The Soundhouse Tapes is the self-released debut vinyl from Iron Maiden issued in a limited run of just 5,000 and available by mail order only and possibly at early gigs. Early copies came without the sleeve and an insert advising that due to printing complications it would be posted on, wishing a Merry Xmas and details of T-Shirts and Badges, some later copies included an insert with just details of T-Shirts and Badges.
This superb copy comes without an insert and was bought years ago from a major UK Auction House who described it as " unprecedented Ex+ or archive quality condition", "Nigh unbeatable copy;will you ever find a better one?" - see photos showing original invoice.
This is the original release identified by the following;
The picture sleeve is exactly 7 1/8 inches by 7 1/4 inches printed on heavy paper identical to the Running Free release, with the opening at the top exactly 3 11/16 long which is curved with diagonal cuts and there is a hint of orange print between the cut out and the photo of Paul DiAnno. The wrap around on the back has diagonal cuts at 22 degrees and these cuts have an ear left over from the diecast. The inside of the cover is an off white/beige colour, the picture sleeve orange and the labels a darker orange almost red.
The most important indicators are the markings in the run-off grooves, side 1 - *EG* SA LYN 7627-IT (faint) ROK 1A and side 2 - *EG* SA LYN 7628-IT (very faint) ROK 1B. The LYN 7627-IT and 7628-IT are almost invisible to the naked eye
Size: 7" Vinyl
Condition: This has been stored in a controlled environment for years and we have not played it or handled it since buying it except to take photos. We see the original auction description as a good representation of condition, they are a specialist Auction House and the only thing we would add is that there is some inevitable wear to the edges of the picture sleeve - see photos.
Stored in a temperature controlled, dry environment in a Grip Seal bag. Packed with cardboard stiffeners in a card envelope and shipped in a corrugated cardboard mailer to make sure of arrival in pristine condition.
