Snips - 'What's Your Number' 7-inch Vinyl Single (EMI 5040)
EMI Records Ltd. / MAM Records Ltd.
Era
1980
Origin
Great Britain (United Kingdom)
Maker
EMI Records Ltd. / MAM Records Ltd.
Condition
Excellent (EX). The vinyl displays a high gloss with very few surface marks; the label is clean with no spindle wear or ink markings.
Rarity
Semi-scarce. While not a global hit, 1980s UK singles from niche artists have a moderate survival rate; finding clean copies with the center intact is desirable.
Est. Value
$10.00 – $25.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by the association with Midge Ure and Snips' cult status.
Heads up: This report is generated by AI and may be inaccurate. It is not a professional appraisal or authentication. For valuable pieces, confirm with a grading service (PSA, PCGS, CGC, NGC). Value estimates are rough market references, not financial advice.
In a Nutshell
A fine example of a niche British New Wave single. Its primary appeal lies in its clean condition and its connection to the vibrant 1980 UK music production scene. Rated 7/10 for specialized collectors of the era.
Where It Comes From
Snips (Steve Parsons) was the former lead singer of the cult band Sharks (with Chris Spedding). This single represents his solo transition into a more polished, synth-inflected power-pop sound, produced by the legendary Midge Ure.
Things Worth Knowing
The B-side/Track 'What's Your Number' features production by Midge Ure just as he was becoming a massive star with Ultravox. The 'Strawberry' mark in the runout indicates it was mastered at the famous studio co-founded by 10cc.
What It's Made Of
Injection-molded black vinyl with paper labels.
Size & Specifications
7-inch diameter; 45 RPM playback speed; features a knockout/push-out center for use on different spindle types.
Telltale Marks
Catalog number EMI 5040; EMI logo; 'STRAWBERRY' etched in runout (mastered at Strawberry Mastering); production credits for Midge Ure.
Edition & Variant
Standard UK first pressing with 'EMI' house label design and push-out center.
Is It the Real Thing?
Highly likely genuine. The label typography, the push-out center (4-prong dink), and the 'STRAWBERRY' mastering stamp visible in the deadwax are consistent with UK EMI pressings of this period.
Versus Known Examples
Matches known UK stock copies perfectly. The font weighting and the placement of the '1980' copyright notice are consistent with EMI plant standards.
Watch Out For
No significant red flags observed. The presence of the mastering stamp in the deadwax is a strong indicator of authenticity.
Want It Verified?
Third-party grading (e.g., PSA or CGC) is generally not recommended for standard 7-inch singles unless they are extremely rare test pressings. Manual grading based on Goldmine standards is preferred.
Display & Preservation
Store vertically in a poly-lined paper sleeve and a 3-mil clear outer plastic sleeve to prevent 'ring wear' and dust accumulation.
Care & Handling
Handle by the edges or the label only. Do not touch the grooves. Clean only with a carbon fiber brush or a dedicated wet-cleaning vacuum system.
If You Love This, Look For
Sharks (band) memorabilia, Visage 7-inch singles, Baker Gurvitz Army records, and other 1980-1981 EMI 'New Wave' singles.
Tracing Its Past
UK pressings from this era often originated from high-street record shops like HMV or Woolworths; original picture sleeves, if present, significantly increase value and provenance.
Rarity
Semi-scarce. While not a global hit, 1980s UK singles from niche artists have a moderate survival rate; finding clean copies with the center intact is desirable.
Ballpark Value
$10.00 – $25.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by the association with Midge Ure and Snips' cult status.
How the Market's Moving
Stable. There is a consistent market for 'New Wave' adjacent artists and projects involving Midge Ure (Ultravox/Visage fans) and Steve Parsons (Snips).
Long-Term Outlook
Low to Moderate. Likely to maintain value as a cross-over collectible for fans of 80s UK rock, but unlikely to see explosive growth.