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

	£		52
	$		68

Here for auction is a lovely example of the iconic double album by BOB DYLAN titled ‘BLONDE ON BLONDE’, Catalogue Number BPG 66012. This is an ORIGINAL 1966 * UK MONO 1st PRESSING* on the CBS RECORD LABEL, with the earliest 1st issue laminated gatefold sleeve. The sleeve has 9 photographs inside the opening gatefold, including the one of Claudia Cardinale (which only the earliest sleeves had, as it was soon removed due to legal problems). The record labels are rough-textured, and carry the earliest ‘B Feldman’ credits. ‘33’ is also printed on the labels, rather than 33 1/3 as on all later pressings. Complete with the correct orange and white CBS inner sleeves which advertise other CBS albums of the period.

The laminated gatefold sleeve is in close to EX condition (strictly graded) with only very light wear/creasing. It has a 2-piece construction with 4 flipbacks along the top and bottom edges inside the gatefold. The front and back covers are unmarked with just a few minor creases. The opening gatefold spread is also unmarked apart from the remains of a retailer sticker on the bottom left. There is some rippling near the opening edges. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved sleeve which should please most collectors.

Both CBS records retain a deep mirror-like shine and sit flat and true on the turntable. They are very solidly pressed with tapered rim edges.

The Matrix Numbers are:

Side 1 – DDP 66012 A1

Side 2 – DDP 66012 B1

Side 3 – DDP 66012 C1

Side 4 – DDP 66012 D1

Visually I would grade both records as being in VG(+) condition as there are some light surface marks evident under bright light. These are mostly superficial and do not cause any significant audio problems. The rough-textured orange CBS labels are unmarked apart from a few light spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear around the spindle holes.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These are top quality CBS 1st pressings. The mono audio is particularly loud-cut and vibrant and sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. Both records play to a very high standard. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality (just occasional light surface sound which is never intrusive and only noticeable during the quieter passages).  

Complete with the correct CBS orange and white inner sleeves which are both in VG condition. These have no seam splits, just small areas of damage near the top right corners and written collection numbers in the same corners.

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 & POSTAGE

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   

Europe up to £39 value - £9.95

Europe over £39 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.95

Worldwide over £39 value - £15.15

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs.

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £39. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.