I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.

The Beatles : Beatles For Sale 3N / 3N 1st Mono Press 1964

This is a stunning example of this first mono pressing and easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE archive classic.  As per the other Beatles albums I am selling this one has been so well cared for and only lightly played, that much is obvious.  The clarity and definition of the audio is second to none and I mean it when I say there is no interference, literally none!  No ticks, clicks, pops or static and only a minimal amount of inner groove distortion on the final track of each side which is something you always find.  I cannot emphasise enough how immaculate the audio is and it's also worth noting that the dead wax between each track is practically silent!  Not bad for a 62 year piece of wax!  The vinyl itself is in lovely condition with very little spindle wear, it really shines!

The laminated gatefold is a work of art!  The vast majority of the time it is found with quite a lot of wear but this is the most STUNNING example I have ever laid eyes upon.  It is remarkably clean and has retained its original shape and structure perfectly, how rare is that?!  The corners, inner flipbacks, spine etc are in beautiful condition and I honestly do not think you could find a more impressive one.  The original Emitex inner is also in superb condition.

This first pressing has the 3N / 3N matrix and 'The Parlophone Co Ltd... text around the label rim.  It also has 'Recording First Published 1964' and 'Sold In U.K. Subject...' on the labels also.  Tracks B5 and B6 are followed by full stops unlike on some later pressings.    

PMC 1240 // XEX 503 - 3N  GHR 1   ---   XEX 504 - 3N  GHM 2B

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T7 Near Mint)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T7 Near Mint)

The gatefold is Near Mint-

The Emitex inner is Ex+

The labels are Mint-

The vinyl is in visually stunning and still retains an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen with no marks or scratches.  Under a bright light I can only see a small number of ultra faint hairlines and there is nothing that stands out.  There is no groove or surface wear, no mottling or spotting, and the run out grooves are very clean also.  The yellow / black Parlophone labels are near perfect with only very minimal spindle wear.  The KT tax code can easily be seen on the S2 label.

Play grading  

The run in on S1 incredibly has no background and then the opening vocal section on 'No Reply' is perfect.  The first powerful 'chorus' is so strong and clear with zero distortion and it continues in the same precise way.  There are no ticks, clicks, pops or static and the clarity of sound is stunning.  The louder vocal passages really impress as the 'sound' is so clear and like I say there is no static distortion.  This is easily a Mint start to the album.

'I'm A Loser' is of the same standard with no intrusion from start to finish.  Perhaps not quite as clear during the instrumentals but it's only very minimal, just a shade below perfect!  Mint-

For a relatively powerful and 'busy' track 'Baby's In Black' plays so well with no background.  Another Mint- track.

'Rock And Roll Music' again impresses on many levels.  It's an even more powerful number and yet sonically it is stunning with no obvious inner groove distortion.  Once again Mint- is deserved.

The gentle 'I'll Follow The Sun' plays beautifully with not so much as a dust tick.  The clarity and depth on the audio is superb for a 62 year old record!  Mint

The powerful opening refrain on 'Mr. Moonlight' is so strong and clear and the first verse keeps up the standard.  From then on it plays with sublime quality and again I cannot fault the audio.  The vocals are very clean and the Hammond organ instrumental is superb!  No ticks, clicks etc and Mint- is well deserved.

'Kansas City' ends the side with very strong audio and only the bare minimum of inner groove distortion.  Much less than on other first pressings I have heard!  I'll say Near Mint

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The build up intro on 'Eight Days A Week' has no intrusion and the opening vocal section is equally as clean.  Thereafter it plays with impeccable quality.  The vocals are very high in the mix and yet sonically they have not suffered at all.  Mint-

Harrison's intro on 'Words Of Love' is flawless and the first harmonised vocal section has no background either.  As it progresses you really notice how well defined Harrison's guitar sound is.  The clarity and definition of the audio is stunning and Mint is richly deserved.

The intro on 'Honey Don't' is 'as new' and that applies to Starr's first vocal also.  Sonically this track is superb and the depth and warmth of the audio really stand out.  Every vocal and instrumental section play without fault.  Mint all the way.

'Every Little Thing' is very close to that but is there a minor hint of distortion on the vocal during a couple of the choruses?  If so it is so so minimal and I'm probably bonkers in even mentioning it!  Remember I am playing this mono recording through a stereo set up so that may have something to do with it.  Still worth a Mint- grade in my humble opinion.

'I Don't Want To Spoil The Party' and 'What You're Doing' both play with genuine quality and with no sign of any interference.  As I like to say there is not so much as a dust tick!  There is no discernible distortion i.e. they both play with exceptionally clean audio for tracks that are on the 'louder' scale.  Mint-

'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' ends this stunning album with suitably impressive audio.  There is a little more inner groove distortion but should I mark it down because of that?  It's the final track so does seem a little harsh!  There are no ticks, clicks or pops and I have certainly heard less clean versions on later pressings even.  I think Near Mint is an honest appraisal of the audio.

The Gatefold & Emitex Inner

The laminated cover has to be the best example I have seen.  It is so prone to wear and yet this one has retained its structural integrity so well.  Only the bottom edge of the front cover has a minor 'rub' section in the centre, the other edges are incredibly clean.  The thin pinched spine is one area often found in poor condition but not this one!  It is stunning and is still as wide as ever and has barely any wear on the corners.  The right hand corners are just as clean and the front cover is close to perfect with a couple of tiny edge creases next to the spine and that minor rub by the bottom edge.  The back cover if anything is even more impressive and the inside of the gatefold is superb.  The two flipbacks are pristine and are still fully attached to the cover.  The cut corners of the flipbacks are often worn but they are in perfect shape here and the inner spine is also in exceptional condition with just one tiny crease near the bottom.  This truly is a STUNNING example of this cover and Near Mint- is 100% deserved.

The original Emitex inner is in superb condition with no side splits or tears, barely any marking and only minimal creasing.

PMC 1240 // XEX 503 - 3N  GHR 1   ---   XEX 504 - 3N  GHM 2B

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

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

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

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

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £15.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £20.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!

A minor error in the listing - the matrix info above the gradings should of course read as - 2/1 and not 1/2 as this is the withdrawn mix.