Japanese Pressing (1969)
AP-8815
Matrix:
Side A: YEX-749 1S3
Side B: YEX-750 1S2
Banded
The Japanese pressings are usually rumored to be mastered rather on the higher end, having the bass somewhat reduced. Fortunately, it is not the case with this one. This Japanese version’s bass actually extends slightly lower than the -2/-1 version, and so do the high cymbals. In this respect, it is quite similar to the Aussie version, though on Side A it loses out a bit in direct comparison, as the middles are sometimes slightly buried in the mix – for example, the repeated “come together – yeah” bits in the outro of “Come Together”.
Though it becomes a little bit different on Side B, starting with “Here Comes the Sun”. On this dynamically complex song (one of the ultimate litmus tests for this album), the Japanese pressing has a chance to really shine (and the dead-quiet Japanese vinyl greatly helps at the start of the song). It offers great detailed bass, filigree trebles and good presence in the singing, while the acoustic guitar and underlying strings remain spot-on.