AC/DC ultra-rare "Let There Be Rock" TEST PRESS 1977

$

815

Alright, I never thought I'd part with this (and I'm going to regret it), but my loss can be your incredible gain. Up for bids is an original test pressing of AC/DC's stone-cold classic "Let There Be Rock" LP. Of course, very few of these were made, and I've never seen one on eBay (or elsewhere) so it's likely one of the few to survive the almost 30 years since its release.

It was pressed by Presswell Records back in 1977, who printed up all the test pressings for Atlantic Records until closing their plant a long while back. If you google-search "Presswell Records," you'll find some info on the plant as well as some fascinating pictures of the now dilapidated South Jersey plant location.

The matrix numbers on the LP (there are two) are as follows: SD 36151 (Atlantic/Atco Records) and STC 773851-B (Presswell Records). On the b-side, the Presswell matrix number is STC 773852-B. Only the Presswell matrix numbers are etched on the run-off grooves on each side of the vinyl (after all, this wasn't technically an Atlantic release, or for the public -- it was a private industry pressing). Also in the run-out are a pair of extra etchings -- on the a-side are "(PR)" and "A Porky Prime Cut," while on the b-side are "(PR)" and "Master Room."

The LP is housed in a plain white sleeve with basic info printed on a piece of white paper that was taped to the front of the sleeve (see the photo). On it are the artist, songs, personnel, production credits, and matrix number (for Atlantic/Atco). The sleeve shows some edgewear (a small split in the seam on the upper right-hand corner about an inch long) and a surface scuff (likely from a previous sticker) on the top-center. Other than some minor discoloration, there are two small stickers still affixed to the upper-right-hand corner, that state "$20.00 AC/DC" and "The Real Thing." These stickers are from the small record shop I bought this at in Seattle in about 1979. And I thought $20 was a bit steep at the time....

The LP itself is in excellent shape; there is some surface scuffing, though it's minor and would not affect play (I never played this, as I view this as a piece of rock 'n' roll history rather than an LP for playing).

In all, an incredible rarity from the Bon Scott years, which resulted in some of the best hard rock 'n' roll ever released -- ever. And this is arguably their greatest work, their most vicious explication of all the things they stood for. "Whole Lotta Rosie." "Problem Child." "Bad Boy Boogie." Classic.

As stated above, this is a piece of both AC/DC and rock 'n' roll history. It may be the last one in existence. Do not miss out on your chance to own it!