NENA 99 LUFTBALLONS rare TEST LP NEW UNPLAYED punk neue welle krautrock
£
100
$
133
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Description
NENA - 99 LUFTBALLONS, groundbreaking 1984 studio album from German new wave band. This LP is an english language/international version released in UK on EPIC RECORDS EPC 25925. This is the MEGA RARE TEST PRESSING LP of the first (and only) UK vinyl edition. The record is in STONE COLD MINT, AS NEW, UNPLAYED condition.
RARITY: Obviously what makes the copy offered for sale here a rare one - is the fact that it is a WHITE LABEL TEST PRESS COPY. It`s impossible to find out an exact number of test copies pressed for this particular album, but my guess is - about 4-5. It is rumoured that even for the releases of the bands that were the cornerstones of record industry, such as THE BEATLES, there were only about a dozen of test copies made. I seriously doubt that there are other test press copies of this album on the market nowadays, they were viewed back then, as something belonging to manufacturing process and often were discarded, once the commercial pressing was up and running. In any event, TEST PRESSING LPs are the genuine very first copies of any release, and as such are UNIQUE AND MEGA RARE examples of the album.
Having said that, I have to add that this particular copy offered for sale here - is in absolutely stunning, I would dare say "exclusive" condition, and I will explain in detail further on, why I am of such an opinion.THE MATRICES: Side1 - EPC 25925 A1. Side2 - EPC 25925 B1.
THE STAMPERS: Both sides - A 1 (the very first copy).
THE LABELS: company in-house blank white labels are in STONE COLD MINT CONDITION, there are absolutely no stickers/sticker residue, dirt or fingermarks.
THE VINYL/VISUAL INSPECTION: STONE COLD MINT, checked thoroughly under 100 watt lamp at an angle, there are NO signs of the record being taken out of it`s sleeve, NO scuffs/scratches, no fingermarks, dirt or anything like that. I CAN`T SEE ANY EVIDENCE OF IT BEING PLAYED OR INDEED BEING TAKEN OUT OF IT`S SLEEVE, in my opinion, whoever it was supposed to listen to it at EPIC, never got around to actually doing it.
THE VINYL/PLAYGRADED: The lp was playgraded on my high-end system including MICHEL GYRODEC with SUMIKO BLUE POINT SPECIAL CARTRIDGE, with following results: I`m pleased to say that both sides are playgraded as STONE COLD MINT. Perhaps I have at this point to elaborate on the system of grading that is currently used by the sellers on the internet. I think you`ve noticed that sometimes it can be rather vague and basically imperfect way of describing the condition of the LP. Partially it is due to subjective nature of the listening process in itself and consequently grading, i.e. - one guy`s "near mint" is another guy`s "barely excellent minus". Also, grading is heavily influenced by the quality and set-up of the record player (especially it`s cartridge) and at times, erm... by the desire of the seller to get as much as possible for his record. I think for the most expensively priced lps, more detailed grading system should be adopted. For this particular listing, in view of how high a starting bid is, I would ask you to adopt 10 point scale, where 10.0 is a compact disc like "black silence". So, if we can agree on this 10 point system - I have no reservations to playgrade the lp advertised in this listing as full 10.0 points. I would also like to point out, that to avoid buyer`s disappointment I PLAY GRADE ALL RECORDS VERY (and I mean VERY) LOUD, so that all audible imperfections would reveal themselves. I want to assure you that I`m very strict and perhaps even too unforgiving a grader, and I`m confident that you will agree with my grading, allowing 0.5 point to the 10.0 points that I awarded to this lp on the 10 point scale. Anyway, without further ado - I`m happy to playgrade the lp as an overall STONE COLD MINT.
FINAL THOUGHT: I realise that a lot of people do not enjoy long-winded descriptions like this one here, some probably would not have enough patience to read up to this point. In my defence, I should say that descriptions like "it`s a record... it plays... I think..." are equally irritating. At least detailed description gives you an opportunity to get some insight about the seller, as well as about the product, this way you are able to form an opinion whether the seller is honest, careful and meticulous enough person, for you to trust him/her with your hard earned money. I`ve had my fair share of dealing with rare records over the years, and it is my sincere and impartial opinion that it will be very difficult for YOU THE COLLECTOR to find another copy of this album offered in such great condition. My starting bid is high, but I am of the opinion that it is justified. A lot of consideration went into it, such as: it`s rarity in general, it`s rarity in such immaculate condition and the history of previous internet sales - of which I could find none. Happy bidding!PAYMENT AND DELIVERY INFO: Paypal is preferred, but all legitimate ways of payment (as allowed by Ebay rules) are considered. Postal insurance is required for this item, it is included in the prices shown - Europe £12.00, Worldwide £14.00.
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