Christian Ferras Decca LXT 2827 Chausson/Ravel or/gold

	£		76
	$		101

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

CHRISTIAN FERRAS violin

Chausson: Poeme Op 25 ; Ravel   Tzigane ; Honegger: Sonata For Unaccompanied Violin.

Georges Sebastian, L'Orchestre National De Belgique

Decca LXT 2827( Orange/Gold label Pressed In England)

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

A rare mono pressing with the orange/gold/ with Rare Classical Price Guide 2006 listing  a mint copy at 125 pounds.  I have indicated a starting price of 15 pounds with no reserve taking into account the results of my grading.

 I replaced my already excellent Clearaudio machine with the UK Loricraft PRC 4(which cleans records almost  groove by groove) and also changed the cleaning fluid to the US made 3-step Walker Audio process. The results have been rather interesting to say the least. It does not have the original plain paper inner sleeve but I housed it in a custom made acid free paper sleeve. However, I will let the buyer decide if he wishes to have a paper sleeve or anti-static plastic sleeves though in our rather humid climate, I prefer paper.

GRADING RESULTS:

The cover is in a  VG++ . There is some wear signs along the bottom. On the back there are several discolouration spots.There are 2 stickers on the front top right hand corner with the words "Violin Sonata" and "Violin Solo". I have not attempted to remove them  lest I damage the cover.

The vinyl  is in Excellent shape visually. Strangely, this LP does not have the  'mounts" which seem to afflict early Decca pressings especially in this part of the world. There is a tiny white spot on Side 1 which did not cause any tracking or playing problems.  The vinyl retains its glossy sheen and is mirror like. There were no spindle marks. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro arm and Lyra Helikon SL cartridge, there was some sustained surface noise in the beginning which made the playing more towards VG+ but it declined and the playing was generally VG++ after that. About 3/4 into play, there were a series of thumps but it did not detract too much from the listening pleasure( the same thing happened about halfway into Side 2) but all these were not intrusive and did not detract one from the listening pleasure and there was no distortion whatsover.  I would rate the playing on both sides as between VG + to VG++.

How I Clean and  Grade my Records

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC4 cleaning machine and/or VPI 17.5 using Walker Audio 3 step solution.

Playback Equipment: Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Armeggedon/Naim Aro tonearm/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers. For 45s I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Lyra Clavis.

I use both Goldmine and Rare Record Price Guide grading system as a guide and came up with the following:

·       Mint  I only use this for sealed items. The record is virtually unplayed and is in a brand new condition. Cover is pristine. Up till now, I have never used this grading and, chances are, never will, due to my conservative nature in matters of record grading.

·       Near Mint  Very little or negligible flaws. Faint lines or very faint creasing  on laminated covers visible under a strong light is acceptable but nothing serious. Records which show some signs of having been played such as very faint spindle marks are allowed but there should be no lessening in sound quality. .

·       Excellent   Item obviously played, though not often,and enjoyed with some slight noise. The record should be nice and shiny but may have a few light marks which should not intrude on play. Slight wear on cover is acceptable. 

·         Very Good Many more imperfections which are noticeable but not obtrusive. The record has been played several times but there should be no major deterioration in sound quality despite some noticeable surface marks and light scratches. Normal wear and tear or writings on the cover  is acceptable but there should not be any major tears.

I do not offer any records below Very Good  unless its extremely rare. 

Shipping costs

I use brand new custom made  plastic sleeves  for both the vinyl and for the sleeve. Shipping is always by Airmail and by registered post as it allows one to track items in case of delays. One buyer has even likened my packing as “ Fort Knox”! Shipping costs in ₤ are:

LPs :

₤8.50 for the first

₤1.50  for the  2nd

₤1 each for the  subsequent ones

I usually quote lower for Asia and  Australia but in the event the actual cost is marginally lower than stipulated  costs, I will generally adjust for repeat buyers in future purchases. However, I  will refund if the difference is more than 50p or if the buyer wants me to (In this respect, I will inform them if such a situation arises). I will also inform buyers of the registration details through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice) 

·       International Money Orders