Manfred Mann: ‘Soul of Mann’ – Rare Stereo LP – 1st Press - Excellent

	£		42
	$		56

Manfred Mann – ‘Soul of Mann’ Instrumentals – Rare Stereo LP – 1st Press - Excellent condition

His Master’s Voice Stereo LP CSD 3594

Matrix nos.

Side 1: 2YEA 3116-1 1 G

Side 2: 2YEA 3117-1 1 G

The Manfreds released this neglected gem of an album in 1967 around the time of several personnel changes and just before their move to Fontana. So there might seem to be the whiff of ‘contractual obligation’ about this release – but don’t be fooled. It’s a compilation of fascinating instrumental tracks all made by the original line-up 1963-66, and since the band had some thinly disguised jazzers in its line-up  the results are eclectic and surprisingly good. Check out Mike Hugg on vibes on 'Bare Hugg'. Having done some research I believe that this copyhas all the characteristics of a first press of ‘Soul of Mann’:

Lowest possible matrix number on both sides – ‘1’

Lowest possible Metal Mother numbers for both sides – ‘1’ – and low stamper ‘G’ taken from that Mother. Flip back cover

Printer credit ‘Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd’

This is a genuine classic, a great rarity never released in the US, and much sought after, especially a 1st press in such superb condition. I'm confident you won't be disappointed - hence my starting price. Using the Record Collector Grading System I would rate this item overall as Excellent. I am not a dealer. This record comes from my own collection which I have been selling here on eBay for a few months. I don’t exaggerate the condition of my records. Please take a look my feedback and you’ll see that previous buyers feel I have accurately graded my records in the past.

Cover
This LP has been housed in a clear plastic outer sleeve since purchase; therefore it is still in Excellent condition.The sleeve has a laminated flip-back front and matt rear cover. There are a few very minor creases at top edge, but no scuffs or ring wear. As you can see from the pictures it is clean and in outstanding condition with no writing or pen or pencil marks with the small exception of ‘C406’ written in black ballpoint rear top centre (see picture). It has no other significant marks and no tears.The spine is intact and legible and the corners are perfect. The inner sleeve is the EMI plain poly-lined ‘PATENTS APPLIED FOR’ original. It has the catalogue no. written in ballpoint top right front but is otherwise excellent. 

Record
The record itself I would grade Excellent. It has no significant visible blemishes at all that I can see. The labels are clean and unmarked, with no writing, pen or pencil marks. There are no spindle marks. The playing surfaces are gleaming, have no visible scratches and look as good as new. The reproduction quality is about as good as it got from a 1967 vinyl pressing - it's never going to be digital quality, but pretty good nevertheless. There are no audible scratches or crackles other than the usual surface noise that you'd get with any new vinyl record. The lead in and play out grooves are clean and glitch-free. I have test played both sides from start to finish and the whole thing still sounds great. I believe this is as close as you'll get to a mint condition original copy of this very rare 1st press. This record was never a big hit so it will be very hard to find one so well-preserved. I'm happy to mail worldwide so if you want a price quote for p&p before you bid please let me know. Likewise if you have any questions I'm happy to answer.

Thanks for looking.

Peter

Terms and Conditions

This record will be sent Royal mail 1st Class Signed For @ £5.00 p&p for the UK. I mail all overseas destinations using ‘Royal Mail International Signed For’ with additional compensation protection for higher value items.

I use purpose made cruciform cardboard mailers. The record itself will be placed in a new inner paper sleeve and packed separately from the outer record sleeve and the original inner sleeve to avoid seam splits in transit. Within the cardboard mailer, the whole package will travel in a clear plastic outer sleeve packed in bubble-wrap.

If once you have received the item you are not satisfied, then if the item is significantly different from the description given here I will refund the purchase price provided that the item is returned in the condition it was sent - p&p will not be refunded.