Yes, I bought it from Pledge Music (£40 cheaper than the River). Very nice set, although the repro on the sleeves isn't great. I would rcommend it.

Only listened to one record so far (the double "Black Album") and both SQ and pressing seem very good. Although a lot of the stuff wasn't brilliantly recorded (in comparison to, say, The Beatles) I enjoyed the immediacy and rawness of the early music in particular.

This is what compiler Andrew Sandoval says:

All of the original albums in The Kinks in Mono vinyl LP box set were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Mastering, supervised by Andrew Sandoval, direct from the original UK Pye NPL analog mono masters. Only analog EQ was used in the process. The 1970 compilation album, The Kinks (Black Album), was recompiled from flat digital transfers of original analog masters, and was cut to match the original LP. First UK Pye pressings of all of the albums were used in comparison to tapes to insure period accuracy with level, track spacing and artwork.

Kevin-W posted:

Yes, I bought it from Pledge Music (£40 cheaper than the River). Very nice set, although the repro on the sleeves isn't great. I would rcommend it.

Only listened to one record so far (the double "Black Album") and both SQ and pressing seem very good. Although a lot of the stuff wasn't brilliantly recorded (in comparison to, say, The Beatles) I enjoyed the immediacy and rawness of the early music in particular.

This is what compiler Andrew Sandoval says:

All of the original albums in The Kinks in Mono vinyl LP box set were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Mastering, supervised by Andrew Sandoval, direct from the original UK Pye NPL analog mono masters. Only analog EQ was used in the process. The 1970 compilation album, The Kinks (Black Album), was recompiled from flat digital transfers of original analog masters, and was cut to match the original LP. First UK Pye pressings of all of the albums were used in comparison to tapes to insure period accuracy with level, track spacing and artwork.

 

 

Thanks Kevin,
I am aware that Kevin Gray did the mastering and cut the laquers. I am currently subscribed to the Music Matters Blue Note re-issues which are mastered and cut by Kevin Gray and they are all genuinely excellent, so being interested in The Kinks but not having anything in my collection other than a digitally sourced singles collection LP this has sparked my interest.
As you rightly pointed out though The Kinks weren't well recorded and who knows what condition the original PYE masters are now in. So with that caveat in mind I have hesitated buying this set so far, also the records are pressed at GZ (I emailed them who confirmed this) who have a rather chequered track record when it comes to quality control.
I would love to hear from you again when you have had time to evaluate more of the records in the set?

Thanks for taking the time to respond

Richard, I am now listening to Village Green Preservation Society from the box. I have to say I am impressed, and enjoying it immensely. It's not "hi fi" but there's an immediacy to this version that I enjoy - the bass is often lovely, and everything is as clear as a bell (although there are odd bits of distortion, but I suspect these may be on the master tapes).

It certainly blows away the 1997 Castle reissue that I have. So, thus far, it's looking (sounding) good.

An update Richard: I've now listened to all the LPs in the box apart from Arthur and Live At Kelvin Hall. I'm very happy with the set. SQ is fine, given the fact that many of the master tapes are in less than optimal condition, and that Shel Tamy's productions were a bit thin and weedy (the first couple of albums suffer from a distinct lack of bass IMO). Pressings are all good - there is occasionally a bit of surface noise but nothing I can't live with.

I haven't heard any first mono Uk pressings, but as far as I'm concerned the records in this box are way better than any of the later mono/stereo reissues I hve or have heard.

So, i would recommend you dive in.

that's great Kevin thanks for sharing your findings. My local independent store has a box so I think I will dive in.
all the best

Richard