JIMI HENDRIX, ELECTRIC LADYLAND, 1968 UK TRACK DOUBLE

	£		115
	$		152

Here for auction is a lovely example of the iconic double album by JIMI HENDRIX titled “ELECTRIC LADYLAND”, Catalogue Number 613008/009. This is an ORIGINAL 1968 * UK STEREO 1st PRESSING* on the TRACK RECORD LABEL with the earliest corrected A//1, B//1, A//1, B//1 Matrix Numbers, and fully-laminated E. J. DAY GATEFOLD SLEEVE.

It is important to explain the differences between genuine Track 1st pressings and later Track re-issues:

Track 1st pressings of this album have the original “soundscape” mix. Later Track pressings and all subsequent Polydor re-issues do not, and lack the fullness of sound of the first mix. Apparently the “soundscape” pressings were expensive to produce, which resulted in Track dropping the pioneering technique after the initial release.

There are 3 important visual features that all of the original “soundscape” pressings have. Firstly, all 4 sides have the earliest corrected matrix numbers ending in 1. Secondly, the record labels have a small inverted catalogue number and side letter, printed above the catalogue number on the left side of the labels. Thirdly, the record labels do not have a Set No. printed under the Stereo logos on the right side of the labels, which all of the Track re-pressings carry. The records offered here have all of these 1st press features confirming this to be a genuine Track 1st pressing and therefore a very important album indeed.

The fully-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in close to EX condition (strictly graded) with only very light wear and minor creasing. [This sleeve is quite unusual in that the two halves of the gatefold have been stuck together the wrong way round during manufacture – so that when you open up the sleeve the tracklisting is on the left side and the picture of Hendrix is on the right]. The front and back covers and the opening gatefold spread are unmarked with only a few light laminate creases. There is barely any wear to the top and bottom edges. The spine is in excellent shape. There is light rubbing at the tips of the corners but nothing serious. The opening edges are in fine shape with just a little feathering (the laminate finishes a few millimetres short of the edges). You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved example which should please most collectors.

The top quality Track records retain a deep mirror-like shine and sit flat and true on the turntable. They are solidly pressed with tapered rim edges.

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side A – 61300##8 A//1    1     1 1    ?

Side D – 61300#8  B//1    1  3      1   8

Side B – 61300#9  A//1   1  ?   1  0

Side C – 613009  B######//1  1   2   0

Visually I would grade both records as being in EX condition. There are just a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The black Track labels are unmarked apart from a few spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle holes.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These Track 1st pressings with the ‘soundscape’ mix are very special. Playback is particularly loud and vibrant. Both records play perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). You simply will not find a significantly better playing copy of Hendrix’s masterpiece!

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG+ Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £9.95

Europe over £36 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £12.95

Worldwide over £36 value - £15.15

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.