Iron Maiden : Somewhere In Time A-1 / B-4 1st Press

This is the third variation on the first pressing and it plays with near perfect clarity throughout.  There are no clicks or pops and no underlying static either and the only 'background' is a handful of light static ticks on a couple of intros and fade outs.  99% is 'as new' and the clarity and depth of the audio during the actual music cannot be faulted, the playback is stunning!  A FINAL UPGRADE album for certain.

The cover is quite possibly the finest I have ever seen and the lyric inner is also very clean with only very minimal wear.  The merchandise sheets are also in excellent condition.

EMC 3512 // A - 1U / B - 4 // IT WERE SO LOUD & EVEN QUIET BITS WERE LOUD etched on the run out grooves

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (Track 4 Near Mint+)

The cover is Mint-

The labels are Near Mint-

The lyric inner is Ex+

The merchandise sheets are Mint & Ex

Visual grading

The vinyl is in lovely condition and retains a very strong glossy sheen.  You can see the grooves so clearly and it is obvious this record has not been over-played - there are no marks or scratches and only a small number of very faint hairlines.  There is not very much spindle wear and the run out grooves are also very clean.

Play grading

The intro on 'Caught Somewhere In Time' is 'as new' with no 'background of any kind and it continues in the same precise way.  The clarity cannot be faulted and there is literally no interference from the first note to the last, not even a single dust tick!  The power and depth of the audio is sublime and it provides an immaculate Mint start to the album.

'Wasted Years' plays with stunning power and definition throughout and again there is no interference.  Admittedly there are a couple of very light static ticks at the end of the fade out but by then the music has finished anyway.  I am still happy in grading as Mint as the audio could not be any stronger in my opinion.

'Sea Of Madness' is exceptional from the very first groove and the first verse and chorus also play to the same 'high end' standard.  It progresses in exactly the same way and even quieter mid section has no 'background'.  This is clearly a record that has been very well preserved over the last 34 years and the clarity is STUNNING throughout.  The definition of the audio is just so impressive and 'as new' is no exaggeration.  Another Mint track.

You might expect a little static on the quiet 'Heaven Can Wait' intro but no it plays with a clarity that is second to none.  As the volume and tempo increase the audio is outstanding and there is no distortion whatsoever which is quite rare for a final track on an 80s vinyl!  Each verse and chorus, the 'ohhh' vocal chant section through to the fade out plays with immaculate power and precision.  The fade out does not even have a solitary dust tick, the playback could not be any 'cleaner'.  This is most 'complete' version I have ever heard and Mint more than does it justice.

----------------------------------------------------------

'The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner' has only a small number of barely audible dust ticks on the intro - no static ticks, clicks, pops and no static or crackle either.  I'm sure I only notice the dust ticks because I sit so close to the speakers!  As the vocal begins the definition is again so strong and from then on the sonic quality is just immense.  The audio is so deep and powerful and has not deteriorated since it was released back in '86.  A couple of minor static ticks on the fade out but in essence this is Mint as the audio is flawless.

The bass intro on 'Stranger In A Strange Land' has no 'background' and thereafter plays to the same immaculate standard.  Any record should be judged by its clarity and definition and by that I mean how 'clear' each note is and I am pleased to say the quality of the audio cannot be faulted.  This is Mint from start to finish and again the fade out plays perfectly.

I have no wish to repeat myself but the quieter intro on 'Deja-Vu' plays beautifully with no intrusion and from then on plays with unrivalled power and depth.  This is Mint in every single way, what a version!

'Alexander The Great' has three light static ticks right at the start and then a further one on the 'spoken' section but the instrumental opening then plays to perfection and once the track 'begins' the clarity, depth and power is equal to that of the audio on the previous tracks.  The vocals could not sound any 'cleaner' and the instrumental sections could not play any better also.  A fantastic listen!  I will grade as Near Mint+ as there are 3/4 static ticks at the end of the fade out.  This is a stunning version and 99% is 'as new' in my humble opinion.

In summary this qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE first pressing i.e. no need to buy another as you could not beat the sonic quality on offer here.  The clarity, depth and warmth of the audio is sensational - I am very honest with my descriptions and will mention any 'background' however minor and quite often will not be intrusive.  I endeavour to be 100% complete in my gradings which I know my customers appreciate.  For once there are no clicks or pops and no underlying static either which makes a change.  This is such a well preserved vinyl and as stated includes the original merchandise sheets.

The Cover

The cover is in fabulous condition and at first glance looks 'as new'.  The edges and spine are as close to perfect as is possible with only a couple of tiny 'rubs' and the corners are also incredibly clean with no obvious wear.  The opening edge has no handling wear as such just a couple of mega small 'dings'.  The front cover is immaculate as is the back cover and the colours remain strong and vibrant on both sides.  A stunning example.

The Lyric Inner & Merchandise Sheets

The lyric inner has no marking or creasing but does have three very small areas of rubbing/wear on the sides and the bottom edge.  I think only the one on the bottom edge has resulted in a very minor split and it only measures 2cms anyway.  on with no side splits or creasing, no wear at all basically.

The larger of the two merch sheets (10 x 10 inches) is in perfect condition.  The other (8 x 8) has only minor creasing on a couple of corners but does have the address field completed.

The Labels

They have no marking or writing and only a little spindle wear on each side.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

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

EMC 3512 // A - 1U / B - 4 // IT WERE SO LOUD & EVEN QUIET BITS WERE LOUD etched on the run out grooves

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.75 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £10.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £6.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £18.95 then £1.95 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £7.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!