LED ZEPPELIN DOOR FULL UK SET A-B-C-D-E-F FIRST SUPERB

	£		312
	$		413

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: IN THROUGH THE OUT DOOR (the complete set of six UK original albums, variants denoted ‘A’ - ‘B’ - ‘C’ - ‘D’ - ‘E’ - ‘F’)  

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE AND HIGHLY COLLECTABLE AS A COMPLETE SET OF UK ORIGINALS IN NEAR EXCELLENT TO NEAR MINT CONDITION THROUGHOUT – The eighth official studio album from Led Zeppelin and the last album that can  be described as ‘real’ Led Zeppelin with the original line-up due to the untimely death of John Bonham and the group disbanding shortly after its release. Like most of their albums it sold in massive quantities worldwide and for that reason, as I often say when listing albums by immensely popular groups from the era, to claim that Physical Graffiti is rare across all variants is inaccurate. This was one of the best selling albums from one of the best selling progressive rock bands ever - so there were multi millions produced and sold internationally in many variants - if you just want one to listen to and you are not too concerned about the condition or variant then they are not rare – on the contrary they are quite easy to find. However, the criteria that make popular albums rare - which are variant, special features / characteristics and condition – all apply in this case. First, due to the number of components involved in each album  - outer bag, outer cover, inner sleeve and vinyl – and their frailty / vulnerability with the brown bag being flimsy and the inner being highly sensitive to reaction with moisture it is surprisingly difficult to find just one example in excellent or better condition. Furthermore, being distributed with 6 separate letter identified alternate covers where it seems that some were issued in much smaller quantities than others makes the job of collecting a full set frustratingly difficult. When taking all of these factors into account it is perfectly reasonable to describe THE SET OFFERED IN THIS LISTING AS REMARKABLY RARE. Often you will find the brown, almost basic wrapping paper style, paper bags, torn, damaged, heavily stained and with seam splits – so to find six like this which grade excellent or better is unusual to say the least. The outer covers are often rubbed and creased with extensive edge wear – not these; they are again excellent or better. The white inners with black image outlines are notorious for their rapid deterioration into a poor condition – they were designed to ‘colour wash’, they are highly absorbent and designed to be moisture reactive in a very sensitive way – almost hygroscopic – and they can colour and discolour just by touch; so to find all six with just the occasional faint evidence of colour and mainly pristine originals is one of the rarest features. Last, but by no means least, are the six superb original UK FIRST ISSUE EARLY PRESSINGS WHICH AGAIN ARE IN NEAR EXCELLENT TO MAINLY NEAR MINT CONDITION. Also worth mentioning is the fact that many of the albums in circulation were made in Germany and after the initial issue many were produced without the alternate cover letter designation. Weigh all of this up and I am sure you will agree that the rarity is not overstated.

I will clarify the FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE AND EARLY PRESSING terminology in this case. I am of the opinion that with albums the Record Companies were expecting to sell in large quantities and therefore pre-ordered prior to the date of first commercial release – often from several different pressing plants to cope with demand – establishing credible first press credentials is a very dubious matter. In many of these cases it is just not possible to be emphatic about first press so in this case I will state that ALL 6 ALBUMS IN THIS SET ARE VERY EARLY PRESSINGS FROM THE UK FIRST ISSUE, THEY ARE ALL COMPLETE AND THE FULL DESCRIPTION AND DETAILS OF EACH ARE SET OUT BELOW INDIVIDUALLY AFTER THE SECTIONS WHICH STATE THE SHARED CHARACTERISTICS.   

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUMS, FIRST ISSUE, EARLY PRESS
• FIRST ‘CORRECTED MATRICES, EARLY MOTHERS & STAMPERS
• SUPERB MID TO HEAVYWEIGHT VINYLS NEAR EX TO NEAR MINT
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL SWAN SONG LABELS PRINTED ‘Manufactured in the UK’
• ORIGINAL SERRATED EDGE TOP LOADING OUTER BROWN BAGS
• FULL SET ‘A-F’ ALTERNATE DEAR JOHN COVERS BY HIPGNOSIS
• ORIGINAL BLACK ON WHITE SSK 59410 COLOUR WASH INNERS
• RAREST LED ZEPPELIN COLLECTORS ULTIMATE ALBUM SET 

Artiste(s): LED ZEPPELIN - Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham

Discs Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP’s & 33 1/3 r.p.m

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL SWAN SONG - FIGURE WITH SWAN WINGS ON A BROWN / BLUE BACKGROUND WITH BLACK PRINT & ALL STATE ‘Manufactured in the UK’

Catalogue Number: SSK 59410 (all six are the same)

Country of origin and first published date: Manufactured in the UK 1979

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1: SSK 89400 A5

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2: SSK 89400 B5 (corrected from 4)

The matrices are hand etched and the same for all six vinyls, the pressing code or cryptic ‘STRAWBERRY’ is machine imprinted and the same on all six vinyls, the mothers and stampers are hand etched and different for each as follows:

‘A’

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:  S-8    2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:  S-3    4

‘B’

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:           4

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:           6

‘C’

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:           6

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:           6

‘D’

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:  S-26  1

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:  S-27  1

‘E’

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:           4

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:           6

‘F’

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1:  S-57  2

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2:  S-5    4

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic side 1:  STRAWBERRY

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic side 2:  STRAWBERRY

Track listing as per label – same for each album in the set: SIDE 1 – IN THE EVENING / SOUTH BOUND SAUREZ / FOOL IN THE RAIN / HOT DOG / SIDE 2 - CAROUSELAMBRA / ALL MY LOVE / I’M GONNA CRAWL

My opinion and summary of condition: From record collectors of the genre and Led Zeppelin enthusiasts points of view it would be understandable to think that this album was designed to prove the ‘no pain, no gain’ idiom. First UK issues of the album had six ‘alternate’ covers identified by the first six letters of the English alphabet in capital letters at the top of the spine. The task of acquiring a particular variant on first release was made difficult by the presence of the brown outer bag and, it would seem, the limited production of certain versions. So, if you wanted the set you had to keep buying until you struck lucky, or wait until they emerged onto the market at a later date. Designed by HIPGNOSIS the theme of the covers is a man sitting at a bar about to burn a ‘Dear John’ letter, the six variants are photographs taken of him in this course of action from the perspective of six other people in different positions in the bar. For the determined collector who wants an excellent set things just get harder with time because the inner sleeve – which starts life as a black outline drawing on an almost pure white base paper – is a ‘colour wash’ concept which is consequently highly absorbent and moisture reactive; just perspiration from your fingers during handling, or exposure in a moist atmosphere, can set it off. So, if you want something close to an original set this is one of the most difficult achievements in terms of record collecting – I would put it alongside the ‘Turquoise’ first Led Zeppelin album in terms of degree of difficulty to acquire because, although there are many more of these in circulation, you have to find six different variants each with four components prone to wear and deterioration – 24 degrees of difficulty! In all of this I must say that it really is a great album, and although it had mixed reviews, even from the group members themselves, it stands the test of time as an outstanding rock classic. This particular set is not quite perfect but it is as close to that description as you are likely to find these days. FOUR OF THE VARIANTS RANGE FROM EXCELLENT TO NEAR MINT AND THE OTHER TWO ARE WELL DESERVING OF NEAR EXCELLENT AND EXCELLENT FOR THEIR VARYING COMPONENTS – BUT PLEASE READ THE FULL GRADING AND TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND MAKE YOUR OWN ASSESSMENT AS WELL.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

ALL SIX VINYLS HAVE SOME SUPERFICIAL SURFACE LINES AND SMALL MARKS CAUSED BY BAG MOVEMENTS, SOME SLIGHTLY MORE AND MORE NOTICEABLE ACCORDING TO THE GRADING, NONE HAVE ANY TANGIBLE DEPTH – NO SIGNIFICANT AUDIO CONSEQUENCE. THEY EACH GRADE AS FOLLOWS.

VINYL FOR THE ‘A’ VARIANT

Vinyl Visual side 1: NEAR EXCELLENT

Vinyl Visual side 2: NEAR EXCELLENT

VINYL FOR THE ‘B’ VARIANT

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS

VINYL FOR THE ‘C’ VARIANT

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT TO PLUS

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT TO PLUS

VINYL FOR THE ‘D’ VARIANT

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT TO PLUS

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT TO PLUS

VINYL FOR THE ‘E’ VARIANT

Vinyl Visual side 1: VERY GOOD PLUS

Vinyl Visual side 2: VERY GOOD PLUS

VINYL FOR THE ‘F’ VARIANT

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS

I AM NOT GOING TO GRADE EACH LABEL INDIVIDUALLY BECAUSE THERE IS LITTLE DIFFERENCE IN THE LABELS – ONE OR TWO SLIGHTLY MISALIGNED IN PRESSING FROM NEW BUT ESSENTIALLY THEY ARE ALMOST ALL AS NEW SO THE FOLLOWING GRADING COVERS ALL SIX PAIRS OF RECORD LABELS.

Labels Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS, some light spindle lines but, no marks, no scuffs* no tears, no visible spindle hole wear

Labels Visual side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS, some light spindle lines but, no marks, no scuffs no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Bags: Individually graded as follows.

‘A’ Brown Bag – EXCELLENT PLUS – still retains the opening edge serrations, no tears, no marks, no stains, minimal short light creases.

‘B’ Brown Bag – EXCELLENT PLUS – still retains the opening edge serrations, no tears, no marks, no stains, minimal short light creases.

‘C’ Brown Bag – EXCELLENT – still retains the opening edge serrations, no tears, no marks, no stains, a few light surface creases, one small spot on the front a few on the back top right corner; not at all bad but not quite as good as ‘A’ & ‘B’.

‘D’ Brown Bag – NEAR EXCELLENT – still retains the opening edge serrations, no tears, there are some light almost transparent stains at the edges in five places for a short distance but they are not unsightly, next to one of them on the back there is a small light brown mark about the size of a match head – again certainly not a spoiler. Most examples you see will not be as good as this but compared to ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘F’ which are nearing mint it is not quite in the same league.

‘E’ Brown Bag - EXCELLENT – the opening edge perforations have been neatly sliced off this one and that is the only reason that it grades excellent rather than EXCELLENT PLUS which it would be if they were still in place.

‘F’ Brown Bag - NEAR MINT – still retains the opening edge perforations and the grading says it all.

Outer Cover: I have explained the cover concept so in terms of general description it just remains to say that they are of a rigid mid-weight card construction, non-laminated, generally well protected by the outer bag and graded individually as follows.

‘A’ Cover – EXCELLENT PLUS – just a very few short light surface creases towards the bottom and side edges, without which it would be near mint.

‘B’ Cover – NEAR MINT – the only apparent flaw on this is a short bruise / scuff on the top edge, otherwise near new condition.

‘C’ Cover – EXCELLENT PLUS – the only apparent flaw on this is a short bruise / scratch on the top edge, otherwise near new condition.

‘D’ Cover – EXCELLENT TO PLUS – just a very few short light surface creases towards the bottom and side edges, without which it would be near mint.

‘E’ Cover – VERY GOOD PLUS – the lowest grade of the six covers and may well be harsh as it verges on near excellent. There is slight general edge and corner rub wear, a little light bruising and creasing and a very slight surface deflection – compared to the other five which are outstanding it falls short but, in its own right, it is highly respectable and presentable.

‘F’ Cover – NEAR MINT – just about the best example in a set of exceptional examples, almost as new with just a few tiny, almost unnoticeable, surface creases.

Spines: All six spines are in physically near perfect shape with strong square shoulders, sharp corners and edges, clean, clear and fully readable and range in grade from NEAR EXCELLENT TO NEAR MINT, generally following the individual cover grades.

Colour Wash Inner Sleeves: No seam splits, no separations, no splits, no tears, no damage on any of them but they vary in grade according to the discolouration with time and the slightest of colour reaction. This is all minor but the individual grades explain as follows:

‘A’ Inner – NEAR EXCELLENT – some evidence of handling and the faintest of colour reaction in places, but no too far from original.

‘B’ Inner – EXCELLENT TO PLUS – just the slightest evidence of handling and very minor colour reaction - but not specific and almost insignificant.

‘C’ Inner - EXCELLENT TO PLUS – just the slightest evidence of handling, very minor colour reaction – but not specific – tiny black mark top dead centre on the back – almost insignificant.

‘D’ Inner - EXCELLENT PLUS – just the slightest evidence of handling and very minor colour reaction – but not specific and almost insignificant.

‘E’ Inner – VERY GOOD PLUS – this really mirrors its outer cover grade, a very presentable inner but not up to the same standard as the others – just a little more ageing, slight marking, catalogue number written neatly front top left corner and a few spots of colour – nothing bad.

‘F’ Inner - NEAR EXCELLENT – some evidence of handling and the faintest of colour reaction in places, but no too far from original.

Vinyl Warp: nothing significant visible on any of these vinyls when eye tested on a moving turntable

Vinyl Weights: Vary according to pressing plant and point of manufacture they are by alternate cover ‘A’ – 139 grammes, ‘B’ – 115 grammes ‘C’ – 130 grammes, ‘D’ – 128 grammes, ‘E’ – 135 grammes, ‘F’ – 140 grammes (six superb SWAN SONG mid to heavyweights)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from these vinyls grade: FROM EXCELLENT PLUS TO NEAR MINT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from these vinyls grade: FROM VERY GOOD PLUS TO EXCELLENT PLUS

Audio Performance: THIS WAS A MARATHON PLAY GRADE AND ONE WHICH I RELISHED. I LISTENED TO ONE A DAY FOR SIX DAYS AND THEN HAD THE SEVENTH DAY OFF – COME ACROSS THAT SOMEWHERE BEFORE! ALL OF THESE VINYLS DELIVER AN OUTSTANDING AUDIO PERFORMANCE OF GREAT CLARITY. THERE IS A LITTLE UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND FROM TIME TO TIME ON SOME OF THEM BUT IT IS GENERALLY RESTRICTED TO THE ‘LEAD IN’ & ‘LINKING’ GROOVES AND QUITER PASSAGES, - CERTAINLY NOT INTRUSIVE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. I HAVE USED SPREAD GRADES BUT IN MORE SPECIFIC TERMS ‘B’ & ‘F’ ARE NEAR MINT, ‘C’ &’D’ ARE EXCELLENT TO PLUS AND ‘A’ & ‘E’ ARE NEAR EXCELLENT AND VERY GOOD PLUS. I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC, OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS IS TERRIFIC, DYNAMIC SOUND THROUGHOUT - AN ABSOLUTE POWERHOUSE OF  REAL, CLEAN AND BRIGHT AUDIO – IN EVERY WAY IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO MATCH THIS SET.

Other: If you are looking for a first rate full UK set of ‘In Through The Out Door’ for your collection, to play and enjoy, this is the one – and as well as a great treat to have and listen to it may well turn out to be a sound investment in more ways than one.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.