David Bowie - Low. 1977 UK press with A-1/B-2 matrix. Excellent condition vinyl
£
27
$
36
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Description
This is the original 1977 UK issue of Low on RCA Victor with matt orange labels. I have owned this copy for about 30 years, during much of which time it was my principal playing copy of this album - always treated with respect and played on good, properly aligned and set-up turntables. I'm only selling this as I now have another copy which is as close to mint condition as I'm likely to be able to get these days without selling a kidney.
Matrix numbers are: PL 12030-A-1 A?P?L?1?2?0?3?0?-?A? R?S?1?1?0?8?A?-?1? W A2AA / PL 12030-B-2 A?P?L?1?2?0?3?0?-?B? R?S? ?1?1?0?8?B?-?2 W A2AR Both sides are stamped STERLING, indicating that the lacquers for this first edition of Low were cut at the legendary Sterling Sound mastering house in New York City.
This copy plays very well throughout with undistorted sound and only the occasional pop and hint of crackle. Side 1 is very good indeed and even the quieter, ambient tracks on Side 2 play well and deliver a very enjoyable listening experience without any significant distractions.
The vinyl is glossy, with just a few light marks. There's very little that looks like more than a sleeve removal mark and no scratches deep enough to cause repeating clicks.
The record will be cleaned on my Okki Nokki record cleaning machine before dispatch.
The labels show some light spindle traces. The Side 2 label has a crease running across it, but I've seen the same thing on other British RCA records of similar vintage and I assume therefore it's was a manufacturing issue.
As for the sleeve, this is a difficult one to find in really good condition. This example is better than some, exhibiting routine wear. Its tracklisting sticker is in place on the rear and no attempt has ever been made to peel it off. There is a hint of ringwear on the back and some fading next to the spine also on the back - both typical of this title. The spine itself shows handling wear and fading to the extent that the lettering is no longer legible. There are also a couple of very small dark marks in the bottom left corner of the back. The beginnings of a one inch seam split is detectable in the middle of the top edge, but the card hasn't actually worn through. Aside from the aforementioned issues the sleeve is free from other nasties and the front is especially nice.
The white paper credits insert is present and in very good condition. The original plain paper inner sleeve has been replaced by a white poly-lined one.
Overall I would grade the sleeve and record respectively as Good + / Excellent. This is in accordance with the Record Collector magazine system:-
MINT: The record 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, discoloration, 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 will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
POOR: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
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