from the 2-track tapes, but lack the details you will hear from this record. That makes the original vinyl the only format to truly hear what this album should really sound like and believe me, there is NO comparison. I will mention the major differences in this original mono pressing compared to the Select stereo reissue. The line in ‘Who Needs the Peace Corps’ police kicking the s**t out is cut out completely. The line about working with The Velvet Underground is INCLUDED (strangely this is omitted from the reissue). The line ‘Flower Power SUCKS’! is omitted from ‘Absolutely Free’. The track ‘Hot Poop’ is now just a long loud snork. Many of the snorks on this version are different too. The line on ‘Absolutely Free’ ‘I don’t do publicity balling...’ now has the word ‘balling’ omitted. The line in ‘Let’s Make the Water Turn Black’ referring to ‘the apron and her pad’ is completely missing. Apparently the censors thought the word ‘pad’ was referring to a sanitary towel but refers simply to moma, a waitress taking orders in ‘Ed’s Cafe’. Such was the paranoia from the record label about anything Zappa wrote, even if it was ‘innocent’. Ironically, the lyrics to the censored songs were still included on the cover. Much of this may sound negative for having the original, but you could not be more wrong, it’s interesting how censorship and acceptability can develop and change with time. As most will know, Zappa was against any form of censorship. Money has several variations, I believe some US copies vary again, some even use bleep-outs in places. But for most the essential copies of this are the original mono, as here, the original stereo version and the Verve first reissue (the first CD reissue is interesting in some aspects, as it has ALL censoring taken out, including the, even now, controversial lines in ‘Harry You’re a Beast’ fully intact and unphased).

"What’s the ugliest part of your body?” – “I think it’s your mind".

This is a very fine all-round copy and a very early 1G cut. The record has two very clean playing surfaces with just a small mark on the final song that does have a relative few light clicks near the start – the only blemish of any real note on an impressive record. Certainly my best available mono original for some time. The sound quality is very high and plays with little else unwanted. A record not really designed for a very revealing stereo turntable, but this offers very enjoyable clean sound without the worn crackly sound so often encountered by records of this type. The cover, with it’s inside flipbacks is still unique to the first issues, is also in very attractive condition - the inside faces, those that were to be on the outside, exceptional. Wilson and Zappa’s production is just so perfect for this piece with the complexity of the engineering incredibly advanced. With many rife with deep penetrating scratches, severe groove wear and terrible sound in accordance, this has absolutely nothing like that. So very few mono originals will have fewer marks than this – for the small few who bought these initially, most played them heavily and so few of the 60s issues survived unscathed. Remember what these records were played on and the likely types who originally bought them – rarely hi-fi buffs, let’s be honest. A high percentage found are total right-offs and just to see a copy with clean Verve black labels and very impressive playing surfaces is a thing of real beauty. The famous ‘Pepper’ spoof cover has more than stood the test-of-time and looks lovely. All the surfaces are attractive. I decided to use the inner ‘Pepper’ cover as my display picture for Ebay, that’s the one Zappa originally wanted to use to make the spoof total and complete, but this was objected too and the compromise had to be made. I have included with this copy the insert, taken from a copy of the ‘Old Masters’ boxed set. UK copies, for the briefest time, included this infamous spoof insert before it was totally withdrawn – it was again a parody of the Pepper insert. This insert was a step too far and it had to be withdrawn here. I have only ever seen two UK ‘originals’ and one back in my school-days and I would guess many collectors have never seen one at all. I now own one original myself which took me an age to find again. This repro looks superb and really does make the set ‘complete’. It is worthy of note also, the very first covers had openings left and right – these were to include the insert – very soon afterwards, the left opening edge was sealed when the insert was officially withdrawn from sale. This cover has BOTH sides open (with NO glue marks present on the left).

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Moderately high. Only the earliest (S)VLP copies of this cover were fully laminated and included two internal flipbacks. These flipback ends often stuck together from sticky ends and pulled their surfaces. This example has largely avoided that, in that respect, even surpasses my own one that had a few small surface pulls. Like the standard ‘Pepper’ cover, the spine is always prone to losing its laminate and then the surfaces wear and lose their design and text. This spine also has shed it’s laminate, but more unusually, retains ALL its text with minimal hints of any rubbing to the spine at all (please see my spine close-ups).

Cover Grade and Format: NEAR EXCELLENT: (this being critical), a gatefold format and laminated inside and out. The inside has two large external flipbacks on the top left and right which are unique to the first made covers. First Select repressings were briefly laminated on the outsides only and also omitted these flipbacks. Printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse. Please note: this has the correct VLP Mono Catalogue number.

Cover Lamination – Front & Back (the band in dresses side): The Mothers from left back to right front are: Zappa; Mundi; Gardner; Estrada; Preston; Black and Underwood, these faces were initially to be used inside the cover until refused.

Both sides look clean, fresh and attractive with very rich vibrant colour that the later unlaminated examples can never match. Rich shine and clarity is retained and with no lifting or blisters. Even under light, barely any hint of dulling at all. The front has a couple of half moon type surface creases and the back one thumb crease on the left opening edge – a very small split here has been very carefully repaired by myself – it barely even shows now. On the back, a small few very light press marks are just seen again under light but little detracts from what are two visually impressive sides that have aged little.

Cover Gatefold Inner: Remember, Zappa wanted these two faces to be the outer, main cover to fully reciprocate ‘Pepper’ and are equally important as the outer ones, possibly more so in my opinion, the ‘front’ artwork is simply stunning. This centrefold is in fantastic condition, and at at the very least, matching my own personal copy. The lack of flipback end pulling is unusual but most welcome – the ends are naturally tacky and they simply stick and pull. Indeed this is one of the very few I have seen so little affected by this, any surface disturbance is very light indeed. The laminate so clear and shiny, it almost appears sprayed on with little any creasing of any real note. A couple of very light half moons (right) and a fine thumb type semi-crease (left) only. Unlike the first pressed reissues, this centrefold was also fully laminated and included the top edge flipbacks. Both are in super condition overall, clean and solid. Incredibly, the laminate on the centrefold hinge is hardly cracked and very solid, most flake, dry and peel and this high degree of freshness will be immediately apparent to any winning bidder.

…Money hailed the arrived of Cal Schenkel, Zappa’s most suggestively visual interpreter. It replicates Pepper brilliantly, but turns it all around. It was photographed by Jerrold Schatzberg in his New York studio. The blue sky of The Beatles classic now becomes a black thunderstorm with lightning flashing. The flowers for the band name now are vegetables and the band are attired in dresses. The Mothers were flanked by executive producer Tom Wilson on one side, and Jimi Hendrix on the other. A photo of manager Herb Cohen’s daughter, Lisa, was placed in Hendrix’s arms (Please see my cover close-up). The lady on the right of Frank is Gail Zappa, heavily pregnant with Moon Unit (soon to be his first-born daughter). Darker images of guests appear, MGM lawyers insisted on printing bars across the eyes of anyone in the collage who was still alive (other than players or those involved I would presume): their paranoia simply made it more dark and sinister. In the sleevenotes, Zappa advised listeners to read ‘In the Penal Colony’, a short story by Franz Kafka that dealt with homoerotic abuse, colonialism and military/judicial atrocity – this album and cover remain a disturbing experience to this very day.

Top Edges: Practically unworn and still with very solid laminate that remains smooth the fingertip with no scuffing, both remain very straight as well.

Bottom Edges: As above with just small tip rubs to the right.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean and sharp with little wear and no feathering or trimming. slight fading to the exposed right strip on the front where the laminate ends a little short of full width but minimal traces of grime. The lack of thickening or burring is unusual on two open edges that reitterate how early this cover is. Record can enter on either edge as both are open with NO glue marks so clearly manufactured this way to include the ‘Pepper’ insert that was withdrawn after objections.

Spine and Text: The only wear of any real note is the shedding of the laminate which is rarely avoided. Very solid and thick, also straight with barely any compression. Folded straight as well, so the edges all meet up very closely and parallel. All text and artwork is present with no wear, fading or rubbing of note. The prized VLP 9199 catalogue number for the mono version and all other text is totally unworn, and that is very rare indeed. When peeled as many are, the yellow often becomes grubby and the text often eroded. With a considerable amount of text on this spine, what a joy to see it all present.

Corners: Amongst the least corner wear I have seen on this cover – any tip rubs are very small and very fine to excellent (or better) shape is retained.

Cover Summary: A high quality and very-attractive all-round example of this incredible and daring 1960’s cover, one that will prove very difficult to find much better as a genuine original. I reiterate, this is the VLP original with it’s unique full lamination and inside flipbacks and double entrance openings. Who, but Zappa would have dared issue a cover like this? Now into it’s 44th year, this has not just survived, this looks fantastic. These Mothers were not pretty, but were one of the greatest inventive bands of all time and their appeal to fans of the psych underground scene will never be lost.

The Insert: NOT an original, UK inserts are nigh-on impossible to find. As new and taken from the Old Masters box set (please see my picture of this ultra rare and seldom seen insert).

The Inner Sleeve: NEAR EXCELLENT: this came to me with a Polydor-style lined inner that is coded 1/1 47. A little aged with toning to the edges and odd small corner crease. The lining very clear as seen through two neat crisp window circles and all edges unsplit.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(+) / EXCELLENT: with just the one small mark on the final track as mentioned already. This is a very solidly pressed first issue and retains a very fine shine and is clean and intense black. Any surface marks are few, fine and light and only the small more visible mark has any audio effect of note. The detail on the 4-track original mix is incredible, arguably, the most psychedelic record ever made and the mono mix is just so ‘out there’. To fully appreciated the complexities of this recording, listen to it through a pair of high quality headphones. Let the mind focus on the sound – some of the dialogue and detail is a little easier to following in this mode. It does take a few listens to fully appreciate but well worth perseverance. The best albums are never instant, if they are, they invaribly become boring and this never does and never will. Visually up there with the very best I have seen from a mono copy that invariably took more hammer than others, only my own personal copy is very slightly better, and that’s going nowhere. This has survived almost little scathed from those old unsubtle record players from it’s time. Just one jolt or arm drop on a Dansette or similar heavy tracking record player and there’s another copy ruined and most-all mono copies would have been played on such equipment . Large scuffs and deep, penetrating scratches, awash with grimy fingermarks and dulled vinyl, that’s more the normal on records like this. Most unlistenable, even unplayable, this is one end of the vinyl spectrum to the other, a lovely looker, clearly played but mostly, with care I would suggest. The one small blemish apart, this will take a fair degree of beating. No worn-out needle has battered and reamed this one.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This wonderful, genuine first-pressed record even exceeds it’s high visual grading with very little to fault. Totally distortion-free sound with no pops and any light ticks fairly brief on the beginning of ‘Chrome Plated Megaphone’ – this is close to a definitive listen on the highly complex record. The sounds Zappa and Wilson mastered into this album are unique and incredibly weird and this is the original Mothers at their very best. Nothing of any real note spoilt my pleasure in playing this legendary album yet again. I have probably heard this album more times than any other and it never fails to please and raise a smile. There are barely any other unwanted sounds at all and it’s practically devoid of irritating crackle and noise. Let the pleasure of this psychedelic classic fill your mind with pleasure. Always a challening one with some quiet passages and very complex sounds and not tolerant of heavy and thick stylus, but this has been little affected. Let me make this clear, if this record did not please me enough to offer – I wouldn’t. This generally excels and offers wonderful sound with all those lost subtle details still present that the CD versions lack. High-grading copies of this album, as a genuine original are getting rarer and rarer to find, almost to the point of drying-up altogether. This is a lovely, excellent copy with sound for practically all exceeding that. A copy for the more discerning collector and most fans of the man should treasure it.

End Piece: I make no apology for the length of this advert, I adore this album, and finding a worthy copy for offering is always a challenge and pleasure. For those who think Sgt Pepper is the Lord of all albums, well this Zappa creation was the anti-Christ. How many times I’ve heard this album I could not even estimate, but for certain I never tire listening to it. There is always something hidden away I discover on every listen and I discovered even more sounds on this incredible first, definitive stereo pressing. Hearing it on the vintage vinyl format makes this one extra special - no CD version really compares, how could it with the original master tapes destroyed? The cover alone is worth any price - it’s unique and daring, would anyone else but Zappa dare to reconstruct the Pepper cover? It remains a mystery, even today how he got away with it - some apparently were not amused. The sounds embedded in these vintage grooves are a testament to Zappa’s greatness and the same can be said of this legendary band too. It truly delights me that more and more younger listeners are getting into the world and music of Frank Zappa, bored by the modern mediocrity. I am always happy to help or advise all I can on the man and his music. It just remains a shame that only after the great man’s death does the world finally wake up to fully recognise his genius. ‘Money’ is weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s here, enjoy this classic forever in the definitive first mono mix. Visually, one of the cleanest you will find, and offering very enjoyable sound for that ultimate listening experience and it should please most collectors – just those few brief clicks the only real issue – but how many will ever play with nothing unwanted? I can hardly recommended this evergreen 60s classic highly enough – do not lose this one.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Terrarium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand+ based on over 8,000+ items sold in over 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.25

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £8. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £11.75 (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £15.75 Add £3 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.