The Beatles / 1962 - 1966 'The Red Album' 2LP 2nd Press 1978 w/Sticker

This second pressing is the finest example of its kind that I have ever seen or heard.  Pressed on vivid red vinyl both records are in pristine condition and have hardly ever been played.  There is barely any spindle wear and the clarity, depth and warmth of the audio cannot be underestimated.  There are only two light clicks on the first record but aside from that the playback is faultless and yes as always I have played every track in full!

The laminated gatefold is also in superb condition and still has the original sticker on the front, so often it is missing.  In essence this cover is near perfect with only one minor flaw on the inside, more on that below.  I hope the photos do it justice as it really has maintained it original shape and 'look' so well.  The red inners are also in immaculate condition and appear to be barely touched.  A stunning 'package' all round.

This pressing was cut by Harry T Moss who of course is known as one of the finest mastering/cutting engineers of his day.  HTM is etched into each run out groove.  His 'records' are always known to have a greater sonic quality and this one is no exception!

PCS 717 // YEX 905-4 / YEX 906-4 / YEX 907-3 / YEX 908-3 // RDL 1 / RGA 5 / MHA 5 / GPM 4

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T1 Near Mint)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T2 Near Mint)

The audio on S3 is Mint(-)

The audio on S4 is Mint(-)

The laminated gatefold is Near Mint-

The labels are Mint-

The red lyric inners are Mint-

It does not get better than this!  Both vinyls are in remarkable condition and have no marks or scratches and I cannot detect any hairlines either.  The grooves are so clean and it clearly has hardly been played judging by the stunning visual and audio quality.  There are only a couple of faint spindle traces on S1 and S2, nothing on S3 and just one trace on S4.  The labels also have no marking or writing - both vinyls really are in beautiful condition.

Play grading  

As stated previously I play every track in full and and I am pleased to S1 is so close to perfect with only one light click on the 'Love Me Do' intro.  There are no other ticks, clicks or pops and no there is no static or crackle either.  The clarity and depth of the audio is second to none.  'As new' apart for one millisecond!

I don't want to get too over-enthusiastic but the sonic quality on S2 is absolutely outstanding!  Every track plays with stunning clarity and only 'And I Love Her' has one minor click.  That is the only 'background' across the entire side!  There is no underlying static and the classic 'Yesterday' is a prime example of just how 'clean' the sound is.  It is also the final track on the side so in a sense the clarity is even more impressive.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

S3 begins with an immaculate version of 'Help!' and this quality is maintained as the side progresses.  I cannot overstate the quality of the audio here.  Every intro and fade out plays with such precision and the music in between is rather impressive also!  There is no interference across the entire side and Mint is a true reflection of the sonic quality.

S4 is of the same 'high end' standard and again there is no intrusion on the audio.  There are a small number of very light dust ticks on a couple of tricks but the clarity, warmth and depth of the audio is on a par with an un-played record and that is no exaggeration.

In summary this double album has a sonic quality that you so rarely find today and is easily the finest example I have ever listened to.  Now over 40 years of age it was obviously bought for a collection that was not for playing!  With only a couple of minor clicks on the first record this is as near to perfect audio that you will find and there is no background static either which makes a change.  A stunning album in every way.

The Gatefold & Red Lyric Inners

This laminated G & L cover is in fantastic condition and you would not be disappointed if you had just bought this from your local record shop!  As can be seen it has the all important sticker in the top right corner which remains in perfect Mint condition.  The edges and wide spine have no shelf wear and the corners are also super clean with no creasing/wear at all.  How rare is that?!  The opening edges have barely any handling wear - there is just a minor amount of 'crimping' near the top but this is so minimal, I'm just trying to find fault where perhaps there isn't any!  The front and back cover are pristine with no marking or creasing at all and the inside of the gatefold is near perfect but does have one very small tear of the paper on the left panel near the bottom edge.  However, none of the paper has been removed and is a very 'clean' tear, it has just lifted a little from the cover beneath, and isn't obvious unless you actually look for it.  This is a stunning example of this cover with only one minor fault.  It is also very strong and robust and has maintained its original shape so well like it has hardly been handled.

The red lyric inners with the rounded corners are in beautiful condition with no side splits or tears and no marking or creasing.  Just a couple of white 'specks' on the edges.  'As new' basically!

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

The records have been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

PCS 717 // YEX 905-4 / YEX 906-4 / YEX 907-3 / YEX 908-3 // RDL 1 / RGA 5 / MHA 5 / GPM 4

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 NOW ONLY SEND ITEMS WORLDWIDE VIA TRACKED SHIPPING. THIS PROVIDES 'PEACE OF MIND' IN CASE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. ALL COSTS ARE SHOWN BELOW AND COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED. ANY OVER-PAYMENT WILL ALWAYS BE REFUNDED BACK TO THE BUYER.

THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE OF £250 SO IF AN ITEM SELLS FOR MORE A COURIER SERVICE WILL BE USED (e.g. Parcelforce, DPD).  AN EXTRA INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL BE REQUIRED BUT I WILL NOT KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT UNTIL THE FINAL SALE PRICE IS KNOWN.  HOWEVER, SOMETIMES I WILL ESTIMATE A COST AND THIS WILL BE STATED IN THE LISTING.  PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH.  MANY THANKS.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PUT IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE OF THE COVER SO AS TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS. THEY ARE ALSO 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.

I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £5.75 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £17.45 then £1.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £23.95 then £2.00 per extra

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AFTER PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE, NONE OF THIS WAITING BEFORE I RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM YOU - I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY LISTINGS!  IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO SEND THE ITEM BACK I WILL OF COURSE OF COURSE PAY THE RETURN SHIPPING COST IF I AM AT FAULT.  I AM ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL!