BOB DYLAN, BLONDE ON BLONDE, 1966 UK CBS 1st PRESS

	£		78
	$		103

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional MINT- example of the iconic studio double album by BOB DYLAN titled “BLONDE ON BLONDE”, Catalogue Number SDDP 66012. This is a 1966 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the CBS RECORD LABEL, with a near perfect 1st issue laminated gatefold sleeve. The package comes complete with the correct 1st issue orange and white inner sleeves which advertise other CBS albums of the period.

The copy for sale here is a true stereo 1st pressing with the earliest rough-textured labels (which state 33 rather than 33 1/3 as on all later pressings, and carry the earliest B. Feldman credits). The matrix numbers are the earliest A1, B1, C1 and D1. The sleeve is the 1st issue which has 4 internal flipbacks along the top and bottom edges. It also has 9 photos inside the opening gatefold spread, including the one of Claudia Cardinale which was soon removed due to legal problems.

The laminated gatefold sleeve is in EX+/MINT- condition with virtually no wear or creasing. There are two small areas of laminate lift to the top and bottom spine corners of the front cover and a minor handling crease to the opening edge – but apart from these extremely minor points this sleeve is absolutely perfect - just as it left the printers. I think that it is the best 1st issue sleeve that you are ever likely to find!

The heavyweight CBS records retain a ‘just pressed’ mirror-like shine and the playing surfaces are spotlessly clean. 

The Matrix Numbers are:

Side 1 – SDDP 66012  A1

Side 2 – SDDP 66012  B1

Side 3 – SDDP 66012  C1

Side 4 – SDDP 66012  D1

Visually the records are in EX+/MINT- condition with just a few wispy sleeve-removal/storage type surface marks evident under bright light, in addition to one small surface mark just bridging Tracks 2 and 3 of Side 3. With the exception of this surface mark (see below) these are only cosmetic and of no audio significance whatsoever. The rough textured orange CBS labels are pristine with maybe 1 or 2 faint spindle traces each side. There is no wear to either spindle hole. I can confirm that the records have only been played a handful of times at most using a high end cartridge with a light tracking weight. 

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These are top quality CBS pressings which play with outstanding sound quality. The stereo mix is very different to the mono and in my opinion is superior. The stereo playback is cut equally as loud as the mono, but reveals more detail and better instrument separation. Both records play essentially as new. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The surface mark mentioned above causes a few ticks which are really not intrusive and do not interfere with the enjoyment of the music. This is the only blemish on an otherwise perfect set of records. I think that it will be almost impossible to find another stereo first pressed copy of this standard.

Complete with the correct CBS orange and white inner sleeves which advertise other CBS albums of the period. These are made of very thin paper and are very fragile. Both are completely unmarked although one does have splits to the edges.

GRADINGS

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 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £10.95

Europe over £41 value - £13.50

Worldwide up to £41 value - £15.50

Worldwide over £41 value - £17.95

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.