MICHAEL RABIN / MENDELSSOHN VIOLIN CONCERTO 33CX 1597

	£		111
	$		147

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

MICHAEL RABIN " Mendelssohn Violin Concerto"(blue gold UK Columbia 33CX 1597)

Mendelssohn - Concerto in E Minor ,Op.64 / Ravel - Tzigane
The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult
Saint-Saens - Havanaise,Op.83
The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Alceo Galliera

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

A very rare 1958 mono recording by Michael Rabin on the blue gold UK Columbia, this LP rarely comes up for sale and in the event it does fetches in excess of 150 pounds. As Rare Classical Price Guide 2006 lists a mint copy at 250 pounds, I have indicated a starting price of 60 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 literally 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.

GRADING RESULTS:

The cover is in a strong VG++ to Excellent condition. Though there are no writings, tears etc there are some slight creases on the laminate. There is no seam split except for a tiny chip of the laminate on the spine and the wording on the spine is very legible. There are 2 stickers on the top right hand corner with the words "Violin Concerto" and "Violin Solo". I have not attempted to remove them lest I damage the cover. The back is generally clean and the glue on the flipback is still strong and intact.

The vinyl  is in Near Mint  shape visually. There are no visible scratches and no spindle marks on both sides even when looked at under light. The vinyl retains its glossy sheen and is mirror like. There is a very tiny hump about 0.5 inch from the starting grooves but it did not cause any skips or affect play. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro arm and Lyra Helikon SL cartridge, there were some soft clicks or pops but these were not intrusive and did not detract one from the listening pleasure and there was no distortion whatsover. There was one rather louder pop about half way on side 2.  I would rate the playing on both sides was generally between VG++ to Excellent.

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