Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic Pillow LP 1980 RCA Indianapolis Hybrid NM/G+

60s PSYCHEDELIC ROCK PILLAR: Jefferson Airplane – Surrealistic Pillow (1980 US RCA Hybrid Transition Pressing — Indianapolis Plant / Best Buy Series)

Immerse yourself in the defining sound of the San Francisco psychedelic movement with this high-fidelity 1980 US stereo vinyl reissue of Jefferson Airplane’s landmark masterpiece, Surrealistic Pillow (RCA Records – AYL1-3738 / AFL1-3766).

Originally released in 1967, this essential album launched Grace Slick, Marty Balin, and Jorma Kaukonen to international acclaim, delivering generational anthems like "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love".

Manufactured at RCA Records’ primary Indianapolis, Indiana pressing plant (verified by the machine-stamped matrices and plant batch markings), this release is a documented RCA hybrid transition pressing from the July 1980 "Best Buy Series". Side 1 features a fresh 1980 solid-state lacquer cut struck from pristine Mother #1, while Side 2 utilizes an original 1970s -2 master plate (AFL1-3766B-2) pulled straight from the RCA vaults. Pressed on sturdy, rigid standard-weight vinyl—completely avoiding the thin, warped Dynaflex formulas of the early 1970s—this Near Mint disc provides the ultimate quiet-playing analog "player copy".

The Technical & Pressing Profile

• Artist: Jefferson Airplane

• Title: Surrealistic Pillow

• Label & Catalog Number: RCA – AYL1-3738 / AFL1-3766 (1980 US "Best Buy Series" Reissue)

• Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo, 33 ⅓ RPM

• Manufacture Date: July 1980

• Country of Origin: United States

• Genre / Style: Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock, Classic Rock

• Pressing Plant: RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis, Indiana (Machine-stamped text / "I" factory hallmark)

• Audio Specification: Full analog stereo mix (3738 catalog lineage)

• Matrix / Runout (Side 1): AYL1 - 3738-A 29 1 (Machine-stamped; "1" at 12 o'clock confirms Mother #1)

• Matrix / Runout (Side 2): AYL1 - 3738-B & AFL1-3766B-2 (Vault hybrid plate utilizing 1970s -2 lacquer cut)

• Jacket Detail: Standard LP jacket utilizing vintage 1967 universal artwork design (referencing Mono LPM-3766 / Stereo LSP-3766 on rear)

Condition & Grading

Graded conservatively using standard Goldmine parameters:

• Record Condition: Near Mint (NM / M-)

  The vinyl displays radiant factory gloss and delivers clean, whisper-quiet playback. RCA's rigid 1980 vinyl compound eliminates background noise, letting Grace Slick’s powerhouse vocals, Jack Casady’s driving basslines, and Jorma Kaukonen’s fluid lead guitar lines project with exceptional dynamic punch and zero inner-groove distortion.

• Sleeve Condition: Good / Good Plus (G / G+)

  The vintage outer jacket shows noticeable handling, surface, and edge/shelf wear appropriate for its grade, but remains intact and structurally functional to protect the vinyl.

Why This 12" Single Belongs in Your Collection

While original 1967 first pressings are expensive and early-70s Dynaflex runs are notorious for warping, this 1980 RCA Indianapolis hybrid pressing is widely sought after by audiophiles as the ultimate listening edition. By marrying a fresh solid-state Side 1 cut with a vintage 1970s RCA vault master on Side 2, this pressing delivers full analog punch across sturdy, stable grooves. Preserved in Near Mint playing condition, it is the ideal high-fidelity player's copy for any classic rock or psychedelic vinyl library.

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• Collector-Grade Packaging: Every record is packaged with exceptional care. Please note that the LP will not be removed from the jacket prior to shipping. Your record will be placed inside a protective archival outer sleeve and packed tightly between rigid cardboard stiffeners inside a heavy-duty, reinforced record mailer to prevent transit damage.

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Add this premier 1980 RCA Indianapolis hybrid pressing of Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow to your turntable rotation today!