Here is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest examples of the most desirable of all Beatles LPs.

The initial mono pressing sold quickly on its release on 22nd March 1963, but this 1st stereo pressing was not released until some weeks later on April 26th.

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. Although it is unknown exactly how many copies of this pressing were made, one can certainly say that only a handful survive today in this exceptional.

This beautiful example of that 1st STEREO pressing dates from April 1963 with those 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 'ZT' purchase tax code is visible in the centre of the side 1 label.

Matrices: YEX 94-1 & YEX 95-1

Stamper codes: 1/G & 1/R

Vinyl weight: 170g

Housed in a correct, early-type front laminated, flipback 'Ernest J. Day' printed stereo cover, with the 'Angus McBean' credit positioned in the extreme lower right corner of the front panel.

Complete with its original 'Use Emitex...' poly-lined inner-sleeve.

CONDITION

Labels: MINT

Both labels are immaculate with no wear to the delicate gold print or any marks or wear to or around either centre hole. The tiny mark in the 9 o'clock position on the side 2 label is a blemish in the paper and not a result of damage or wear.

DISC

Visual: MINT - 

Pristine deep-gloss playing surfaces which are appear 'as new' in strong daylight. Closer examination directly beneath halogen light reveals just a few wispy micro-hairlines from the inner-sleeve but no more than you would find on a new vinyl record. This disc is the closest to 'as new' as we have seen.

Audio: MINT

The sound throughout this superbly preserved copy is flawless with a clarity and presence missing from every other issue of this album. Both run-ins and all bands are silent and there is no trace of any groove/playwear in either channel of any track. This must be one of the best surviving copies in existence.

Cover: EXCELLENT +

An outstanding example of this correct, earliest-type cover which retains a clean & glossy high-gloss front laminate bearing just a hint of storagewear rubbing but with no 'thumbnail' wrinkles. There is a touch of shelfwear to the lower corners, but all are in great shape with no heavy bumps or bruising. Both opening edges are clean & sharp with no tears or feathering.  The exposed rear panel is clean, white & unblemished with no stains, marks, writing or missing paper. All of the delicate flipbacks are fully intact with just a tiny nick to the edge of the upper one above and between the words 'Please Please...'. Both seams are perfectly smooth with no stressed or flaking laminate and the spine is in perfect condition.

Inner-sleeve: EXCELLENT +

Clean & unblemished with no creasing or seam splits.

agm 2.5.21