DAVID BOWIE, DIAMOND DOGS, 1974 UK RCA *1st PRESS*

	£		30
	$		40

Here for auction is a superb example of the iconic album by DAVID BOWIE titled “DIAMOND DOGS”, Catalogue Number RCA APL 1-0576. This is an ORIGINAL 1974 UK *1st PRESSING* on the ORANGE RCA RECORD LABEL, with the earliest A-1/B-1 Matrix Numbers and 1st issue SHOREWOOD PACKAGING GATEFOLD SLEEVE.  

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 which still retains its original bright colours!

The top quality RCA record is solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is visually in EX condition with just a few light sleeve removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. There is a slight mottled effect when held against the light (probably due to storage in the poly-lined inner sleeve). The beautiful orange labels are unmarked with only a few very light spindle traces near the centres. I am confident that the record has not been played many times.

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 noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). You simply will not find a significantly better playing 1st press copy!

Complete with white poly-lined inner sleeve which is in EX condition.

Also included with this album is a Melody Maker press cutting dated May 11th 1974, which reviews David Bowie’s new album “Diamond Dogs” – very interesting!

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.