Factory Sample copy of this first UK Columbia EMI Blue and Silver label LP from 1962. Vinyl looks and plays VG+ to NM, sleeve VG+ 

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 or  another courier, as the buyer requests)

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.

 

UK Columbia-EMI-pressed Stereo LP SAX 2437, recorded in Kingsway Hall, London, by Walter Legge in October-November 1961 and all first issued in stereo in UK May 1962.

Very first UK issue, Blue and Silver label with "Factory Sample Not for Sale" sticker on one side
Richard Strauss Tod und Verklarung & Metamorphosen. Played by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Otto Klemperer
165g vinyl appears EX to NM overall, good gloss, flat, hardly any signs of handling or play visible under bright light overall. On side 1 however there is a faint hairline that crosses most of the side but is not continuous, which produces some ticks intermittently (see below) Labels NM no spindle trails visible. 
Fully play-tested both sides VG+ to NM: superb recording, generally good surfaces with only very light background "static" groove noise,  Side 1 is VG+ because there are some mostly light to moderate repeating ticks in some places from the faint hairline,   which do not overwhelm the music, but are noticeable in the quieter sections (most obviously for about 60 revolutions in the middle of the side, and in a couple of places later on, but of lesser duration).  Side 2 has some "static" pops in the first few grooves, otherwise NM. The superb recording quality can still be appreciated, No wear or distortion, great performance!

Condition of first issue front-laminated triple flipback sleeve with large STEREO text is VG+.  All intact, good glossy laminate with small corner creasing upper right, spine undamaged, back mostly OK but has an old water stain upper right (no loss of surface) - see photos.
Very earliest issue "Musical Centres of the World" paper poly-lined inner sleeve EX

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 1kg (normally 1-3 LPs)                       £5.50  (Second class £4.50)

up to 2kg (normally 4-7 LPs)                       £7.00   (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)