Queen I (1st Press)

This is a stunning, pristine first pressing and I have never heard better.  Without doubt it is a final upgrade archive copy and has perhaps never been played before.

EMC 3006 // YAX 4623 - 3U / YAX 4624 - 3U // TG 3 / PR 3 2

KIP - HUGGYPOO KISSY & AGAIN! are etched on the run out grooves 

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The cover is Ex

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

The S1 label is Near Mint and S2 is Ex+

Visual grading

To say this vinyl gleams like new is an understatement and I have never seen one as clean with such a glossy sheen as this incredible vinyl.  It defies the laws of ageing!  There are no scratches and only two tiny hairline marks on S1.  Visually it is totally stunning and that is reflected in the audio as detailed below.  There is no groove wear and the run out grooves are also beautifully clean.

Play grading  

This version of 'Keep Yourself Alive' is 100% stunning!  There is just no interference of any kind and it plays 'as new'.  The depth and warmth of the audio is tangible and even the fade out has no 'background'.  A breathtaking start and it grades as Mint- without doubt.  'Doing All Right' is also hugely impressive and has only the lightest of dust ticks on the intro.  The audio thereafter is immaculate.  The double bass section is just incredible, it is so quiet and yet there is no 'background' of any kind.  This is another track performing with 'high end' quality which is so rare to find on a 3U/3U pressing.  'Great King Rat' and 'My Fairy King' complete the side with fantastic clarity and no distortion and again they qualify as Mint- the audio is absolutely incredible.  The power of the louder sections and the delicate nature of the quieter sections play to the same immaculate standard and whilst there is one soft tick towards on the final track this does not detract from this 'high end' audio.  Indeed the lead up to the final end section where the music builds is awesome and then the mega quiet end has no 'background' once again.  Wow what a stunning S1!

With barely any lead in static on S2 'Liar' plays with perfect precision from the very first note.  This track has audio of the highest calibre and again it has to be given a Mint grading as it plays 'as new'.  There is no distortion, a rarity, and no interference, this is total audio perfection!  Aside from one 'tick' on the intro and 3/4 very light dust ticks in the middle section 'The Night Comes Down' also plays with superb depth and clarity.  Believe me the 'ticks' are totally non-intrusive and barely audible if I'm honest.  'Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll' and 'Son And Daughter' both play with a sharp definition that cannot be improved upon.  I just cannot believe what I'm hearing!  So often affected by distortion these tracks show none of it and the latter just has a little static on the fade out.  'Jesus' also plays with such a strong sound and yes no interference and no distortion once again - this track is regularly plagued by it but not here!  The loud instrumental section towards the end is just...breathtakingly Mint like!  'Seven Seas...' ends this pristine album with perfect sound quality and not even a hint of 'background' on the fade out.

In summary this is a stunning, immaculate final upgrade archive first pressing for certain.  Whilst I have listened to many 3U/3U pressings I have never heard one as clear and as dynamic as this one.  The clarity is second to none and it is patently obvious that this vinyl has only been played once, maybe twice and perhaps never!  It may have only been their first album but when you find a first pressing as clean and vibrant as this one the production values really shine through.  The bass is so strong and the sonic quality is so good.  A magnificent album with quite simply the most impressive audio I have ever heard on a 3U/3U press.

The Cover

The cover is in excellent shape with minor shelf wear only.  The top edge is perfectly clean but there is a little rubbing on the bottom edge.  It is only light though and it is certainly not wearing through the sleeve.  The thin pinched spine has only a small number of tiny rubs and remains 100% legible.  The opening edge is also mega clean with barely any handling wear.  There is a minimal amount of corner wear and I do mean minimal!  The front cover is very clean with only faint scratch line and minor ringwear.   The back cover is in lovely condition with no marking at all, just a faint crease line near the opening edge.  Overall an excellent example of this iconic cover.

The Inner sleeve

The original sleeve is in excellent condition with no splits or tears and only light creasing here and there.

The labels

They have no spindle wear as stated and no writing on either.  The S2 label just has some very faint fading that can only be seen when held at a certain angle.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been professionally cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

EMC 3006 // YAX 4623 - 3U / YAX 4624 - 3U // TG 3 / PR 3 2

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SHIPPING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00. PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE. WHEN ITEMS EXCEED A SALE PRICE OF £50.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT INTERNATIONALLY EXTRA INSURANCE IS NECESSARY AND COSTS AN EXTRA £2.50.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.45 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE 

LPs/12" singles : £8.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £5.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD  

LPs/12" singles : £12.45 then £2.50 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £6.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE IT HAS BEEN LEFT FOR ME. THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!

In the coming weeks and months I will be selling plenty of Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Genesis and Marillion items so please keep a look out!  Many thanks.  Please look at my other items on now!