Beatles-Sgt Pepper Y/B 1st UK STEREO WIDEspine/MINT

	£		205
	$		272

MASSIVELY rare FIRST PRESS album in immaculate condition. I must have been under a lucky star when I discovered this unbelievable record.Wide spine editions of Sgt Pepper are very very rare and had only a limited release.It is unclear whether they were mistakes during production or if they were THE earliest presses of this HUGE Beatles, release.But one thing is for sure,they were issued in very low numbers so each and every one is truly special and mega rare, especially in this very near mint condition.

This record is remarkable and I had to blink three/four times as I thought I was dreaming when I cast my eyes on the labels! A Beatles’ record hardly been played is not really conceivable, or is it? But this one appears to have been played 3/4 times at the very most!

Cat No.PCS 7027 STEREO

YEX 637-1

YEX 638-1

Stampers G M O 3 3

                  G M P 2

Release date 1967

“Sold in U.K. subject to resale” text.

“The Gramophone Co. Ltd.” In the upper case around the lower perimeter of label.

Made in Gt. Britain.

Yellow/Black Parlophone –very early FIRST press!!!!

All the above details point to a possible very first pressing of this HUGE Beatles’ release. The wide spine issues could have been THE very first presses but unclear if this is so.Stereo productions are even more valuable and scarce than the highly sought after mono releases. See Rare records Collectors guide 2006.

I am almost too scared to breathe on this vinyl. It oozes with sheer class and utter distinction. I have handled softly so that it remains in pristine condition. The visual chemistry of this vinyl is simply amazing and feels factory NEW!!! Truly awesome and massively RARE in this condition. Must be a one off , for sure!

Labels

Being matt black, hairlines become prominent and ugly and show up big time on these labels, but these are near perfect as there are hardly any noticeable spiderlines.Please see pics! Labels appear virtually untouched and as new when examined at different angles as only two or three very  faint spiderlines can be detected !A low playing history perhaps or very carefully handled. Either way, this album must be mega rare in this condition!

The vinyl is thick and chunky and has a superb heavyweight feel. The record looks freshly pressed-a record of this age looking factory new and a Beatles’ record at that,…………..are we dreaming here or what? No, this is for real. I have examined both sides of the vinyl from every angle possible, and not one mark is detected!

I have carefully played this record and only once this time as I normally check two/three times over for accurate assessments and the audio was absolutely breathtaking. No crackles, pops or interference of any kind. This audio is absolutely perfect. The tones are heard razor sharp and the definition of these channels are awesome. The melodies are warm and mellow and delivered with precision.There will always be the slightest crackle on any vinyl even when mint, but this is the closest you will ever get to perfection! Unbelievable for 36 years of age!!

These Beatles’ albums were played and played, tossed and thrown, used and abused into submission ! However, this record plays and looks as NEW. No groove wear, no surface marks and the sheen on this vinyl is truly awesome! Audio channels are crystal and the stereophonic sound is so realistic as if the group were playing next to you. AWESOME!!

Cover-Opening G & L laminated gatefold sleeve.Spine –10 mm and most got damaged and crushed.This one is the best I have seen. Only the slightest scuff/wear showing on lower edge of spine.All corners are showing their grey tips and are slightly worn!Edges are perfect. Ring wear minimal on reverse/front covers.Lower right corner crease on laminate. Slight feathering on opening edge.Laminate excellent with no lifting apparent.Gatefold opens crisp and sharp with a crinkling sound showing that has hardly been handled.Perfect inner faces. Colours are strong and vibrant . Simply beautiful album sleeve in excellent condition.

Insert

Cut out card board original in MINT condition.

Inner sleeve

Most got lost or damaged. This one is in excellent condition. Is the fool “red/white wavy lined inner” to verify its authenticity.Very slight opening on bottom seam edge otherwise in wonderful condition.

Audio

For any serious collector, where there is a choice between mono or stereo, both are of equal importance!True stereo albums,especially a vintage album like this one, gives great imagery and presence .I have listened only once to this vinyl and found a much more profound intricacy to the tones and a definite added depth is heard with its presentation. Around 1967-68,the balance of mono/ stereo releases were roughly the same but saying that, there does appear to be many more mono releases about of this album, than the harder to find stereo versions of this limited wide spine release.

Summary

This is an extraordinary copy of one of the most famous of The Beatles’ albums. To see a copy like this in 2005, 35 years after a record’s release is nothing short of a miracle. The labels are near mint, and the playing surfaces are unmarked, as if only pressed yesterday !!!A Beatles’ record is always very special, just holding one in your hand gives extreme pleasure but to own a near mint Beatles’ album is something else, almost unique as these are virtually non existent nowadays.

A true timeless classic, Sgt. Pepper must be reputed world wide to be one of the all time greats and as available copies diminish, this record is true investment quality and can only get scarcer and scarcer!!!

A stunning example of a HUGE Beatles album not to be missed as will be very hard to match. Absolutely awesome!!!!!!!!

Shipping

UK-£3.50

Europe-£5.50

USA/Japan-£7.00

Insurance available at an extra cost.My guarantee if not satisfied with my assessment, will refund in full minus postage costs if vinyl is returned in the condition that it was received.