Superb copy of  this not-often seen first UK HMV EMI Gold and Cream label 4LP boxset, first issued in stereo in UK in 1963. Recorded in the church where Bach worked as Kapellmeister from 1723-50, and where he is buried.Vinyls look and play N M, box NM   

COMBINED POSTAGE:  I am happy to stockpile LPs if you want to make a larger package to save on postage costs (over 2kg, I will send with DHL)

PLEASE NOTE - you are bidding on original 1960s vinyl - this will not have completely silent surfaces, even when in unplayed condition - but the sound and recording quality is generally excellent.  If you are looking for absolutely perfect blemish-free reproduction, please bear this in mind.

 

First issue of this UK HMV EMI-pressed Stereo 3LP boxset, ASDS 501, ASD 502-4 (first LP is single-sided) (SLS 767), released 1963

Earliest UK issue, Gold and Cream labels 
J S Bach Christmas Oratorio Sung by Agnes Giebel, Marga Hoffgen, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and Joseph Traxel, with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and St Thomas's Church Chorus, conducted by Kurt Thomas (see photos for more details)
160g vinyls all appear NM, superb gloss, flat, with just very faint traces of handling and previous use visible under bright light, look almost unplayed.  A very small pressing "bump" at the end of side 6 hardly registers at all Labels NM barely any spindle trails visible. 
Fully play-tested all seven sides.  NM, superb playback, wonderful clear recording of the soloists, and lovely acoustic of the St Thomas Church, Leipzig. Good quiet surfaces with low levels of background noise, just very occasional "static" pops from long storage, none loud or disturbing (NB LPs have not been cleaned, so this may improve). No wear or distortion, really enjoyable.
Condition of first issue front-laminated "narrow spine" black-back box with gilded spine lettering and gold "Stereophonic EMI Recording" sticker is NM.  All intact, very crisp and clean overall, good glossy laminate with no defects, spine undamaged and unfaded, back undamaged, effectively as new - see photos.
Very earliest issue "Outstanding Artists" paper poly-lined inner sleeves NM Original 16 page leaflet is EX (all intact, no damage or tears, some age spotting to front cover, otherwise as new.
More photos available on request

I will combine postage for multiple items (even if ebay says I won't!) - please contact me if you are intending to bid on more LPs - thanks!

Payment please within seven days of auction ending; foreign bidders please wait for invoice. 

These LPs are all from my personal collection, which has grown much too large, and so I am thinning down, as I won't be able to listen to all of them in one lifetime.  I will be putting up for auction mainly classical LPs from the advent of LP in the early 1950s until the 1980s, but principally early stereos (late 50s and 60s), rare repertoire, and often first or early pressings.  There will also be some 1960s-80s rock, pop, blues and jazz

The description will state if the LPs have been fully auditioned (for rarer material, or when the visual grading is unclear),spot-auditioned, or if not otherwise stated, just visually graded.

For listening tests, stereo LPs are played either on LP12/Ekos/Dynavector Karat17D2 or Garrard 301/SME 3009/Denon DL103R, while monos are tested on Thorens TD160/SME 3009/Denon DL102, all through Quad QC24/Quad IIs/ESL63 system ).  Visual grading is under tungsten-halogen spotlight or direct sunlight (when available in England!)

A few LPs will have been professionally cleaned, and this will be stated in the description.  In my experience, most used LPs will benefit from professional cleaning which reduces background surface noise and often removes many of the pops and clicks, especially when these are due to debris, grease etc on the surface.

 

GRADING  (obviously slightly subjective and often dependent on original pressing and vinyl quality) - see description of each LP for more detail. 

Mint  Only used for sealed and unopened records (which may of course have pressing defects which are not visible until unsealed).

NM     Visually perfect, no scuffs or other marks, and plays without any problems, and barely audible surface noise (depending on date and pressing).  No spindle trails on label. Jacket (sleeve) or box will be almost perfect.

EX+    The occasional extremely light mark, fingernail scuffs etc that should not make any difference to the sound, possibly a few spindle trails on the label. Playback should be similar to NM.  Jacket or box may have very minor defects such as slight creases, or ring-wear but these will be not very noticeable

EX     Only one or two very minor marks that might give the occasional low level pop or click but no serious scuffs or scratches and the record should play without any distortion or serious problems. Surface noise may be slightly more apparent than NM but still not at all distracting.  Jacket or box may have some minor defects, slight distortions or edge knocks, small amount of discolouration or slight laminate peel etc.

 VG+    Minor surface marks that will give occasional background noise or a few repeating click and pops for a short period, or more noticeable surface noise, but on the whole the record should play without serious problems, and will still be enjoyable to listen to.  Sleeve or box may have noticeable defects (laminate peel or loss, small edge splits or repaired tears, staining or discoloration, slight sticker damage etc), but no major tears, losses, or bends.

VG:   There are marks that will cause some deterioration in the sound, such as repeating clicks from shallow scratches, or higher levels of background noise but this will not be serious enough to cause a major distraction to the listener.  Very slight inner groove or "side-end" distortion may be present on loud passages. Sleeve or box might have splits (repaired or otherwise), pronounced ring-wear, tears, sticker damage, writing,or noticeable creases or bends. 

Only very rare records will be offered for sale in less than VG condition; the description will give details of all the defects in such cases.

  

Postal charges:                      

Calculated by weight, including packaging

UK:  Royal Mail "signed-for" 1st class (insured up to £50)

Up to 2kg (normally 6-7 LPs)                       £5.50   (Second class £4.50)

Over 2kg, Parcelforce Express 48 prices (insured up to £100):

Up to 5kg                                                       £13

Up to 10kg                                                     £16

Additional insurance can be purchased, please ask for a quote.

Europe signed and tracked postage (insured up to £50):

1 LP £12.00 

2 LP  £13.00

3 LP  £14.00

4 LP £15.00

5 LP £16.00

Rest of the World (except USA and Australia) signed, and tracked if available, air mail (insured up to £50):

1 LP  £17.00 

2 LP  £20.00

3 LP  £23.00

4 LP  £25.00

5 LP  £27.00

Tracked and signed-for postage to the USA and Australia has unfortunately recently become more expensive:

1 LP  £19.00 

2 LP  £22.00 

3 LP  £25.00 

4 LP  £28.00 

5 LP  £31.00 

 ·         Larger quantities, please ask for a quote. 

 ·         Boxed sets - the box generally adds the weight of one extra LP.  Please remember that earlier pressings will usually weigh more than later ones (some early mono LPs are more than 200g).

 ·         For all packages insurance is required and I can provide a quote for higher value packages (over £50).  I will always retain proof of postage.

 ·         LPs will be well packed, with extra stiffeners, and with the LP removed from the outer sleeve to prevent seam splits.  High value items will be double-boxed.

 ·         Honest mistakes in grading can occur occasionally, so if the LP is not as described, please contact me within 14 days to arrange return and refund (buyer pays return postage)