BEATLES Help LP 1965 UK 1st Press MONO PARLOPHONE PMC 1255 Impressive audio VG+

	£		29
	$		38

THE BEATLES - HELP!

An increasingly rare & sought after copy of this 1965 UK MONO 1st pressing on the UK yellow/black PARLOPHONE label, MONO PMC 1255

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1  XEX 549 - 2  with stampers "4" and "MG" at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock respectively

Side 2  XEX 550 - 2  with stampers "2" and "R M" at 8.30 o'clock and 2.30 o'clock respectively

Note the "-2/-2" matrix endings, each indicative of a very first UK pressing (there were no matrix numbers ending in "-1").

The appearance of the vinyl is VG+. The vinyl is heavy, flat and each side has retained much of it's original glossy sheen. In normal daylight the appearance of each side of the vinyl comes across as excellent with just a very few small, light scuffs in evidence and it is only under a bright light that more wispy hairlines and light scuff marks come into view, indicating a fair number of plays. However, none of these light blemishes are "feelable" and there appears nothing to be below the surface and intrusive. A solid VG.

The labels are excellent. Just a few light spindle trail traces on each side adjacent to the centre hole with the yellow "PARLOPHONE and logo perfectly intact and all silver text on the lovely black matt textured background nothing less than excellent. Note the presence of "THE GRAMOPHONE COMPANY..." text on the perimeter of the label and the "SOLD IN THE U.K. SUBJECT TO..." text across each label which are both indicative of a first pressing. A further indicator is the * credit indicator for “I Need You” being placed to the right of the song title with a space between I Need You *.

The front-laminated Garrod & Lofthouse laminated outer sleeve is in excellent condition.  All edges remain firm with no scuffing whatsoever, and that includes the rigid spine where all writing remains perfectly legible. There is no laminate lifting or creasing, each corner remains a perfectly defined right angle, the reverse side flip backs are pristine and remain fully functional with no tears or scuffs. There are no nasty marks, no age discolouration, no writing or doodles. All the colouring remains rich and vibrant and the photos remain crystal clear, There is no fraying on the opening edges. The only blemish of note is a small area of discolouration on the reverse side right flip back towards the bottom (see photo), but even this is totally non-intrusive. A definite "excellent" (at least!).

Finally, the quality of the audio is again VG+. Impressive MONO tone and clarity, even on the higher frequencies and at higher volume. No skips, no clicks, no pops, with just some occasional and minor background crackle only really noticeable (and even then not intrusive) at the beginning of each side and during a few of the interludes/quieter moments...this really is very minor. In essence this heavy duty vinyl was made to last and it achieves exactly that with each and every track still making for a great listen.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. HELP!

2. THE NIGHT BEFORE

3. YOU'VE GOT TO HIDE YOUR LOVE AWAY

4. I NEED YOU

5. ANOTHER GIRL

6. YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE THAT GIRL

7. TICKET TO RIDE

Side 2 :

1. ACT NATURALLY

2. IT'S ONLY LOVE

3. YOU LIKE ME TOO MUCH

4. TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE

5. I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE

6. YESTERDAY

7. DIZZY MISS LIZZY

Comes complete with original die-cut "USE EMITEX" tracing paper lined inner which has no tears or splits, only minor creasing and remains fully functional. Excellent+.  Note that I always post the record(s) in a new plain white inner sleeve(s) in order to protect the original(s).

In summary an overall VG+ copy of this increasingly rare and sought after 1965 UK 1st MONO pressing Beatles classic. A worthy addition to any serious Beatles vinyl collection and only continuing to gain in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 63 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class : UK £3.00; 

and Royal Mail 1st class/Airmail for continental Europe £8, and Rest of the World £12. 

PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE PAYING!!

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler