Sold Date: May 3, 2020
Start Date: April 26, 2020
Final Price: $157.50 (USD)
Bid Count: 28
Seller Feedback: 2571
Buyer Feedback: 580

SS: Still Sealed
Label: RCA Living Stereo
Catalog Number: LSC 2449-45
Product Condition: N/ New

This auction is for a STILL SEALED, NUMBERED (3 of 5 MH) 45rpm 4-LP CLARITY Box Set from the Classic Records 200gram reissue of Gounod's "Faust Ballet Music" with Alexander Gibson conducting the Royal Opera House Orchestra. This pressing has special significance and collectability because it comes from the Michael Hobson ARCHIVES. This is a truly one of a kind collectible of one of the most valuable and highly sought after Classic Records pressings.

From the start of Classic Records in 1994, Michael Hobson, insisted on having as complete a "personal archive" as possible, of all varieties and issues of Classic Records' various releases (180g, 200g, Blue Vinyl, etc)  as a reference of what had been done.  This Archive was one of the few things Acoustic Sounds did not acquire as part of the deal to buy Classic in 2010 albeit Chad Kassem has pursued Hobson to buy it ever since.  Still intact, in its entirety (with only a few holes) sits the Archive which will be offered exclusively on this shop by special arrangement with Michael Hobson.

Each piece has an official Classic Records “MH" Archive Sticker on it and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity hand signed by Michael Hobson personally to assure authenticity and enhance the collectibility over time.  Generally,  only 5 numbered “MH archive" copies, most often from the first stamper, were added to the Hobson archive.  In the case of  popular titles, there are various versions because of the use of different plants (RTI, Bill Smith, Classic Pressing Plant) which offers the possibility to have comparisons of various machines the copies were made on - all of which sound different because of various vibrations from the different machines that are "pressed" into the vinyl.  Yes, according to Hobson, you can hear the difference is machines among the various Test Pressings and production pressings for that matter.  Further, the Classic Records folklore is that Hobson, insisted on the “best copies” from the “sweet spot” of the pressing run for his personal archive of 5 numbered copies of each release!   It is reported that Hobson personally selected the copies of the records that went into his archive by listening to 1st stamper pressings to determine when the “stamper” was in the “sweet spot” and pressing the best sounding records during the run.  Further, these records have not been moved from Hobson’s own climate controlled air-conditioned storage for all these years. This is not only a unique opportunity to own a piece of Classic Record's history but also the chance to have some of the best production pressings  of Classic's various issues over time. Ridiculously collectible and likely a better investment than the stock market!  
Note: We will put all of the #5 of 5 copies from the MH Archive first and then do the same for all #4 of 5 copies and so on.  If anyone is interested in a “complete” numbered set please contact us.
Good luck!
------------
Thank you for visiting our eBay shop!
Make sure you subscribe to our eBay store testpressings to get updates on our NEW listings each week.

Refund Policy
Stock photos are used for all Clarity 45rpm Test Pressing Box Sets up for auction. No returns or exchanges on all items. Items are sold "as is" and cannot be guaranteed against defects of any kind once opened. If an item is not as described, an exchange can be granted for the correct item. We are not responsible for buyer's remorse. Once you have placed your bid, you must complete the transaction per eBay's policy. Please pose any pertinent questions regarding your item of interest prior to placing your bid.

We strive to describe our items with the highest level of accuracy. If any issues arise, we will be happy to work with you to insure customer satisfaction. Please contact us first to try to seek a resolution before escalating the matter.

When available, jackets are provided gratas and as such are not described as part of the listing/auction. Jackets are included in "as is" condition. No exchanges or returns on complimentary jackets.

Packaging
We use thick cardboard boxes specially designed for LPs and bubble wrap all around to ensure records are well protected during shipping.  We are not responsible for any damages that occur during shipping. 

Payments & Shipping
State tax will be charged to California residents. These costs will be included in your final invoice for payment.

Payment must be completed within 7 days of purchase or auction win. Items will ship within 2-3 business days of receiving cleared payment.

We ship worldwide.

Shipping costs will be calculated after the winning bid is submitted to ensure that costs are accurate depending upon resident's address, the item's weight and type of shipping service.

Combined shipping is available.
Multiple purchases can be consolidated into one shipment. Items must be paid together in a single transaction for the combined rate to apply. Please request an invoice at the end of the auction, so that we may provide you with the discounted shipping rate.

Shipping Services

-Domestic Flat Rate: Applies to 1-2 LPs only (<2 lbs). Please add $2 for each additional LP. This rate does not apply to special items such as box sets containing 2LPs or more. Please wait for us to send you an invoice for accurate shipping costs after auction ends.
USPS Media Mail - $4.00 (2-9 business days/ Includes Delivery Confirmation)
UPS Ground - $12.00 (1-5 business days/ Includes Tracking Number)

-International: Please refer to the shipping calculator for approximate international shipping rates.
USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days/ Includes Tracking Number + Insurance)
USPS Express Mail (3-5 business days/ Includes Tracking Number + Insurance)

DHL Worldwide Express Mail (1-2 business days/ Includes Tracking Number + Insurance) >> We recommend this service. It's quick, reliable and often less expensive than USPS Priority Mail. Please request an invoice from us to provide you with this service.

Note for International Buyers
For customs purposes, all items will be declared at closing auction price. Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer. We do not reduce the value on customs forms as it is against eBay policy and is considered customs fraud. Custom delays could be expected on high priced items.
 
Customer Service
We appreciate our customers. If you have questions regarding any of our items, please feel free to contact us. Questions are generally answered within 2 business days. We are closed on major holidays and weekends.

We strive to describe our items with the highest level of accuracy. If any issues arise, we will be happy to work with you to insure customer satisfaction. Please contact us first to try to seek a resolution before escalating the matter.

We appreciate 5 star feedback and will do our best to work with you to earn it. Those who leave positive feedback will receive it in return.

Happy shopping!