Sold Date: August 26, 2023
Start Date: August 19, 2023
Final Price: $169.95 (USD)
Bid Count: 2
Seller Feedback: 127
Buyer Feedback: 0

A rare, special edition set of 45rpm first production records in original numbered artwork Jackets with a commemorative Plastylite test pressing label!  As an homage to Blue Note, the MMJ team pressed some of these early, first run production copies as a special edition with test pressing labels.  

These were actually the first pressings (from the first stampers greenlighted for use), original albums in a numbered jacket featuring this commemorative label.  Only a few sets were made for reviewers, record executives, MMJ team members and promotional consideration and were never offered for sale.  While the records feature a test pressing label, they were the first numbered sets off the original, first stampers.

Presented for auction by individual title will be the complete set of 45's with the low number of 018.  This set was part of the first run, actual production copies with a Test Pressings label complete with a jacket intended for complete evaluation, review and promotional distribution featuring the jackets, artwork and liner notes.  Each title of the complete 45 Music Matters Release, Blue Note the Definitive 45 RPM Reissue Series, will be up for sale.  All of the out of print, out of stock 45 RPM titles will be for sale over the next few months.  These had all been inspected, and sealed by RTI and Music Matters years ago and are being offered for sale for the first time.

For sale: Music Matters Jazz, Test Pressing, Jackie McLean, One Step Beyond, ORIGINAL MMJ RELEASE, 45RPM - MONO!

Catalog Number:  MMBST-84137,  2LP - 45 rpm, Originally released as part of the Blue Note Definitive 45 RPM Reissue Series in 2009

Each album is Sealed, in new condition as originally packaged by RTI & MMJ.

Here is what some of my hi-fi and record industry friends are saying:

Michael H. -

As a record producer, I know what it means to have a low pressing record off the first stampers.  It’s just a fact.  Then I had the opportunity to hear a few of Cliff’s low number test pressings and they sound just as good, if not better than the Music Matters production copes I compared it to.  And why wouldn’t they?  These are first run copies off a first, new, clean, fresh stamper.  The sonics are there!  These are definitely for the music enthusiast who wants the best sound!

Ali K.-

Hey Cliff Joon, what the heck is in these records?  These TP’s sound amazing!  You know I run a TechDAS AirForce turntable and the sound of these 45rpm test pressings is phenomenal.  Incredibly revealing.  Please keep the Definitive 45RPM Reissue Series coming and thanks for the copy of Pete La Roca’s “Basra” to audition.  Khali Ziba!!

Please note: these first production copies feature a commemorative Plastylite Test Pressing label.  Also, all records have the 017 serial number on back of jacket, we are not photographing each individual sticker on each jacket.  Thank you.

We provide a special offering of authentic Music Matters original releases, special editions and test pressings.  This offering features the numbered (018), original artwork jacket, 45rpm 2lp set, sealed with Music Matters original hype sticker.  Some of the records may include the original insert, this is not guaranteed and know way for us to know which records may have the insert.  

About Music Matters Definitive Reissue series:

The Music Matters Jazz 45 RPM records are probably the most sought after and desired audiophile records ever produced.  The 45rpm format renders some of the finest detail, amazing soundstage and musicality of these acclaimed recordings.  This is a great opportunity to own a Music Matters Jazz record that may be long out of print and selling for several hundreds of dollars.   

Music Matters records have set the standard as the greatest Blue Note reissues as these records offer amazing sound, clarity and realism where you can enjoy the amazing qualities and stunning dynamics.   These records are produced from the original master tapes and employed an all-analog manufacturing process.  This may be the last opportunity to acquire an MMJ all analog, "mastered from the original tape" Blue Note record!

Each album is Sealed, in new condition as originally packaged by MMJ.

About Test Pressings:

Test pressings are historically the first pressings made or "stamped" and are intended for music critics, promotion and colleagues in the industry.  For some, the test pressings are highly desired as these are the first vinyl copies to be pressed by a "record stamper" ensuring higher fidelity.  These test pressings have the same quality and sonic fidelity as the original Music Matters record, as they are first ones to be pressed off the final, "approved" virgin "record stampers" at the time of production.  All test pressings were visually and aurally inspected by the Music Matters team and RTI at the time of production.

Shipping:

We are currently shipping only to the Continental USA.  An update to our valued customers;  As many of you know, we try to and most often have shipped Fedex 2 Day and Home Delivery and USPS Priorty Mail.  Our cost for this was around $10-$14, and mostly we have charged $9-$11 for this service.  However, most recently USPS and Fedex have greatly increased their rates.  The same services now are approx. $15-$20...  Also, shipping materials have greatly increased, and we do not sacrifice on shipping materials and methods.  Our 'per shipment materials cost' is about $4.00 per package plus shipping rate, and remember, eBay even takes a cut of the shipping fee we collect!   In most cases what we charge for shipping does not cover shipping materials and delivery.  

Going forward, we will be using Media Mail more often.  Our comfort with Media Mail is that in over 300 records shipped using the Whiplash Mailer, we have not had one issue.  Please note, we factor in final sale value, number of records in order, customer location, shipping options and rates available to find the best value and fastest delivery.  When we ship media mail, we use the highly regarded 'Whiplash' box which is constructed with heavy gauge cardboard with extra corner protection.  We take great care to package the records - please review our feedback for the great comments on our shipping practices.  The shipping charges are for both the benefit of the buyer and seller, providing for insurance, select expedited shipping and top rate packing materials.  Ebay offers third party insurance for Media Mail.  

We, and this transaction are not affiliated with Music Matters Jazz.  Should you have a record that is unplayable or contains a significant defect, please contact us first.  We may be able to replace the copy.  But note, all records have been visually inspected.  Please note, the actual photos of 'white jacket' or label may differ, within the same title.  some have open label jackets, some have closed label jackets.  Also note, a Test Pressing may show evidence of factory or engineer play as they are designed to evaluate the stampers.

Standard Warranty of Records: 

All records potentially have some miniscule pressing or handling artifact which may include tics.  None of these should affect the play and we cannot return or replace records that have these standard artifacts.  All records have been visually inspected.  Topical or miniscule paper sleeve marks, and other signs of incidental handling will not cause audible surface noise.  All records should be cleaned prior to play to remove mold release agents caused in manufacturing and packaging.  Cleaning of records is a standard requirement and the best way to enjoy the full aural spectrum of the recording.

Thank you and bid with confidence as we have excellent feedback.