Sold Date: November 26, 2018
Start Date: November 19, 2018
Final Price: $425.00 (USD)
Bid Count: 7
Seller Feedback: 77
Buyer Feedback: 1041

ARTHUR GRUMIAUX, MOZART GREAT SONATAS VIOLIN/PIANO, KLIEN PHILIPS 421 141 5 LPS

This boxed set was given to me by a friend. He bought it new, and bought the CDs at the same time. He unsealed both, but played the CDs first, and never played the LPs — he had a great CD player, only a mediocre turntable. Judging from the LPs, the vinyl is shiny as new, no spindle marks or scuffs or finger marks even on the edges, etc.
I’ve only had it about four years, and I never played it either. I too have the CDs, and also the fine LP set by Szeryng-Haebler. I’m tempted to consider it virtually ‘New and Sealed’ but of course THAT IS NOT ACCURATE. He unsealed it because he planned to play it, but didn’t. So the most I can say is NM++.

One side has a tiny white speck: I tested it and it’s silent (Van den Hul cartridge). There were no other visible flaws to test, but I ‘spot-tested’ other sides: all are silent and sound glorious. My system is very revealing: VDH at one end, Quad electrostatic speakers at the other, and the slightest surface defect is clearly audible.

The booklet is also NM++ — I was the first to open it. The original sleeves are NM+, and he box is almost NM+, only a couple of slight horizontal marks from sliding it onto the shelf and out again. Corners and sides are as new (one corner is slightly scuffed), and the ‘hinge’ where it opens is perfect. Nothing is ‘split.’ I doubt you’ll find a ‘used’ set anywhere close to this condition. I’m so careful with my records, I even hesitated to photograph the vinyl: why remove it from its sleeve except to play it? Unless in a dust-free NASA clean-room.... So I only show one: they’re all just like it, shiny and unmarked.
Dead-wax markings (side 1): 412 142 1Y1 P 1985  670 and a final number I can’t read. The ‘P’ is encircled. Other sides differ slightly in some numbers, maybe corresponding to the different discs (5 discs, 10 sides). But I have no understanding of dead-wax markings — to me, they might as well be Martian.
I’m not a “dealer”: I’m a music lover and audiophile. I never bought a record to sell for a profit, only for my own musical interest. In fact this is the only record I’ve ever sold on Ebay. But I’ve sold audio equipment in the past, so I do have feedback you can check.

PHOTOS: Looking at the photos, I saw obvious distortion. Example: the back of the box seems flawed, looking like wear or blisters. They’re actually reflections on the shiny laminate. I examined the real box, and those marks don’t exist: the box is pristine. HOWEVER, the flaws on the booklet cover are real, caused by defects in the offset-litho plate.
Please study photos and text closely. Ask any and all questions BEFORE bidding. I don’t this as a business but I’ll respond as quickly as I can. If you have ANY DOUBTS, PLEASE DON’T BID.
As customary with fragile Vinyl, no returns can be accepted or refunds issued. There is no warranty, implied or otherwise. The records/box/booklet are EXACTLY as seen in Photos and Text — but in the unlikely event of a dispute, I’ll do all I can to resolve it. My reputation is  more valuable than any Ebay purchase.

I can only accept PAYPAL during the Holidays. I will ONLY SHIP TO THE LOWER 48 STATES. Please: no bids from elsewhere: I will not accept them. I ship via USPS. If you have other requirements please contact me BEFORE bidding.

Payment MUST be received within 3 days of the auction’s end. If not, I’ll relist it and have to file a complaint: I’ve never had to do it before, and don’t want to start.

I pack with extreme care; nothing I’ve shipped has ever arrived damaged. I use lots of protective material, and will make a custom box for this set. I don’t trust the ‘normal’ packing material. I don’t make money for packing/shipping; I often lose money, but doing it right is important to me.

Thank you — and enjoy the Music!