DAVID BOWIE, ALADDIN SANE, 1973 UK RCA *1st PRESS*

	£		56
	$		74

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic album by DAVID BOWIE titled “ALADDIN SANE”, Catalogue Number RCA RS 1001. This is an ORIGINAL 1973 UK *1st PRESSING* on the ORANGE RCA RECORD LABEL, with 1st issue SHOREWOOD PACKAGING GATEFOLD SLEEVE. Complete with thick card LYRIC INNER SLEEVE and the elusive FAN CLUB MEMBERSHIP CARD. 

The *1st issue* un-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made in England by Shorewood Packaging Co. Ltd., is in EX condition, with only the lightest of storage/handling wear. You can see from the photos that this one is a lovely example!

The top quality RCA record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. Both sides are visually in EX+ condition. I bought this record shortly after release and can confirm that it has only been played a few times on top quality equipment. It has always been stored correctly and handled with care. The beautiful orange labels show no obvious spindle traces.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

Orange RCA 1st pressings are very special. This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut pressing which sounds truly amazing played at loud volume. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. Both sides play to a very high standard with barely any unwanted surface sound at all (just occasional very light surface sound which you would expect even on a new record). You simply will not find a significantly better playing 1st press copy!

The 1st issue thick card lyric inner sleeve is in EX condition.

The Fan Club Membership Card is unmarked.

Complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve which is in EX condition. “British Patent No…” and “MADE IN ENGLAND 0373” is printed on the bottom in blue text (confirming a 1973 1st issue).

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 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 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.