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 fantastic standard with no intrusion on the audio.  The sonic quality is stunning and the playback is 'as new' in my opinion.  I sold another of these last month and this one is equally as good.  These records are generally found heavily played so it is rare to find one as good as this today.  The vinyl is also visually stunning confirming that it has been very well looked after over the last 38 years and only lightly played.

The iconic cover is very impressive with only very minimal shelf wear and the lyric inner is near perfect.  It also includes 'The Number Of The Beast' postcard which is practically as new.  

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 Ex+

The labels are Mint-

The lyric inner is Near Mint

The postcard is Near Mint

Visual grading

The vinyl is in lovely condition and it still has an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen.  There are no marks or scratches and only a small number of very faint hairlines but in no way are they obvious, you do have to look for them!  There is very minimal spindle wear and the run out grooves are also in perfect condition.

Play grading

'Invaders' is immense from the very first groove!  There is such depth and power to the audio and it progresses in exactly the same way.  This is a stunning version and the sonic quality could not be any stronger.  There is one minor tick near the end but in all honesty it is easily missed as it is very much 'buried' in the music.  A Mint- start to this classic album.

The instrumental opening on 'Children Of The Damned' is nigh on perfect with only a couple of barely audible dust ticks and as the vocal begins the audio is flawless.  That applies to the first chorus also and continues to play with breathtaking quality.  Every section plays with perfect precision and the instrumental section towards the end is a prime example of that.  It is 'as new' to say the least.  A Mint- track in every way.

The 'spoken' intro on 'The Prisoner' for once is so 'clean' with barely any static and the opening instrumental is as good as it was when first released in '82.  From then on it plays with stunning accuracy and again the depth and richness of the sound is what really stands out.  The clarity is exceptional and there is just nothing to fault.  The all powerful mid instrumental is immaculate - it is the definitive version and grades as Mint for sure.

'22 Acacia Avenue' plays with wonderful power and clarity from the very first note.  During the entire track I heard only a handful of mega light ticks (you could easily miss them!) and the sonic quality throughout is so impressive.  You can turn it up to maximum without fear of inner groove distortion and the 'high octane' end section just exemplifies what this track is all about.  With STUNNING power and definition this is one of Maiden's heaviest tracks and you can see exactly why they needed a new vocalist when you listen to Dickinson here!  An outstanding Mint- classic to end the side.

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The spoken intro on the classic 'The Number Of The Beast' is so 'clean' with only one static tick right at the start and for once there is no underlying static.  As the track begins the audio is flawless and it proceeds in the same precise way.  Again I do not wish to repeat myself but this is audio of the highest standard with no intrusion of any kind.  Yes one static tick on the spoken intro but the actual tracks plays with phenomenal power and depth from the first note to the last.  This is Mint- and what a version!

The percussive intro on 'Run To The Hills' plays perfectly and continues to play 'as new'.  This is 'as new' and I cannot emphasise just how well it plays.  This album has certainly not been over-played as there is no groove wear resulting in the sheer perfect audio that we have here.  This is Mint

The intro on 'Gangland' could not play any better and it continues to play with age defying clarity and power.  This is another Mint track there is no need to elaborate further!

The 'quieter' intro on 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' is so 'clean' and has no intrusion.  There are only a handful of very light dust ticks but as I often say this does not qualify as interference.  It continues to with outstanding power and depth and again leaves you shaking your head in disbelief at the quality on offer here.  With only a handful of mega quiet ticks the audio could hardly be any better - it plays with such sharp definition and extended instrumental is a case in point.  It ends this classic with mesmeric quality and style.  A Mint- finish for sure and I'm not even sure the minus is even required!

In summary this album plays to a 'high end' standard that you rarely find today.  There are no clicks or pops and no annoying static either.  This is about as good as it gets!  The clarity, depth and power of the audio is so impressive and this easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE pressing.  In other words there is no need to buy another copy as you will not find better audio than this!  I'm confident any keen collector would be hugely impressed by the quality on offer here.

The Cover

The cover is in great condition with only very minimal shelf wear.  The edges have no rubbing and the spine is also very clean with only a small number of minor crease lines.  All four corners have hardly any wear, just a minimal amount bottom right.  The opening edge has no real handling wear just a couple of very small 'crimps'.  The classic front cover is exceptionally clean with no marking and only a small number of faint creases around the edges that you often see.  The back cover is also very clean with only a couple of very small scratch lines and again some minor creases around the edges.  Overall this is a very impressive example.

The Lyric Inner & Postcard

This is near perfect with no side splits or creasing.  The catalogue number has been written top right on the lyric side but it is very faint.  The original postcard is in superb condition with no tears or creasing and only has a couple of faint rub marks on the reverse side.

The Labels

They are in superb condition with no marking or writing and barely any spindle wear.

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

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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!!