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Black Sabbath : Sabotage 1Y2 / 2Y1 1st Press NEMS 1975

This first pressing plays to an incredible standard with no interference as such.  I have graded all the tracks as either Mint- or Mint except one, the brief instrumental 'Don't Start (Too Late)', which has a couple of minor static ticks so I have graded that one as Near Mint accordingly.  It is without doubt one of the finest examples of this classic album that I have listened to and I am fully confident in saying it is a FINAL UPGRADE archive pressing.  The clarity and definition of the audio is sensational and the power and resonance on offer here is just as impressive.  The vinyl is in lovely condition and it is obvious it has hardly been played in its 50 year life, it has been so well preserved.

The fully textured cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear and the original Plastic Bags... is also in excellent shape.

The first pressing has RECORDS & TAPES on both the labels and the back cover.  Megalomania is spelt as Meglomania on the S1 label.

9119001  1Y//2  ST  1 1  4   ---  9119001  2Y//1  ST  1 1

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T2 Near Mint)

The audio S2 is Mint(-)

The fully textured cover is Ex+

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

The NEMS labels are Near Mint / Mint

Visual description

The vinyl is in lovely condition and still has a stunning glossy sheen with no scratches.  There is one small very faint 'rub' on S1 and a radial line on S2 but neither have any affect on the superb audio, they are very minor issues.  Aside from that I can only see a very small number of faint hairlines and even they are difficult to find!  The NEMS labels are in great condition with only minimal spindle wear on S1, there is none on S2.

Play grading

The run in on S1 has no static etc and then the entire intro on 'Hole In The Sky', starting with the 'warm' plays with stunning quality.  Ozzy's opening vocal section is just as strong and clear and the power and definition of the audio really leap out of the speakers!  There is no distortion on the top end and sonically it could not be any better.  It continues in the same precise way and from start to finish there is no intrusion.  It is Mint without doubt.

The acoustic 'Don't Start (Too Late)' begins perfectly and then after 10 seconds or so there are a couple of static ticks.  The remainder plays with perfect clarity.  I'll say Near Mint

The intro on 'Symptom Of The Universe' plays with phenomenal power and depth, much aided by Ward's percussion.  The opening vocal section is faultless as is the instrumental bridge.  The next vocal is just as impressive and this is easily one of the finest renditions of this classic that I have ever heard.  Each note is so clean and precise - the audio separation is incredible.  I cannot emphasise enough just how well it plays!  The instrumental section towards the end is a prime example of that - sonically it is STUNNING and again there is no distortion.  The final acoustic / vocal section plays with sublime clarity and depth and it has to grade as Mint such is the quality.

The intro on 'Megalomania' has no intrusion and the opening vocal is the same.  I did hear a handful of statics but when I say they are barely audible I seriously mean it!  The first chorus is perfect and from then on the playback is spectacular.  For a final track the sonic quality is stunning - for example the section beginning with that repetitive percussive sound from Ward soon followed by an instrumental break led by Iommi (of course) and then leading into the Well, I feel something's taking me I don't know where... vocal is all consuming!  Ozzy's vocal is on the register during this section and yet it is so clean and free of any distortion.  There is no let up as it progresses.  The closing 'orchestral' piece plays with great clarity and depth and if there is any inner groove distortion it is kept to an absolute minimum.  A couple of light statics on the fade out but overall Mint- is more than deserved.

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'Thrill Of It All' plays with impeccable quality from the word go.  The entire intro is 'as new' and again the power and definition 'shine' out.  The opening vocal is equally as strong and it continues to play with breath-taking quality.  The audio could not be any clearer and mid instrumental / vocal section is immense!  This high end standard is kept up til the very end and Mint is an honest assessment of the audio.  100% STUNNING!

'Supertzar' impresses on every level.  A unique 'instrumental' from Sabbath and it plays with wonderful clarity and separation through every section.  In fact I do not think I have heard a cleaner version.  The vocal 'sound' from the English Chamber Choir is outstanding and there it nothing to detract from the audio.  Iommi's guitar providing the perfect accompaniment - I'll say Mint- because I did hear 3/4 statics but they are barely audible I hasten to add.

The intro on 'Am I going Insane (Radio)' is perfect and then the first verse and chorus are equally as good.  As it continues you again notice just how clean and 'fresh' sounding the audio is, the vinyl has clearly hardly been played.  You don't get sonic quality like this if it had been 'spun' a bundle of times!  Every section plays with unrivalled quality and yep it grades as Mint and that includes the creepy 'laughing' end section.

The segue into 'The Writ' is of course so quiet and the intro is as impressive.  The opening three verses play to perfection and the quiet instrumental bridge has no intrusion either.  The next vocal section is just as strong and it continues to play with supreme quality.  The harpsichord (I think) sections play beautifully and the vocals are very clean with only the bare minimum of inner groove distortion and certainly nothing intrusive.  The hard core instrumental passage that ends this classic can only be described 'as new' there is no distortion at all.  It demands to be turned up to max!  A Mint- track for sure.  The uncredited 'Blow On A Jug' plays with only a handful of minor statics at the start so I will say Near Mint not that it needs to be graded really!

The Cover & Plastic Bags Inner Sleeve

The fully textured cover is in excellent condition with minimal shelf wear.  The top edge is more or less perfect and the bottom edge has only a little rubbing.  The spine remains 100% legible and has just three minor indent marks and it has also retained its shape perfectly.  The four corners are in excellent order with only the bottom right one having a little more wear.  The opening edge is near perfect with only minor feathering near the top.  The front cover is exceptionally clean with hardly any surface 'rub' and the back cover is very clean with just a little ringwear.  I have just noticed a little rubbing either side of the spine also.  Overall though it is a fine example and is not often found as clean as this.

The original poly-lined inner sleeve has no side splits or tears and very little creasing.  It is just slightly faded in certain areas due to age.

9119001  1Y//2  ST  1 1  4   ---   9119001  2Y//1  ST  1 1

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on my Pro-Ject VC-S machine

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

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LPs/12" singles : £14.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £22.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!