BLACK SABBATH / TECHNICAL ECSTASY, 1976 UK *1st PRESS*

	£		38
	$		50

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a superb Near Mint example of the album by BLACK SABBATH titled “TECHNICAL ECSTASY”, Catalogue Number 9102 750. This is an ORIGINAL 1976 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the VERTIGO SPACESHIP LABEL, with the EARLIEST MATRIX NUMBERS, 1st ISSUE ROBERT STACE SLEEVE, and complete with the LYRIC INSERT. Seriously hard to find in the exceptional condition offered here!!

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side One – 9102750  1Y//5    1 B     1  2

Side Two – 9102750  2Y//6    1 B     1  2  

The 1st issue un-laminated single sleeve, printed in England by Robert Stace is in genuine EXCELLENT+ CONDITION. Not much to say really - apart from a couple of tiny creases near the edges and just a hint of age discoloration, it’s pretty much as it left the press. A beautiful sleeve which will be very difficult to improve upon!!

The record is fairly solidly pressed for a mid 1970s vinyl. The rim edge is square-cut rather than tapered. The record retains its original lustre and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually in NEAR MINT CONDITION (EX+ for the hyper critical) with only a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks visible under bright light, which are of no audio significance. The labels are unmarked with only a couple of light spindle traces evident on each side. There is no wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has not been played many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a superb quality pressing! The sound quality is particularly loud and vibrant. Both sides play to a very high standard. There are no pops or loud clicks, and a minimum of unwanted noise. Several of the tracks have quiet sensitive passages which are easily spoiled by excessive crackle and surface sound. Not on this example – all play beautifully with barely any unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience. A better playing copy may be very difficult to find!!

The original LYRIC INSERT is in NEAR MINT CONDITION.

Complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve which is in EXCELLENT CONDITION.

SUPERB EXAMPLES LIKE THIS ONE ARE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND, AND DO NOT COME UP FOR SALE VERY OFTEN. DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.