I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid / decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay generally collect at point of sale.  No shipping to Russia currently.

David Bowie : Aladdin Sane 3T / 3T 1st Press 1973 + Lyric Inner & Fan Club Insert

This classic first pressing plays to an incredible standard and may well be the finest example I have ever listened to.  The only background is a little static on the 'Aladdin Sane...' piano outro for 4/5 seconds.  Aside from that the clarity, depth and power of the audio is astonishing.  The playback is so clean and fresh and even during the quieter sections the clarity of sound is still of the highest standard.  'Lady Grinning Soul' for example, you would not believe how perfect the audio is!  This album was clearly purchased as a 'collectors item' rather than to be played and the pristine visual quality, the sonic quality and the zero spindle wear pay testament to that.  A FINAL UPGRADE archive classic in my opinion even with that momentary static.

The iconic gatefold has also been so carefully looked after - it is so clean and only the spine has a little discolouration.  It has retained its original shape and structure perfectly and is very close to Near Mint- if I'm honest.  The lyric inner is in superb shape and the fan club application form is as good as the day it was printed!  A stunning 'package' all round! 

CPRY 4543-3T  A1AD / CPRY 4544-3T  A5H

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T2 Near Mint)

The audio S2 is Mint(-)

The gatefold is Ex++

The lyric inner is Near Mint-

The fan club insert is Mint

The labels are Near Mint-

Visual description

The vinyl is in beautiful condition with an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen and has no marks or scratches.  To say it is visually stunning is an understatement!  Under a bright light I can only see a handful of insignificant faint hairlines and there is no mottling or surface wear at all.  The RCA labels are unmarked with no spindle wear but do have a small 8 sticker on each side for some reason.  Maybe they could be removed.

Play grading

The intro on 'Watch That Man' plays with such strong clear audio and the opening verses also play with sublime clarity and power.  The first chorus has no background either and it continues to play with great quality and... no intrusion.  Real power also with no sign of any distortion.  As good a start that you could wish for and is Mint in every way, no need for a minus here.  

'Aladdin Sane...' then plays with stunning audio with a clarity of sound that you only find on a well preserved vinyl and one that has been hardly played.  The mid instrumental is a prime example of that.  A stunning piano sound and such a strong bass line.  Bowie's vocal is 'as new' and the only background is a little static right at the end so I will say Near Mint because of that.

The intro on 'Drive-In Saturday' is perfect and the opening vocal section / chorus is on the same level.  It continues in the same precise way with not one dust tick let alone anything more.  It is a pristine version and Mint is well deserved.

'Panic In Detroit' plays with clean, powerful audio from start to finish with just one very light tick near the end, you could easily miss it!  The sonic quality is superb and Mint- is fair.

The intro on 'Cracked Actor' is clean and powerful and the first vocal section is just as strong.  The chorus is flawless and from then on it plays with stunning precision.  For a final track the 'sound' is so impressive and nothing gets in the way of the audio.  The closing instrumental is perfect and it is easily a Mint finish to the side.

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The quiet piano intro on 'Time' plays with perfect clarity and Bowie's opening vocal is equally as good.  As the volume increases there is no drop in quality and the li li li... vocal passage has zero intrusion.  The brief silence is 100% silent and the next vocal passage plays with imperious quality also.  The remainder keeps up the good work and and the final long piano note has no background.  This is undoubtedly another Mint track, a STUNNING version.

'The Prettiest Star' provides more evidence (if it was needed!) of a rarely played vinyl and plays with genuine quality through every vocal and instrumental section.  Every note so sharp and precise, crystal clear audio basically.  Mint

'Let's Spend The Night Together' plays with great power and depth and again there is no interference.  The quieter section towards has not one dust tick and from start to finish it 'rocks out' loud and true.  Mint

'The Jean Genie' impresses on every level with outstanding power and clarity throughout.  With that classic 'glam' riff this is the definitive version with no sign of any background.  Just pure unadulterated Mint audio.

The piano intro on 'Lady Grinning Soul' can only be described 'as new' - honestly the playback is fantastic!  And as it descends into silence there is still no background.  The opening vocal with that classic piano section plays with sublime clarity and definition and the brief mid instrumental is just as impressive.  This is audio of the highest calibre and the final section does not let the side down.  There is no distortion and every note is so clean and 'fresh' sounding.  A wonderful Mint version including the fade out.  What a version!

The Gatefold, Lyric Inner & Fan Club Insert

Due to it being predominantly white colour it is rare to find this cover is such great condition.  It is so clean with barely any marking!  The edges and corners are in superb shape and the spine remains wide and strong with only some light discolouration.  That's about it really in respect of wear!  The opening edge has no obvious handling wear and the front and back cover are in lovely condition with only one minor spot on the latter.  There is perhaps just a hint of discolouration either side of the spine but it is minor to say the least.  The inside of the gatefold is stunning and there is no damage or wear on the inner spine.  A superb example of this iconic cover, one of the best you will find.

The lyric inner has also been so well looked after with only minimal fading and a couple of minor corner rubs.  The fan club insert is in perfect condition without any wear and as you can see has not been filled in.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on my Pro-Ject VC-S machine

CPRY 4543-3T  A1AD / CPRY 4544-3T  A5H

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!