ROLLING STONES / STICKY FINGERS, ORIGINAL 1971 UK PRESS

	£		67
	$		89

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

By the time The Rolling Stones released Sticky Fingers in 1971, there had been a two year gap since their previous studio album. This was the first LP released on the Rolling Stones Label, and expectations were high that Sticky Fingers would be a big seller. Consequently the 1971 album was produced in large numbers. Many of the pressings during that year were of poor quality, the result of over-use of worn mother stampers, which produced sub-standard records badly affected by crackle and pops. The matrix numbers of the 1971 pressings were quite random and can not be relied upon to date the order of the pressing, or indeed the quality of the pressing. I have owned several copies of Sticky Fingers over the years, at least three of which appeared to be in mint condition, with only a handful of plays on quality decks – but were virtually unlistenable due to excessive crackle and pops!!

The copy for auction here is a top quality pressing, pressed with an extremely low level of surface sound.

Here for auction is a superb example of the seminal album by THE ROLLING STONES titled “STICKY FINGERS”, Catalogue Number COC 59100. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK PRESSING on the ROLLING STONES LABEL. The matrix numbers are COC 59100 A4 and COC 59100 B3. “Rolling Stones Records” is etched in the dead wax.

The ANDY WARHOL designed ZIP SLEEVE is in EXCELLENT CONDITION. The front cover is unmarked apart from two tiny creases on the delicate flap above the belt buckle, and one very light crease under the buckle (see close up photo below). The back cover has a few light creases and the usual small areas of marking on the back (surface depressions) where the zip on the neighbouring LP pressed into it during the initial packaging into boxes. The metal zip is fully intact (in the up position but not tested). The edges and corners show only minimal signs of wear. The spine is NEAR PERFECT WITH ALL TEXT CLEARLY LEGIBLE and the ends neatly pinched as they should be on a first press sleeve. There are absolutely NO rips, stickers or writing. Overall a lovely example of this iconic sleeve!!

The record retains much of its original lustre and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually there are just a few light surface marks (sleeve removal type marks), and a small area of light scuffing towards the end of “Wild Horses”, caused by pressure from the zip. There is also one tiny stylus mark (2mm) at the start of the same track. The yellow ROLLING STONES LABELS show only a few light spindle marks but are otherwise unmarked. I am confident that the record has not been played many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

Make no mistake, top quality pressings of this LP which play without endless pops, clicks and surface sound, are VERY DIFFICULT TO COME BY!! This one was pressed with barely any residual surface sound, and completely free of pops and clicks. Both sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. This is a vibrant recording which SOUNDS SENSATIONAL played at high volume!!

There are, however, a few minor problems which have been caused over time. On the lead-in to “Brown Sugar” on Side 1, there are 3 crackles caused by a small surface scuff. The stylus mark at the start of “Wild Horses” causes a few clicks – which is a shame as the background surface sound during this delicate intro is virtually nil. The zip scuffs at the end of the same track cause a few surface crackles, although this is not particularly intrusive as the music is much louder at this point. Apart from these minor faults, playback is near perfect with barely any unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience. Several of the tracks have quiet semi-acoustic introductions which can easily be spoiled by excessive surface sound. “You Gotta Move”, “Sister Morphine” and the brilliant “Moonlight Mile” provide a real test, which this quality pressing passes with flying colours. All play beautifully with an absolute minimum of unwanted noise which is never intrusive. You really will struggle to find a better playing copy!!

The INSERT with the band photo on one side, and the lips and tongue logo is in EXCELLENT UNMARKED CONDITION.

Complete with the ORIGINAL PLAIN WHITE INNER SLEEVE which just has a couple of light creases.

OVERALL, AN EXCEPTIONAL PACKAGE - DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

Please check out my feedback and bid with confidence

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.