Stokowski, Rhapsodies 180g LP Michael Hobson Play Archives - UNPLAYED

Sold Date: January 14, 2023
Start Date: January 9, 2023
Final Price: $40.00 (USD)
Bid Count: 32
Seller Feedback: 3308
Buyer Feedback: 0


Label: RCA Living Stereo
Catalog Number: LSC 2471
Product Condition (Vinyl/ Jacket): EX/ EX (Some shelf wear.)

This auction is for a single UNPLAYED LP from the Classic Records 180gram reissue of Stokowski's "Rhapsodies" with Leopold Stokowski conducting the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra. This pressing has special significance and collectability because it comes from the Michael Hobson PLAY ARCHIVES. This is a truly one of a kind collectible of one of the most valuable and highly sought after Classic Records pressings.

Michael Hobson "MH Play Copy" Archives

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.   In addition to the "MH Personal Archive", Hobson retained multiple copies of each release as “Play Copies” for demonstration and personal enjoyment in his dedicated home listening room.  Twenty Six years later it became clear to Classic Records founder that he did not need all the extra sealed “Play Copies” in addition to the full archive he also retained.  Still intact, Hobson’s “MH Play Copy” archive will be offered exclusively on themusic24 and Testpressings eBay accounts  by special arrangement with Michael Hobson.

Each piece has an official Classic Records  Archive Sticker on it, personally hand initialed by “MH”,  to assure authenticity and enhance the collectibility over time.  Generally,  less than 4  “MH Play Copies”, most often from the first stamper, will be made available.  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 in machines among     the various pressings.  These “MH Play Copy” records have not been moved from Hobson’s own climate controlled personal home Library 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  (Hobson’s Choice!) of Classic's various issues over time. These copies are likely to become ridiculously collectible and likely a better investment than anything save BitCoin! 

YouTube videos are posted weekly where Michael Hobson discusses current listings, archival items, Classic Records history, and rare audiophile records. To watch, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/HobsonArchive
Good luck!


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