Eden Ahbez Eden's Island 1960 Stereo Original Del-Fi Rare Monarch Pressing

$

133

Eden Ahbez Eden's Island on Del-Fi DFST 1211

 Rare stereo Monarch pressing (well known pressing plant in Los Angeles) from 1959, Eden Ahbez wrote the classic song 'Nature Boy' which was covered by just about everybody. This is his only full length that I know of and came out on surf music label Del-Fi in 1960. Picture spacey poetic dialogues set to Martin Denny-ish instrumentals and you are half way there.
Eden was known as possibly the 1st hippy. the stereo version is a bit harder to find than the mono. Deadwax has the MR within a circle stamp and delta job # identifying this as a Monarch pressing. Labels are really nice.
 The VG+ vinyl itself has some light marks but plays far beyond what you would expect with excellent fidelity and relatively quiet play
(I play test with an elliptical stylus specifically so I can hear any tics that happen,
a line contact or better may not hear those, and I want to hear the worst that is going on) the record has never been deep cleaned yet sounded great with a light tic at the beginning and end of the 1st side, a few tics between tracks 2 & 3 on side 2, as well as a tic towards the end of track 3.
Even at the lead in it is obvious that everything about this record is superior to most made today because it is surprisingly quiet!
I would play grade it at a strong VG+ overall with obvious potential to play better -not knowing if the few small tics disappear or not is the only thing that makes this VG+, the marks are not felt and not too many, but they are there,
side one has somewhat less than what is on side 2 (a small scattered handful on each side).

The cover is very presentable but is VG: shelf and age wear are evident, with the bottom of the sleeve split halfway
across. There is also a number written on the back in marker. Otherwise nice.
Plain white inner is nice and in EX shape.

If you need more info please just ask.

Will be packaged properly: well padded with records outside of cover and in new anti-stat sleeves,
so it all arrives  in great shape.
Shipping domestically via USPS media mail w/tracking.

I do a combined shipping discount:  2 for the price of shipping one lp adding a dollar for every lp thereafter ($4 dollars for 1 or 2, $5 for 3, etc.).
On domestic purchases only.

Will ship worldwide, check the shipping calculator for cost.
some places I do not ship to.

If there is an issue with something, I aim to make it right, please ask any questions if you have any.



Grading Reference
M(MINT) Perfection, no flaws, defects, marks or otherwise indications of being handled or played. Has a glossy, new like sheen (some pressings are glossier than others though). Hairline marks or otherwise disqualify discs from this category. Labels, cover and inners are like new.
 
M-, or NM The vinyl is virtually flawless, bright and shiny. A very minor, barely visible scuff or two may be permitted, these often come on new mint records -but no scratches. The disc should play with no audible surface or groove noise. The label is bright, clean and unmarked. Covers, etc are still like new save for extremely small and few signs of handling.

VG++ or EX(Excellent!)(VERY GOOD ++) This is a broad grade that covers items that are obviously almost NM and better than VG+ (VG+ used to be an excellent grade range covering discs that approach NM in condition but with signs of handling in varying degrees. Some local shops still use it this way but online VG+ typically means marked up but playable which to me means VG). excellent or VG++  Discs play perfectly or near enough to not warrant a downgrade. May have minor paper scuffs that do not interfere with the sound quality. There can possibly be a hairline scratch or two but nothing feelable or affecting play. Vinyl has full gloss, label is clean and virtually unmarked possibly showing a light spindle mark or two. Covers and inner sleeves likewise are in extremely nice shape save for minimal and minor flaws.

VG+(VERY GOOD PLUS) Some visible surface wear, very minor scratches and scuffs (if any can be felt with a fingernail in this grade they would be very small with little impact save for a handful of light tics at this grade), but minimal impact on the sound quality. Vinyl will still have decent luster; labels may have minor imperfections but otherwise clean. Covers etc. are intact, clean and in relatively nice shape allowing for typical wear with maybe some small splits and very minimal negatives, but still very presentable.

VG(VERY GOOD) Vinyl will have noticeable marks, scratches or scuffs that cause minor surface noise, but do not overpower the music. Feelable marks if any should be minimal and not interfere with play save for some light ticks -anything fitting that description would get a lesser grade depending on the impact of the mark balanced against the condition of the rest of the disc. There will be no skips or sticking. Vinyl may have a diminished sheen (less gloss). Labels may have small tears, tape marks, writing, etc. but still easily legible. Covers etc. May have a combination of ring wear, shelf wear and or splits to varying degrees of still decent but flawed presentability.

G(GOOD) Well-played, dull sheen, with many or possibly deep scratches and wear causing distracting surface noise (hisses, pops, cracks and other nasties). The record will still play through without any skips. Labels and covers etc. may be significantly defaced or damaged.

Grading is done per Goldmine/U.S. standards which are pretty much in line with what Ebay has as a standard.
I grade conservatively but when I use 'EX', I try to use it to actually mean EXCELLENT.