Iron Maiden : Somewhere In Time A-4 / B-2U 1st Press

This is the seventh variation on the first pressing as denoted by the matrix info and as per the other Maiden LPs I am selling it plays to a fantastic 'as new' standard.  Another FINAL UPGRADE album the clarity and depth of the recording has not suffered at all over the intervening years and the audio is absolutely stunning!

The previous owner hardly played his records and that is reflected in not only the audio but the visual quality also.

The cover is in superb condition with only very minimal wear and the lyric inner is in perfect order.

Royal Mail shipping costs have massively increased recently and they are shown below.  The cost can vary depending on what my estimate of the final sale price will be i.e. if tracking / extra insurance is required.

EMC 3512 // A - 4 / B - 2U // 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(-)

The cover is Ex+

The labels are Mint-

The lyric inner is Mint

Visual grading

This is another example of a record that has been very carefully handled down the years.  It has a lovely glossy sheen, no marks or scratches, and only a small number of very faint removal hairlines.  There are a couple of very faint hairline scuffs but they have non affect on the immaculate audio.  The run out grooves are also in fantastic condition with no marking.

Play grading

The intro on 'Caught Somewhere In Time' is near perfect with only a couple of barely audible static ticks and from then on plays with faultless precision.  The power and depth of the audio is typical of a super clean barely played vinyl and the playback could not be any more impressive.  A stunning Mint version to start with.

'Wasted Years' is of the same 'high end' standard with no interference aside from a couple of static ticks on the fade out.  Because of this I will grade as Mint- but even that might be just a little critical!

'Sea Of Madness' is outstanding from start to finish with no 'background' of any kind and as always I listened to the track in its entirety.  It plays with stunning clarity and depth and there is just nothing to fault not even during the quieter mid section.  Another Mint track.

The quiet intro on 'Heaven Can Wait' is as close to perfect as could be with only 3/4 very minor static ticks and then proceeds to play with a clarity and power that is second to none.  A breathtaking version that has no interference and again leaves you thinking the previous owner looked after his records so well!  For a final track to have no distortion is a rarity and every note can be heard with impeccable precision, even the fade out has no 'background'.  A stunning Mint- end to the side.

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

The opening grooves on 'The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner' play with great clarity and only the bare minimum of barely audible static which is obviously non-intrusive.  It is still a superb intro and as the vocal begins the audio is stunning in every way.  For fear of sounding repetitive there is just nothing to fault here, the sonic quality is phenomenal and as per the other Maiden albums I am selling this has clearly hardly ever been played.  The audio has not deteriorated in any way and Mint- is again deserved and it could be argued that perhaps the minus should not be there!

The bass intro on 'Stranger In A Strange Land' is perfect and it continues to play to the same immaculate standard.  Any record should be judged by its clarity and depth of course and they are here in abundance I am pleased to say.  Yes I use the term 'as new' frequently but I only use it when it is deserved and it certainly is here!  Mint from start to finish.

The quieter intro on 'Deja-Vu' has no 'background' at all, the clarity is stunning, and from then on plays with immense power and depth.  A fantastic version that qualifies as Mint no more needs to be said :-)

The first three seconds (!) on 'Alexander The Great' has 4/5 very light static ticks but this is even before the 'spoken' section has begun.  The instrumental opening then plays beautifully with no 'background' and once the track 'kicks into gear' the strength and power of the audio cannot be questioned.  There is no interference and what stands out is just how 'clean' and unaffected the audio is.  There is obviously no groove wear and the playback is equal to that when first purchased back in '86.  The instrumental sections could not play with any greater depth and again I can't quite believe what I am listening to!  This is a powerhouse of a track, the vocals are so clear, and Mint- is correct.  I am sure many would say Mint but I grade with integrity and the minus is only there because of the small number of mega light ticks on the intro!  99% is 'as new'!  A STUNNING finish to this classic album.

In summary the sonic quality on this first pressing is exceptional and qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE album for sure.  There is no interference and only a minimal number of very light static ticks that you find on new vinyl let alone one that is now 34 years old.  This is another beautifully preserved vinyl and in keeping with the others that I am selling.  A stunning 'package'.

The Cover

The cover has been very well looked after with only minimal shelf wear.  The top edge has just 3/4 minor rubs and the bottom edge has a little more with one very small area where the paper has worn away but there is certainly no split.  The spine is in superb order with no obvious wear and all corners are also very clean with only very minimal wear.  The opening edge has barely any handling wear and the front cover is in great condition with no marking/creasing at all.  The back cover is just as impressive and the colours remain strong and vibrant on both sides.  A fine example.

The Lyric Inner

The lyric inner is in first class condition with no side splits or creasing, no wear at all basically.

The Labels

They could not be any better with no marking or writing and just one very faint spindle trace on the S2 label.

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 - 4 / B - 2U // 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!!