Description: Secondhand Record For Sale Item: This isn’t rare or scarce, it’s a one of a kind. The record is supposed to be a double A side single, Strawberry Fields Forever (A) and Penny Lane (AA). It’s a psych record by The Beatles, so it’s very important. What we have here, at first glance, is a manufacturing defect (I guess?), since it’s labeled “Penny Lane” on both sides – there is no “Strawberry Fields Forever” label on this record and there never was. This is the first irony – the double A side single looks to be a double AA side single (!). That’s a first! Ok, so the second irony is that it’s supposed to be "Strawberry Fields Forever” -- Not Strawberry Fields NEVER (!). I guess it was made in Scranton on the Penny Lane aisle where the customer wasn’t going to get the full bang for their buck. Where’s my Strawberry label, dammit?(!). It’s interesting since this was an error from the start – the correct time isn’t 3:00… it’s 2:57. As if these errors weren’t enough, here we have an unheard of matrix in the runout/deadwax. Discogs only lists: “Matrix / Runout (Runout A): 45-X-45870-G4 11, Matrix / Runout (Runout AA): 45-X-45871-F5 #2. Matrix / Runout (Variant runout A): 45-X-45870-F3 #6, Matrix / Runout (Variant runout AA): 45-X-45871-G6 #3. But, on this record, we have matrix numbers ending in “870 F3” and “871 G6 #4”. It’s good enough that’s its an unheard of VARIANT, but wouldn’t that be cool if it was a different mix or something? Who knows. In any case, I know this was pressed in Scanton because it has the triangle in the runout with the “IAM” in the triangle. In sum, we have a triple whammy here – an error record to begin with (they corrected the time on the second pressings), an (at least) manufacturing error with no “Strawberry Fields” label, and a matrix number which is unknown (this makes the record itself a true variant). I have a lot of Beatles records. Usually, the kid that owned it wrote his/her name all over it – this is nice example because it’s writing free and never cleaned or anything. It has some minor looking scratches/scuffs but looks rarely played and has really beautiful gloss. A one of a kind wouldn’t matter much if it was a Perry Como or Johhny Mathis record, but this is The Beatles, folks, and this 45 is one for the books. From Wiki-pedia: ‘"Strawberry Fields Forever" is one of the defining works of the psychedelic rock genre”. Too bad it wasn’t defined on this record – What happened, Scranton?(!) Record will be carefully/responsibly packed. Please see my listings for other desirable titles! Returns: If an item is deemed “not as described” due to such circumstances as shipping damage or seller’s incorrect description of the item’s condition, it falls under the realm of the eBay Money Back Guarantee. The reason why I don’t have a return policy in addition to the eBay Money Back Guarantee is that return policies cover all other reasons for return (such as the buyer simply changing their mind) but they also require the seller to pay for shipping, which is an expense that I cannot afford, especially in the case of an international transaction. International Shipping: I sympathize with int’l buyers regarding shipping charges and their country’s Customs fees, but because the value must be declared in order to insure the item for that amount, I’m unable to satisfy the expectations of most buyers in certain countries. If you’re an exception, all you need to do is let me know and hopefully we can work together! Condition: Records may not function as intended per surface noise, defective playback due to manufacturing defect or scratches, etc. and any extant sleeves/covers often have damage such as flawed edges and odors which may require repair or treatment, so I’m selling the item as being in “For parts or not working” condition. Most records are in scratched condition. See Goldmine Record Album Price Guide, 5th Edition, page 17: “It’s estimated that no more than 2 to 4 percent of all records remaining from the 1950’s and 1960s are truly Near Mint” (and the next grade down from Near Mint is VG+, where light scratches are present). It amazes me that the world of record collecting doesn’t have an official grading company such as in the comic book field (they have CGC), the coin collecting realm (they have PCGS), etc. Until an official 3rd party industry expert comes along, record grading remains subjective and opinions vary due to parties’ differences in audio equipment, etc. CUSTOMER SERVICE Most of the items I offer here on eBay are from estates in the Philadelphia / NYC area, and are fresh to the market. If you have any questions, need more info, or want to set up a Preview appointment, please feel welcome to message me and I'll respond in a timely manner. Thanks for your interest, ~Chris
Price: 8000 USD
Location: Pitman, New Jersey
End Time: 2025-01-09T01:38:08.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: The Beatles
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Style: British Invasion, Psychedelic Rock
Material: Vinyl
Speed: 45RPM
Record Size: 7"
Format: Record
Type: Single
Features: 1st Edition
Release Title: Penny Lane
Record Label: Capitol
Release Year: 1967
Edition: First Edition
Genre: Rock, Rock 'n' Roll