Jethro Tull / Aqualung Mobile Fidelity MFSL 1-061

$

46

Auctioning off my personal record collection. 
I am a private collector, not a dealer. As a (former) buyer I was VERY fussy about the condition of the records I purchased, and remember too well the disappointment of receiving a record that didn't match my expectations -- not to mention the seller's description. In the hopes of sparing the buyer this disappointment, the records I list will be described in detail, with any flaws and imperfections clearly pointed out and shown in photos. I believe a detailed description provides more information than a "grade" (Mint, EX, VG, etc.) and is far less subjective. I might still grade an item, but only in addition to a detailed description - never as a substitute.
Please don't be alarmed by my emphasis on the negative! I believe in full disclosure because different people have different standards and expectations. I have decided to mention even the most insignificant, tiniest, minutest flaw - precisely because it might not be so insignificant, tiny and minute to you. Please don't let the pictures (especially the close-ups) scare you: the lighting and angles were set up expressly to emphasize the flaws rather than attempt to mask or even hide them. Again, this is done in the interest of full disclosure and to prevent disappointment by strict and (justifiably) demanding bidders. Trust me, the close-ups make the flaws appear more ominous than they really are.

The record:
Jethro Tull / Aqualung Half-speed mastered on Mobile Fidelity (MFSL). Original lyric insert Original warranty mail-in card Original MFSL rice paper inner sleeve Original stiffener (inner cover).
Condition: Vinyl: Record has been played at least 6 times on a high-end VPI Aries turntable with a Grado Statement Sonata and a Benz Ruby H cartridge. These had been properly set up and aligned, so there is no groove damage whatsoever. The vinyl still has all its sheen. There are a few hairlines and a scuff caused by the inner sleeve. (This is the previous owner's work, mind you - I handle my records with kid gloves.)  I have provided close-up photos of these flaws, but don't let the pictures scare you: the lighting and angles were set up expressly to emphasize them, in the interest of full disclosure and to prevent disappointment by strict and (justifiably) demanding high bidders. The hairlines and scuff are faint, superficial, and do not affect play at all. As can be seen in the pictures, the vinyl requires cleaning. This means it isn't CD-quiet, but remember: this is JVC Super Vinyl - the best and quietest vinyl formulation ever produced - and the grooves are not worn, so cleaning the record properly WILL eliminate the odd crackle that can be heard during quiet passages and from the unmodulated grooves between songs. Bottom line: If you twisted my arm and demanded a "grade", I would give this record an EX even though the previous owner graded it M- and I accepted that despite my strict, nearly obsessive standards.
Labels: One tiny spindle mark on each side.
Cover: 1 inch (2.5 cm) top seam split. This is a "clean" split, not a gaping disgusting hole. TINY amount of corner wear. Open edge very slightly worn (see back cover photo). Otherwise the cover is fresh and clean. The surfaces are perfect, spotless and unworn. I would grade the cover at least EX. It is literally in Excellent condition.
Stiffener: Ring wear at the front bottom and back top edges. Wear to the other edges as well. Basically the black ink is slightly worn off on 3 edges. There are fingerprints on the black surface.
Lyric Insert + Mail-in card: Perfect condition, totally unworn - including corners.

Shipping:
1. The record is located in Israel. 2. Please disregard the shipping prices displayed at the top of the listing. These are my first listings in years so I do not know the shipping rates at this time. I do however remember them being much cheaper than the equivalent USPS rates. If you regularly buy records by mail then you know what to expect. 3. You can choose the shipping method, but if you choose uninsured/unregistered/untracked/etc. then I obviously cannot and will not be held responsible if your package is lost in the mail. Shipping from Israel IS relatively cheap - take advantage of that and insure or register your package. 4. The record will be shipped in a used LP mailer box that I've been keeping since the time I was buying records myself. This saves you money. The box is in good condition and WILL protect your record in transit. 5. No "packing", "handling" or other silly fees will be charged.


Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Will happily provide as many additional photos as needed - just ask.
Good luck and happy bidding!