DEEP PURPLE Machine Head earliest 1972 UK A1 B1 vinyl + audio + lyric insert EX

	£		24
	$		32

DEEP PURPLE - MACHINE HEAD

A truly excellent condition copy of this increasingly rare 1972 UK A1/B1 earliest, very first pressing rock classic on the Purple Records label, TPSA 7504 (STEREO)

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1 TPSA 7504 A - 1U with stampers "4" and "G A D" at 9.30 o'clock and 3.30 o'clock respectively

   Side 2  TPSA 7504 B - 1U with stampers "2" and "G P H" at 7.30 o'clock and 1.30 o'clock respectively

The condition of the vinyl is excellent. Each side of the vinyl has a beautiful appearance with virtually all of the original lovely jet black lacquered sheen still intact. In normal daylight the condition of both sides of the vinyl come across as near perfect, and it is only with close scrutiny under a bright light (and the vinyl tilted at the right angle) that a few wispy hairlines and very light paper scuffs come into view - all very superficial, surface only and nothing "feelable". There is a very small mark, no bigger than a pencil dot, about mid way through "Smoke On The Water" (again non-feelable and you will need to look hard to find it)) which does result in a very mild click (you need to listen hard to hear it). Very impressive, especially considering the almost 50 year antiquity of this original UK pressing.

Each label is excellent. All writing remains perfectly defined with no nicks or markings. There are a few faint spindle trails on each label - nothing here to detract from the overall excellent condition of each label with all black text remaining perfectly intact upon the matt purple and white background. Note the side 1 label containing "THE GRAMOPHONE CO" and "MADE IN GT. BRITAIN" text (at 6 o'clock), but with no mention of "EMI", which are all indicators of a very 1st UK pressing.

The iconic laminated (front and back) Garrod & Lofthouse outer gatefold sleeve is also excellent. All edges, including the spine, remain firm with no nasty creasing and with barely any scuffing at all, just a few tiny "nicks" on the bottom edge. The corners remain nicely defined right angles with just minimal rubbing and opening sides remain firm and well defined with no fraying. There are a number of very light 1cm horizontal surface laminate creases (x8 on the front side and x7 on the reverse side) adjacent and perpendicular to the spine - very minor but I mention them nevertheless. The spine itself remains firm with just a couple of light "nicks" but all text remains intact and perfectly legible - lovely! The artwork and colouration of both the front and back of this gatefold remain clear, rich and vibrant - what an iconic record cover this is! Open out the gatefold and the inside is equally impressive, with all photographs and text in tip top condition and with no unwanted writing, doodles, or creasing. Truly excellent! Note the date stamp of "7204" right at the bottom on the reverse side of the gatefold, again indicative of a 1st pressing.

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent plus (EX+). Great tone and clarity with no distortion either at higher volume or on the higher frequencies. Side 1 is virtually perfect stereo - just brilliant from start to finish; side 2 does have that single, very, very mild click part way through "Smoke On The Water" and there is just the hint of a little, very mild background crackle during the intro to "Space Truckin", so side 2 I grade as excellent...I'm really being very picky here, because every track on this monstrously classic rock album makes for a great listen - turn up the volume and enjoy!

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. HIGHWAY STAR

2. MAYBE I'M A LEO

3. PICTURES OF HOME

4. NEVER BEFORE

Side 2 :

1. SMOKE ON THE WATER

2. LAZY

3. SPACE TRUCKIN'

Comes with original lilac/purple lyric insert/poster, which again is in excellent condition - just a few very, very light "nicks" on the left edge and just the semblance of an out of place fold on the right side whee I assume the poster has been partially folded over at some stage inside the gatefold - very, very minor blemishes. Note the three folds and not four folds as for later pressings of this LP, and also the catalogue number printed at the top right of the poster - yet another 1st pressing indicator.

Comes with plain white "MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN" and "PATENT Nos..." die cut inner sleeve with no tears or splits and in near perfect condition still. I always post the record in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.

In summary a very impressive copy of this increasingly rare and sought after 1972 UK 1st pressing rock masterpiece - a worthy addition to any vinyl collection and only continuing to gain in value. 

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 50 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by acquiring records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 64 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of packing and postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl thick cardboard "crucifix" mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be :

for the UK, Royal Mail 1st class, signed for : £4.00, 

for continental Europe, international 1st class/Airmail : £7.00

and for Rest of the World, international 1st class/Airmail : £11.00

 I DO discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler