ERIC DOLPHY "OUT TO LUNCH" BLUE NOTE 4163 LP MONO RVG NEW YORK EARS NEAR MINT

$

725

Up for auction is a superb copy of the the Eric Dolphy record "Out To Lunch" released on Blue Note Records (BLP 4163) in 1964.  According to Wikipedia, "Out To Lunch" is considered one of the finest albums in [Blue Note's] history, as well as one of the high points in 1960s jazz avant garde and in Dolphy's discography.
This copy is one of the finest you'll comes across.  New York USA labels, with Side One deep groove.  According to expert Fred Cohen in his authoritative book, "Blue Note Records: A Guide For Identifying Original Pressings," the presence or lack of deep grooves on the New York USA releases has no impact on the record's value.  And one-sided deep groove pressings were very common at this point in Blue Note's history, as they used different pressing equipment interchangeably depending on needs and demand.
Yes, the Plastylite "ears" and RVG are stamped in the dead wax, both indicators that this record is a genuine and original mono pressing.  The W. 61st St. NYC address on the back cover is correct for this release.  Comes with correct factory Blue Note inner sleeve, but is stored in an audiophile sleeve for added protection.
The cover is beautiful condition.  Very few signs of previous handling.  The high gloss lamination is completely intact, no bubbling, no lifts, no separations.  No signs of age discoloration, graphics are bright and bold.  Seams are strong, intact, no cracks, no flaking, no splits.  Corners are sharp, crisp, though upper left has a very tiny bump (see photo).  Lower left corner is ever so slightly rubbed.  Back cover is super clean, bone white, no markings of any kind, no ring wear, just as you'd expect from such a top copy.  Looks fresh out of the shrink wrap.  Labels are clean and bright, no significant markings or rubbing loss.  Overall, I'd grade the cover Near Mint (NM).  Hard to upgrade this cover for any reason.
The vinyl record is in superb condition, with no obvious scratches, scuffs, or significant marks to speak of.  Beautiful high glossy faces on the record.  I doubt his record has been played more than a couple times, if that.  Very well-cared for, with almost no signs of use.  Perhaps some very faint and superficial signs here and there of having been taken in and out of the paper inner sleeve for inspection over the last 50 years.  Play tested, this record sounds beautiful and clean, no significant surface or background noise to distract from the music.  Full-bodied mono fidelity, with sharp, clean highs and lows.  Lead in groove has a little surface noise, but immediately disappears when the music starts.  Quiet between songs.  I'd grade the vinyl Near Mint (NM).
100% guaranteed, risk free buying.  Money back, no questions asked for any reason.  Rarely does a copy of this album come up for sale in this condition, and it's hard to imagine finding a nicer one to improve upon this any time soon.  A rare opportunity for the serious collector.