Visual grading
There are some hairlines on both sides but as described below they have hardly any affect on the fantastic audio. The only exception to this is a scratch on Side One which does cause some clicks. Apart from that it is visually in excellent condition when you consider it is nearing 50 years old. Side Two especially is extremely clean. There is some spindle wear bit is not excessive.
Play grading
The very quiet intro to Cirrus Minor has only minor static and once the vocals begin the track plays with only a hint of intermittent static. This is quality audio for such a rare vinyl. The Nile Song plays very well with only a little distortion which isn t surprising as it s one of Floyd s loudest songs. Crying Song sadly clicks for approximately two thirds of the track but apart from that there is no other interference. The remaining tracks on this side have immaculate audio which is incredible when you think how quietly they play. There is almost zero static/interference, the audio is sublime and I cannot stress just how good it is Apart from Crying Song you so rarely hear audio like this on a very first pressing. Green is the Colour and Cymbaline in particular are real highlights. Absolutely stunning.
Main Theme has some lead in static but soon decreases to play with high end audio. Ibiza Bar does play with some distortion but is still a very good listen. Apart from one click during More Blues the track has immaculate sound and no further interference. Then we have Quicksilver , what can I say about the stunning, sublime audio here? It is so quiet as any Floyd fan knows and yet plays here in immaculate fashion, I have quite honestly never heard better. The clarity and lack of any background noise is incredible. Dramatic Theme ends proceedings with a little static and distortion but remains a quality listen.
In summary this is without doubt one of the best first ever G1 / G1 pressings you will ever hear, Crying Song aside that is. As stated earlier only 300-500 records were made with each stamper so to find one with audio such as this is mega rare
Laminated cover
The laminated G L flipback cover is one of the cleanest I have seen and for a very first pressing it has been very well maintained over the last 47 years. The edges and thin pinched spine are like new and only the corners have a little rubbing. Even the opening edge has very little handling wear. The laminate on the front cover remains in excellent shape with no lifting or splits, just a handful of tiny creases towards the edges.
The flipbacks are in great condition and only have minimal marking as can be seen on the photos. There is just one thumb type mark on the back cover and apart from that it is superbly clean. There is one very minor nick on the bottom flipback just above Lofthouse Ltd . Overall this is a stunning first press cover that would be difficult to beat.
Labels
The labels are in excellent condition with no writing or marking. Some spindle wear but not overly so. Around the bottom of the label it states Made in GT Britain - Sold in U.K. subject to resale price conditions. See price lists
Around the top edge - The Gramophone Co., Ltd. All rights of the manufacturer and of the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorised public performance, broadcasting, and copying of this record prohibited .
Inner sleeve
The has the original EMI die-cut inner sleeve advertising Piper and Sgt Peppers amongst others. It is in excellent condition with no splits, just minor creasing.
