Hokus Poke " Earth Harmony" original Vertigo LP die cut cover

	£		156
	$		207

ARTISTE/TITLE/LABEL HOKUS POKE "Earth Harmony" Vertigo 6360 064 (see below for country of pressing)

An original LP which is housed in a diecut gatefold jacket. Its on the white Vertigo label with the spiral at the 12 o'clock position on both sides. I have put up a number of these in the past and would like to reproduce what I wrote in those descriptions for the benefit of those who have not read it before( regular bidders please bear with me): For several years, we here in Singapore, used to be puzzled as to the origins of these pressings. It is definitely not Singapore as the matrix numbers are machine stamped whereas Singapore ones were scratched in. We used to think it was a German pressing with a UK cover. However, towards the latter part of 2007 ie in Nov or Dec, a UK seller put up a number of similar Vertigo LPs and indicated that he found them in their UK warehouse and that they were UK pressed but for export to Singapore and the Far East. I am of the view that he is correct as the sonics are pretty good. Besides Singapore did not have the expertise at that time to produce die cut covers( see results of my grading below)

Buyers please note that I am based in Singapore and that the postage rate indicated is for domestic UK shipping(It is part of the UK system and I cannot change it ...please read my shipping section below). 

GRADING RESULTS: 

 The jacket generally looks  VG++. There are some  wear at the corner edges as well as a price sticker at the top right hand corner at the front.  There is also some wear at the spine though the lettering is still very legible.

Side 2 of the vinyl has a very light  hairline which did not seem to have gotten into the grooves and which did not affect play. Side 1 looks relatively cleaner with a couple of hairlines. It maintains its lustre and is mirror like.Tracking at 1.7g on a Naim ARO/Linn Troika cartridge on a Linn LP12, there were some very light and very occasional extraneous surface noise . These were generally beneath the music and not intrusive. The playing could generally be graded as   Excellent in view of this.

HOW I CLEAN AND GRADE MY RECORDS

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC 4 cleaning machine  using the US made Walker Audio stage cleaning solution.

Playback Equipment: 

Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Armeggedon/Naim Aro tonearm/Linn Troika cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers.  I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Grado through a Naim 52/250 into Harbeth P3 speakers as well and generally the LPs are played through both systems.

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

NOTE ON SHIPPING:  With effect from 27th January 2009, EBay UK has introduced a new policy whereby UK sellers have to offer a basic UK inland postage amount which is limited to £4. I am not based in the UK but in Singapore and whilst the amount would not even cover 7"/EPs, I could bear the difference for 45s but not in the case of LPs.  £4 may be barely sufficient for surface mail which will take 8 to 12 weeks and without registration. I have indicated the shipping costs below for registered air mail, but if UK buyers insist that I stick to that basic amount, then I suppose I will send by surface mail though I strongly advise against that mode .

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.  Shipping costs in pounds are:

UK/USA/Europe/Australia                       12.50  pounds

Hongkong, Taiwan South Korea           8.9  pounds

China                                                         8.3 pounds

Each addeitional LP : 6 GBP

 I will  inform buyers of the registration details through Email on posting which is usually within 48 hours upon receipt of the funds.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice)