PINK FLOYD, A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS, 1968 UK COLUMBIA

	£		73
	$		96

betsy50 Store

Here for auction is a lovely example of the second studio album by PINK FLOYD titled “A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS”, Catalogue Number SCX 6258. This is an ultra rare 1968 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the BLUE & BLACK COLUMBIA RECORD LABEL, with a 1st ISSUE “PATENTS PENDING” GARROD & LOFTHOUSE LTD FRONT-LAMINATED FLIPBACK SLEEVE. [The record labels have the “SOLD IN U.K. SUBJECT TO…” text. The matrix numbers and stampers are YAX 3633-1  1 R and YAX 3634-1  1 A, making this a very early stereo pressing].

The sleeve is in VG condition (strictly graded) with just light wear and a few creases. The front and back covers are unmarked. There is virtually no wear to the top and bottom edges. The spine is in excellent shape and the 3 rear flipbacks are undamaged. There is some feathering to the opening edges and a short repaired tear to the back opening edge (see close-up photo). Overall it’s a very presentable sleeve.

The top quality Columbia record is in VG condition. It’s a solid 150g pressing with a smooth rounded rim edge. Both sides display some noticeable surface marks (more on Side 2) which are mostly superficial and do not cause any serious audio problems. The blue & black Columbia labels are unmarked with only a moderate number of spindle traces near the centres. The stereo mix is very different to that of the mono. The sound quality is clear and vibrant with excellent soundstage and instrument separation. Both sides play to a high standard with barely any deterioration in sound quality and only a very low level of unwanted noise. Side 1 plays close to EX throughout with no repeat pops/clicks and barely any unwanted surface sound at all. Side 2 plays VG with a few light ticks in places and a touch of background surface sound. These are not particularly intrusive and do not interfere with the enjoyment of the music in my opinion.

The inner sleeve is in EX condition. It is not the original – but a period replacement.

If you’re looking for a perfect copy, this is not the one for you – but it is a genuinely rare 1st press stereo copy which plays to a very acceptable standard throughout.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 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        

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with full insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £9.95

Worldwide - £13.30