THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE Hey Joe Vinyl Record 7 Inch Polydor 1966 Single 56139 Mono Pressing 45

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Hey Joe
(Original UK Mono Pressing with Red Polydor Label. A//1 / B//1 Matrix)

Format: Vinyl Record - 7 Inch Single (45 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1966
Label: Polydor
Catalogue No. 56139

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped): *P* 56139 A//1 4
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped): 56139 B//1 1

Condition: VG+ (The vinyl has a few surface marks)

Side A: Hey Joe
Side B: Stone Free

Acquire a monumental cornerstone of sixties counter-culture with this genuine, original home-market pressing of The Jimi Hendrix Experience's debut masterwork, "Hey Joe". Unleashed late in 1966 under the Polydor banner with the classic catalogue identifier 56139, this rare British manufacture marks the absolute genesis of Hendrix's explosive international legacy. This specific artefact is highly sought after by audiophiles and psych-rock purists due to its definitive, hard-punching vintage mono mix, instantly recognisable by its distinctive, texturised red Polydor labels. This particular copy features a large centre hole, as the original three-prong push-out centre has been neatly removed, making it an excellent candidate for jukebox use or adapter play.

The dead-wax typography and matrix details on this historic 45 rpm disc provide impeccable historical provenance for archival music buyers. Stamped deeply into the runout grooves are the legendary initial A//1 and B//1 matrix configurations, definitively verifying this piece as an early-run pressing from the dawn of his career. Side A carries the iconic, blues-laden arrangement of "Hey Joe", while Side B features the ferocious, fuzz-drenched guitar assault of "Stone Free" - a track famously omitted from the original American album pressings. Conservatively graded at Very Good Plus (VG+), the labels remain clean, while the vintage vinyl shows just a few superficial surface marks that do not detract from its immense historical charm.

Unearthing uncompromised mid-sixties UK rock singles in well-preserved, playable condition presents an extraordinary challenge today, as most original copies were played to destruction on primitive teenage turntables. Representing the opening salvo of a career that changed electric guitar performance forever, this inaugural red-label issue stands as an essential investment piece for any serious classic rock chronicle. Add this foundational piece of British music press history to your personal collection.