, *, *, * / * / * ‎– Carmen Fantaisie / Zigeunerweisen / Havanaise / Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso

Exceptionally Rare Original 1960 Australian Stereo issue, pressed from UK stampers, housed in an Australian sleeve. (on Orange Aussie Decca labels, which is Stereo, not Mono in Australia)

The vinyl record plays VG overall, but there are plenty of large areas of Excellent playback.

The audio throughout the record is astounding, but there is some surface damage in places, that cause some ticks and clicks, especially in the first third of Side Two. (still sounds very good)

The audio around these imperfections is superb, and the record is still a great listen. I would grade Side One as VG+ and Side Two as VG

This is a great insight into the Original UK issue, as these early 60's Aussie Decca records were pressed with UK stampers, with an occasional issue pressed from stampers made in Australia, from UK Mother plates.

This one is from a UK 1E/ 1E master.

I often do blind comparisons with these Aussie issues to the UK equivalent, and the amount of times that the Aussie issue gets the vote, is quite surprising.

I would say that from the issues that I have done audio comparisons on, there is no notable difference, other than a very slight tonal difference, which is not always in the UK favour (this is a matter of taste, rather than quality)

In saying this, I have never had the opportunity to do this comparison on this particular issue, but the audio is brilliant, even with the imperfections.

The entire record is a really good listen, with the imperfections being a mild annoyance, rather than ruining the experience.

The Original pinched spine, laminated Australian sleeve is Excellent - see pics

Label: ‎– SXL 2197, ‎– SXL.2197 Format: , LP, Stereo
Country: Released: Genre: Style: Tracklist A1 –* Arr. *, With The * Conducted By Carmen - Fantaisie Op.25 Arranged By – *Composed By – *
A2 –*, With The * Conducted By Zigeunerweisen, Op.20, No. 1 Composed By – *
B1 –*, With The * Conducted By Havanaise, Op.83 Composed By – *
B2 –*, With The * Conducted By Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso, Op.28 Composed By – *
Companies, etc. Pressed By – Recorded At – Lacquer Cut At – Printed By – Copyright (c) – Credits Conductor – Engineer [Uncredited] – Lacquer Cut By – Orchestra – * Producer [Uncredited] – Violin – A few words about condition.








Grade & 
score out of 100
                                           GRADING
Mint is a Rigid Band - The next Four Grades are all Narrow Bands, that slightly widen as the condition gradually deteriorates - Good is still Good, but there is a rapid widening of the Grade Bands, as the condition deteriorates over the last Four grades.

MINT
100
The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality.
The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition.
Only graded on records that are sealed or clearly unplayed.
 
NEAR MINT
97 to 99        

EXCELLENT
90 to 96
The record shows virtually no signs of having been played,  there is no lessening in sound quality.
The cover and  packaging might have the slightest of tiny defects.
 
The record shows some slight signs of having been played, but there is very little, (if any) lessening in sound quality.
The cover and  packaging might have very slight wear. 
 
VERY GOOD PLUS
80 to 89

VERY GOOD
69 to 79
The record shows signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality.
The cover and  packaging might have slight wear, light creasing.

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch.
Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects.
This is an above average used record, that has been well looked after.




GOOD
56 to 68
The record has been played so much that the sound quality has deteriorated, but the record will still play through, and it will not be a completely unpleasant listening experience, even at the bottom of this grade (56).
The cover and contents may suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc. 




FAIR
41 to 55
The record is still playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even stick, skip or jump.. This is starting to be an unpleasant listening experience at the top of the grade (55) and will not be a pleasant listening experience at all by the end of it (41).
The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced. 
 
POOR
25 to 40
The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc.
The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing. 
 
BAD
0 - 24
The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.
The Sleeve is non existent (0) or what is left, is only just recognisable.


A few words about postage.

Within Australia, the best value for multiple purchases is a 5KG satchel, where as many as 15 to 20 LPs can be posted for $22.00 registered post. (well packed in a box, inside the satchel)

My Policies on postage are simple.

I post at cost.
The user pays.
I package well.

Any item that you purchase without choosing the option of "Signed for" or "Registered" Post, is at your risk.
I do accept that "signed for" can be expensive, especially internationally, but whether you take the option of this insurance, is entirely up to you.
I do not wish to withdraw the option of standard postage for the cheaper records, but it must be at your risk.