Beatles - Ask Me Why / Anna
Spec. DJ No. 8. Ultra rare 1964 white label promo only 45 with black and blue print. This 45 was pressed by the Monarch Record Mfg. Company pressing plant in Los Angeles, CA. Both sides have "Audio Matrix" and "MR" logo machine stamped in the trail-off areas. 'A' side has handwritten matrix number "63-2968" and "Δ46527-X". 'B' side has handwritten matrix number "63-3185" and "Δ51067".
The true reason as to why this was issued remains a mystery to this day, especially since no other Vee Jay 45s seem to exist with similar catalog numbers ("Spec. DJ No. 1", Spec. DJ No. 2", etc. have never surfaced). It was possibly an advance promotion for a proposed single release of two songs from the "Souvenir Of Their Visit To America" 7" EP. Some have speculated that it was a tie-in with Vee Jay's midsummer campaign to market the EP as a single, as the rare promotional title sleeve for the EP states "Still Only #8 In Sales".
However, the decoding of trail-off markings on this record indicate that it was likely manufactured in February, 1964, long before the campaign began. Only about six to eight copies are known to exist in any condition, making it far more rare than any issue of "Please Please Me", VJ 498 and even more rare than the commercial Decca 45 of "My Bonnie".
The 45 labels are in virtually perfect condition, with no writing, tears, stains, etc. The vinyl itself does exhibit some minor light surface scuffing, as this record is pressed on polystyrene. Styrene vinyl is extremely susceptible to scuffing, simply from handling. It is very difficult to find a truly near mint styrene pressing. There are NO documented sales of this record ever on ebay. This is simply one of the rarest Beatles records that exist and this is one of the finer condition copies known!
Condition: VG+
Important notes about our grading:
We grade conservatively, accurately and honestly. S/S, M, M- (NM), VG++, VG+, VG, VG-, G, WBR (Poor). We do not use EX (many dealers' EX would be our VG).
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