PINK FLOYD A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS FIRST RARE NEAR MINT

	£		159
	$		211

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 master disc; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first master ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered is one of the earliest produced in the country of origin from the first master or masters. 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.

Album / Record Title: A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS

Rarity: ULTRA RARE - the only accurate way to assess whether something is rare and determine the limit of that rarity at any period in time is to study availability of directly comparable items in the market - and if you do that in this case you will find, as I have, that there are not many examples of Saucerful like this, they fall into the category ‘very limited availability and extremely short supply’. In many ways this particular original album in this condition defines rarity for a commercial item in its genre. Everything about this album exemplifies rarity, as a UK COLUMBIA BLUE/BLACK LABEL FIRST PRESSING WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS ON A SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL AND A G&L FRONT LAMINATED COVER WITH FLIP BACKS ALL IN EXCELLENT TO NEAR MINT CONDITION THIS REPRESENTS THE RAREST COMMMERCIAL VARIANT OF ONE OF THE RAREST POPULAR ALBUMS IN THE RAREST CONDITION, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THE MARKET - AND RARITIES DO NOT COME MUCH RARER THAN THIS. Following first commercial release in 1968 this album peaked at #9 in the UK album charts but, whilst that is a measure of commercial success, they did not have to sell too many copies to make that sort of impact. There was considerable follow through buying and to meet that growing demand the album was subsequently pressed and re-issued from early 1969 on the boxed EMI white/silver on black label. These were perfectly good pressings but more frequently available and not the first. Their early introduction after first release explains why there were relatively few original blue/black label originals produced and, along with the natural wear and tear factor which occurs on a large proportion of all vinyls means that there are very few remaining like this one today. I must emphasise that my comments imply no criticism whatsoever of the later pressings, they are generally excellent and some of the variants are very rare - but there none so rare as this (there are later variants too, but frankly they don’t bear comparison with the first two). If you did not have or take the opportunity to buy a new one of these in 1968 this may be as close as you will ever get to - the sound is not quite flawless but it’s close and IT IS SENSATIONAL, TRULY BREATHTAKING AND, IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES AND USE YOUR IMAGINATION, YOU COULD EASILY BE AT A PINK FLOYD LIVE CONCERT IN 1968 LISTENING TO THE MUSIC.

The key features are:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM AND FIRST ISSUE
• A UK FIRST PRESS WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN EXCELLENT+ CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SUPERB AUDIO
• ORIGINAL BLUE COLUMBIA & LOGO SILVER TEXT BLACK LABELS
• ORIGINAL UK FRONT LAMINATED G&L COVER WITH FLIP BACKS
• ORIGINAL PLAIN WHITE PATENTS PENDING INNER WITH LINER
• POSSIBLY THE BEST EXAMPLE YOU WILL EVER SEE OR HEAR

Artiste(s): PINK FLOYD - Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Richard Wright

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL COLUMBIA MID BLUE NAME & ‘MAGIC NOTES’ LOGO ON A BLACK LIGHTLY TEXTURED BACKGROUND WITH SILVER TEXT INCLUDING ‘SOLD IN THE UK SUBJECT TO RESALE PRICE CONDITIONS, SEE PRICE LISTS’ AND ‘GRAMOPHONE CO. & UNAUTHORISED TEXT AROUND THE LOWER PERIMETER.

Catalogue Number: SCX 6258

Country of origin and first published date: MADE IN GT BRITAIN 1968

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:  YAX 3633-1 (all machine stamped)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:  YAX 3634-1 (all machine stamped)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:  1   G D (all machine stamped)

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:  1   O     (all machine stamped)

Track listing as per label: SIDE 1: LET THERE BE MORE LIGHT / REMEMBER A DAY / SET THE CONTROLS FOR THE HEART OF THE SUN / SIDE 2: A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS / SEE-SAW / JUGBAND BLUES

My opinion and summary of condition: Considering the amount of media coverage, documentaries and general information which is in the public domain if you didn’t know Pink Floyd and this album you would be the rarity - and probably have to be living on a different planet. Also you wouldn’t be reading this if you did not know what you were looking for so I will not give my opinion apart from to say that I have always enjoyed this album immensely from the day it was released and I continue to do so. With regard to condition this is the BEST all ORIGINAL COMPLETE FIRST PRESS ALBUM I have seen since I bought my copy on the first commercial release date in 1968. It grades EXCELLENT+ to NEAR MINT throughout and I cannot imagine that you could find a better one anywhere today. This is an OUTSTANDING AND SERIOUSLY RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES YOU MAY EVER SEE OR HEAR - but please read the grades, detailed descriptions and look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS, some superficial surface movement lines, and a few that are more noticeable, they have no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT PLUS, some superficial surface movement lines, and a few that are more noticeable, they have no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: NEAR MINT, just a few short light spindle lines, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear

Label Visual side 2: NEAR MINT, just a few short light spindle lines, no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT PLUS, the original iconic psychedelic cover, Design and Photos by HIPGNOSIS, of mid- weight card construction, front laminated with flip-backs, Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. Patents pending, with mono and stereo cat. nos. in the bottom right corner on the back and ‘File under POPULAR : Pop Groups’ top right. There are some short light surface creases at the edge toward the spine, and some light surface rubbing which is hard to see - a little more at the top and bottom ‘arcs’ of the vinyl. A tiny rub wear on the corners and some small dents on the leading edge where the vinyl enters and a seal line down the leading edge of the laminate from new. The flip backs are secure, clean and ‘sharp’ with just a few mini-dents on their edges, and there’s a tiny brown mark in the black and white area but in my view it is not significant. This is the best example I have seen for years but please take a look at the super-sized photographs which show it fairly and accurately and judge for yourself.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS and probably better, lovely square shoulders, no significant marks and no damage, clean, clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD+, the original plain paper inner with UK patents and Foreign patents pending in small blue text bottom right corner. In my experience the Columbia inners were not issued with all of the earliest first pressings, my own copy did not come with one and I know that was a ‘first day purchase’ - this one is just slightly creased and lightly discoloured with a small ‘paper only’ tear at the centre circular window - hence the lower grade; still has the original antistatic poly-liner fitted and fully intact.

Vinyl Warp: slight deflection when eye tested on a moving turntable which has absolutely no noticeable audio consequence whatsoever.

Vinyl Weight: 152 grammes (a commanding COLUMBIA heavyweight)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT PLUS TECHNICALLY & NEAR MINT IN PERCEPTION.

Audio Performance: THIS IS THE TYPE OF RARE AUDIO DELIVERY THAT DRIVES A VINYL ENTHUSIAST INTO THE REALMS OF SUPERLATIVES, STAGGERING, BREATHTAKING, SENSATIONAL ARE JUST THREE THAT SPRING TO MIND - AN UNPARALLELED AUDIO DELIVERY. I LISTENED TO EVERY NOTE AND EVERY PIECE OF VINYL COVERED BY THE STYLUS AS USUAL AND DRIFTED EFFORTLESSLY IN TO THE PINK FLOYD PARALLEL UNIVERSE. THE VINYL HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN PLAYED ONLY A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS, THERE’S MINOR UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND ON THE LEAD IN, LINKING GROOVES, QUIETER PARTS AND RUN OFF, AS YOU WOULD EXPECT, BUT ‘ON TRACK’, WHERE IT MATTERS THIS IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE I HAVE EVER HEARD THIS ALBUM. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW 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 A MUSICAL ‘TOUR DE FORCE’ AMAZING POWERFUL SOUND AND I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT THERE IS ANYBODY ANYWHERE WHO ENJOYS PINK FLOYDS WORK WHO WOULD NOT BE ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED BY THIS.

Other: Simply the best example I have seen or heard for years - in every respect.

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.