



Ralph McTell - Not Till Tomorrow Apple Records Acetate
Ralph McTell – Not Till Tomorrow Apple Records Acetate
An original Apple Records lacquer acetate of Ralph McTell's 1972 album Not Till Tomorrow, presented in its original plain studio sleeve with the artist's name handwritten on both the sleeve and centre label. The sleeve also bears the handwritten mastering reference “K 444210 A/B”, matching the production markings associated with the recording.
Released on Apple Records in 1972, Not Till Tomorrow followed the international success of “Streets of London” and is regarded as one of McTell's finest albums, blending intimate folk songwriting with richer orchestral arrangements. Produced during his time with Apple, it remains one of the label's standout singer-songwriter releases.
Unlike commercial pressings, acetates were individually cut in extremely limited quantities for artists, producers and engineers to review during the mastering process. Their delicate lacquer construction meant they were intended only as working copies, making surviving examples exceptionally scarce.
This acetate carries exceptional provenance. According to the consignor, his late father-in-law worked as caretaker at a block of flats in Courtfield Gardens, Kensington, where Tony Visconti and Mary Hopkin maintained a flat that was occasionally used as a recording space. The acetate was reportedly recovered after being discarded, remaining in the family's possession ever since.
The acetate has been auditioned and confirmed to contain Ralph McTell's Not Till Tomorrow.
Key Details & Collectability
- Original Apple Records lacquer acetate
- Contains Ralph McTell – Not Till Tomorrow
- Artist name handwritten on both the sleeve and centre label
- Original annotated studio sleeve with mastering reference K 444210 A/B
- Direct family provenance from the former Courtfield Gardens recording premises associated with Tony Visconti and Mary Hopkin
- Rare production-stage artefact from the Apple Records era, never intended for commercial release
Pairs well with
Provenance
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