Leonard Bernstein,Horne,McCracken: Bizet: Carmen Label: Deutsche Grammophon 2709 043 Stereo Made in Germany 3 LPs Condition Record: Mint-/Mint-/NM+/Mint-/Mint-/Mint- (Side 1-6) Condition Jacket/Box: NM Description: Leonard Bernstein conducts The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus and Children's Chorus with Marilyn Horne and James McCracken in Bizet's Carmen. This set is on The Absolute Sound Super Disc List. The Penguin Stereo Classical Music Guide gives record its highest 3 star rating and says, 'Never before not even in Beecham's classic set, had the full theatrical flavor of Bizet's score been conveyed.' Super clean copy!


              Is it just me or does anyone else agree that the fun of Ebay used to be the auction format? And that now 90% of the records for sale are Buy It Now sales-often at exorbitant prices? I am committed to the auction format.  At low starting prices.  Let the fun begin!                    
RECORD GRADES
            SEALED:  Factory sealed.  As collectors know, not necessarily a guarantee of condition             MINT MINUS (Mint-): Used only for a super, super clean looking and sounding disc.             NEAR MINT+ (NM+): Maybe one light tick.             NEAR MINT (NM): A record that is almost perfect with audio flaws limited to very slight and isolated ticks and usually no visual flaws. Rare non-sounding visual flaws will be noted.             NEAR MINT MINUS (NM-): Occasional visual flaws that are non-sounding, and very minimal noise-slight occasional mild tick- that does not intrude on the music (for 99% of listeners).             VERY GOOD PLUS PLUS, VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+++,VG++,VG+): A record that may have some slight flaws, occasional ticks, very few repeating light ticks, etc. VG+ same as VG++               but more pronounced. VG+++ closer to NM-.             VERY GOOD (VG): May have additional ticks or background noise that is audible in lower and middle volume passages and scratches that cause mild and moderate noise. May be noticeable but generally              the music is still appreciable and enjoyable for many listeners.  Usually an extremely rare or valuable record with some redeeming value.

            

                       I try to grade records fairly and conservatively. I try to mention specific defects as I hear them.  However variation exists in playback systems and even in the ears of different listeners. Some pressings

                      are known to have background noise that are inherent in the original tapes and pressings. Older monophonic records and even new records made from older (78) records or tapes also have inherent

                      noise in them. I play grade all records but cannot possibly listen to the whole program. I do spot check visual flaws when seen. My system is a Linn LP12-Lingo Turntable with a Graham 2.2 tonearm/Ortofon

                      Jubilee cartridge with Standard Exposure amp-preamp and Thiel speakers. My system is very transparent and reveals a lot of detail in the music which can include surface noise.  A friend of mine who

                      also has a Linn LP12 with Krell amps and Linn tonearm and cartridge routinely grades my records a half to full grade higher than I do. And they actually do sound different (mellower-better or veiled-worse)

                      on his system.  Please check my feedback and you will see customers who are happy with the quality and description of the records purchased.  However I am only human and may occasionally miss something.

                      Therefore I do offer a full refund if not satisfied, less shipping charges of course.

 

                       REFERENCES:  The Penguin Stereo Record Guide Second Edition critiques 1000s of classical records, particularly European pressings, with some American pressings.  Records are judged on a

                      1 to 3 star basis with a special ‘Rosette’ for truly extraordinary discs.  Johnathan Valin is the author of ‘Living Stereo-The RCA Bible’ in which he critiques the RCA catalog.  James Mitchell wrote 

                      The Golden Age of RCA Records in which he discusses and rates the RCA catalog on a 1-10 basis with a 10+ and 10++ for extraordinarily good discs.

          

                      SHIPPING:     Please check out my other auctions. I will combine shipping charges for multiple purchases.

                      All USA buyers will have packages shipped by Media Mail: $5 for the 1st LP and $1 more for each additional LP. Charges include a brand new mailer and delivery confirmation.

                      International customers will have items shipped Priority Mail International. According to the USPS website delivery is within 6-10 days.

                      First Class International Mail-limit up to 4 pounds. Only for non-expensive purchases. Only at my discretion. And buyer must agree not to hold me responsible for loss or damage.

                      You can check prices on the USPS website.

                      If you have any questions please consult with me prior to bidding.