THE BEACH BOYS Surf's Up LP 1971 White Label Promo WLP Radio Station Artisan NM
$
45
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Description
Up for sale is a rare, archive-quality holy grail for Beach Boys collectors: an original 1971 US White Label Promo (WLP) "Radio Station Service" pressing of Surf's Up (RS 6453). Unlike standard commercial releases, this copy features the distinctive white promotional banner printed directly onto the bottom of the gatefold sleeve: "BROTHER RECORDS RADIO STATION SERVICE - NOT FOR RESALE". These were distributed in extremely limited quantities strictly to radio programmers and DJs in late August 1971 and were never made available to the public. This particular specimen is an audiophile's dream, featuring the prized first-cut masterings from Artisan Sound Recorders, complete with the famous hidden runout message.
RUNOUT / MATRIX DETAILS (Side A Deadwax) This copy features the legendary authentic first-press matrices hand-etched by the master engineers at Artisan:
Side 1 Matrix: RS-6453A 31236-1 1B [with the stamped Artisan Sound Recorders logo] Hidden Inscription: Includes the famous handwritten "Thanks Marilyn" deadwax engraving—a personal tribute dedicated to Brian Wilson's wife, Marilyn Wilson, celebrating her support during the album's chaotic creation.
CONDITION GRADING
Vinyl: Near Mint (NM) The vinyl is in stunning, immaculate condition. It retains its full, bright original factory gloss with absolutely no deep scratches, hairline marks, or scuffs. This record looks as if it was played once or twice at most by a radio programmer before being carefully filed away. Labels are clean, crisp white with no spindle marks or writing. An absolute top-tier archive copy.
Sleeve Jacket: Very Good (VG)The original promotional gatefold jacket is in sturdy, respectable VG condition. It shows light shelf and ring wear consistent with age, along with minor rubbing along the edges and corners. The structural integrity is excellent—the seams and spine are completely intact with no splits, tears, heavy stains, or library writing. The promotional radio station text along the bottom remains clear and perfectly legible.
Insert & Inner Sleeve: Excellent (EX)Lyric Sheet: The original loose, printed lyric insert sheet is included, fully intact, and crisp with no tears or creases.
Inner Sleeve: Includes the original vintage period-accurate Reprise/Warner paper inner sleeve.
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