Iron Maiden : The Number Of The Beast A-2 / B-4

This is known as the third variation on the first pressing as it has the B4 matrix on S2.  It plays to a FINAL UPGRADE standard and as you can see from my grading below it has hardly been played since first purchase in '82.  The sonic quality on both sides could not be improved and the playback is 'as new' in my opinion.  A bold statement to make but I am confident in saying this having played every track in full as I always do.  The vinyl is also visually stunning.

The iconic cover is also in beautiful condition with barely any wear and the lyric inner is pristine.  Understandably these are generally heavily played and it is a genuine rarity to find one as impressive as this today.

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 3400 // A - 2 / B - 4 // GIVE IT SOME HEADBUTTS & NICKZ etched on the run out grooves

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The cover is Near Mint-

The labels are Mint

The lyric inner is Mint

Visual grading

This record could hardly look any better and it still retains that immaculate jet-black glossy sheen of an un-played vinyl.  There are no marks or scratches and has only one tiny faint spindle trace on the S2 label.  Under a strong light I can only detect a couple of ultra fine sleeve removal hairlines it does look 'as new' and the run out grooves are nigh on perfect with only a couple of very faint marks.

Play grading

From the very first groove 'Invaders' quite simply plays 'as new' and progresses in exactly the same way with no interference at all.  The sonic quality could not be any better and this is Mint all the way :-)

With complete silence in the dead wax the acoustic intro on 'Children Of The Damned' plays beautifully and that applies to the first 'chorus' also.  From then on there are no clicks, pops, static or crackle and the clarity, power and depth of the audio is so impressive.  This album has clearly hardly been played and that is reflected in the perfect quality of the audio.  Mint

The 'spoken' intro on 'The Prisoner' has no 'background' aside from a handful of barely audible dust ticks - this is a 38 year old record and for this quiet opening section is a rarity indeed.  The opening instrumental is so dynamic with no distortion and as the vocal begins there is no decrease in quality.  It continues to play with STUNNING power and clarity and there is just nothing to fault.  The mid solo section is as 'clean' and powerful as I have ever heard and this is Mint from start to finish.

'22 Acacia Avenue' again leaves you speechless at the sheer power and definition of the audio.  There is not one tick let alone a click or pop!  This is pure bl**dy heavy poetry!  This track just exemplifies why they needed a new vocalist - a much harder and raw power to the vocal that complements the music so much.  The vocals are 'as new' and each note can be heard with such precision.  Yes turn the entire track up to 'loud' but especially that final sections that just 'rocks out' superbly and with no distortion whatsoever.  The 'clean' audio is so obvious during that heavy bass section where it is much higher in the mix, the definition could not be enhanced.  An outstanding Mint classic to end the side.

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The spoken introduction on the classic 'The Number Of The Beast' has a stunning clarity of sound with only one obvious static sound and a handful of insignificant dust ticks.  As the track begins the audio just demands to be played loud!  I guess that's obvious but it plays with phenomenal power and depth from the opening groove to the last.  There is no distortion, every note is 'crystal' clear, and Mint- is an easy grade to give.  What a version!

The percussive intro on 'Run To The Hills' is flawless and it continues to play 'as new'.  I cannot praise this highly enough and I repeat it is patently obvious this vinyl has hardly been played.  This is STUNNING in every way, the definition of the audio is so impressive and in essence it could not play any better.  Mint MINT etc!

The instrumental opening on 'Gangland' has no 'background' and thereafter plays with the same distinction.  No need to elaborate this is Mint from start to finish.

The 'quieter' intro on 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' has no interference and the first verse is equally as good also.  It continues to play with unrivalled clarity and and there are no negatives whatsoever.  This qualifies as Mint as having listened to every second I can categorically say there is no 'background' of any kind, not even one dust tick.  The extended instrumental is just incredible and closes this classic track in immaculate style.  Maiden does not get better than this! 

'In summary this is another FINAL UPGRADE Iron Maiden that I am selling.  In other words there is no need to buy another copy as you will not find better audio than this!  Not only has this record hardly been played but it has also been so well preserved down the years.  The clarity, power and depth of the audio is 'shop fresh' and any keen collector would be hugely impressed by the quality on offer here!

The Cover

The cover is in superb condition with barely any shelf wear.  The edges are close to perfect with only minimal rubbing towards the corner on the bottom edge.  The spine is very clean with only 3/4 minor crease lines and all four corners are also in great shape with barely any wear.  The opening edge has no handling wear at all.  The classic front cover is unmarked and has only a small number of the usual creases next to the spine and the back cover is just as good.  Just how visually impressive this cover is all points to a cover/vinyl that has hardly been touched down the years.  A stunning example.

The Lyric Inner

The die-cut inner with the rounded corners is 'as new' with no wear at all.

The Labels

They are in superb condition with no marking or writing and only 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 3400 // A - 2 / B - 4 // GIVE IT SOME HEADBUTTS & NICKZ 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

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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!!