The Beatles - Please Please Me - 1963 UK 1st *GOLD STEREO* Parlophone LP EX+

	£		11,200
	$		13,368

THE BEATLES - 'PLEASE, PLEASE ME'
Here is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest examples of the most desirable of all Beatles LPs.

Released in the UK in mono on 22 March 1963, but it was not until five weeks later on 26th April that the stereo version was issued.

The major factors contributing to the rarity and desirability of this pressing is that in the Spring of 1963 EMI were about to change the of the labels. The 'old-style' black & gold design being replaced just as this album was released by the iconic black & yellow design which would remain until 1969. In addition to this, the market for stereo 'pop' records was extremely small at this time, with most teenage fans owning only basic mono equipment.

Both factors meant that very few copies of this stereo album with the black & gold labels were available or sold upon release. It is unknown exactly how many copies of this pressing were made, but what is true is that very few survive today, especially in this condition.

This 1st-class example of that 1st STEREO pressing dates from April 1963 with the black & gold Parlophone stereo labels: PCS 3042

Both labels are 1st variant-type with 'Dick James Mus.' publishing credits for tracks 1 & 2 on side 1 and 4 & 6 on side 2.

A 'ZMT' purchase tax code is visible in the centre of the side 1 label.

Matrix numbers: YEX 94-1 & YEX 95-1

Stamper codes: 1/R & 1/G

Vinyl weight: 169g

Housed in a correct front laminated, tri-flipback 'Ernest J. Day' printed cover with 'Angus McBean' in the extreme lower right corner.

This copy comes with an original polythene outer cover from Beatles' manager Brian Epstein's Liverpool record store, 'NEMS'

Also present is an original Parlophone flyer from November 1962, listing all available LPs on the label in mono and stereo.

CONDITION

Disc

Labels: NEAR MINT

A truly remarkable set which is difficult to fault. All of the delicate gold print on both labels is bright & totally unworn.

There are no spindle marks visible around either totally unworn centre holes. You will not find a better set of these iconic labels.

Visual: EXCELLENT

Both sides of this well looked-after disc are clean and retain all of their deep-gloss factory shine, with no clouding from poor storage or groove-whitening from over-play. Strong daylight illuminates no more than a handful of light surface marks which consist only of a few light fingernail scuffs and a couple of small turntable marks, but nothing I would call a scratch or which affects the sound quality. Closer examination directly beneath halogen light does little more than highlight these minor blemishes, adding only a sparkling rainbow shine. Both sides of this impressive disc lie 100% flat on the turntable when playing.

Sound Quality: NEAR MINT

This flawless sounding disc has clearly been played just a handful of times and on top-quality equipment only. Every track sparkles with clean, clear and unworn sound quality which is free from any traces of groovewear distortion or background interference on any track or in either channel. Our play-check was a joy, finding not a single click, pops, tick or any other audible distraction of any kind. Apart from a hint of regular low-level vinyl background on the run-ins and between tracks, this is as perfect a sounding copy as you could ever wish for.

Cover: EXCELLENT +

Exceptionally tough to find in this condition, this correct early-type cover is easily one of the best we have handled.

The front panel is perfectly clean & unfaded and retains an unscratched high-gloss laminate, free from any 'thumbnails' or spine bends.

There is slight shelfwear to the corners with a tiny rub and a faint bend to the lower right, but no splits or bumps to any.

Both front & rear opening edges are clean with no tears or feathering either side.

The easily blemished rear panel is extremely clean and bright with no foxing or age marks of any kind.

Unusually for these early covers, all of the delicate flipbacks are in-place and fully intact. None have been repaired or re-glued.

Both upper & lower seams are smooth and unstressed with no flaking or missing laminate.

The spine is clean & fully laminated along its entire length and all of the lettering is present and unworn.

Inner-sleeve: EXCELLENT +

Clean & flat with an unavoidable light disc impression and factory stacking marks on the lower edge both sides. There are two small age-spots on one side but no writing, tears or seam splits.

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