Duke Ellington and his orchestra ** 33 1/3 rpm ** RARE ** JAZZ

Items in this lot are:

• Masterpieces by Ellington -- Label: Columbia Masterworks -- Record#: ML 4418

Special note to foreign bidders: I declare foreign shipments as merchandise with the value you bid for them. Shipment to foreign buyers is via priority mail international with insurance for the value bid. Please e-mail for shipping costs before bidding as this method costs more, but is insurable and trackable. Example: United Kingdom 1-2 pounds $47.45 + $2.10 box/tape/pack = $49.55.

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Alternatively, if the ending winning bid is less than $50 and if you have perfect feedback and want this shipped first class international, it could be shipped that method with the understanding there is NO REFUND FOR ANY REASON since the item cannot be tracked online or insured. Example: United Kingdom 1 pound 13 oz.: $24.15 + $2.10 = $26.25.

Feedback/bidding policy: I check feedback daily and will return feedback promptly. Although I go to great lengths to accurately describe my items, if you feel the merchandise is not as described, e-mail me BEFORE leaving feedback and we will resolve it. Please note I do allow returns (see return policy below).

Description:Up for your consideration is the next in a series of unique Lps, this one featuring Duke Ellington and his Orchestra.

Several unique things about this item: Firstly, this disc retains the original shine with a couple very light marks and a couple small pressing imperfections, grading by sight in normal room light. I'm sure if you took this and put it under a 1000 watt bulb, you'd probably find something that makes it less than mint. If you're that kind of collector, and after a recent unpleasant experience with a buyer from Malaysia, let me suggest this auction is not for you.

I don't claim this record is mint. I took the time to play it and found the four tracks to audibly average slightly better than VG+(excellent) (SEE GRADING SCALE BELOW!).

Keep in mind how it plays for me may differ how it plays for you based on differences in audio equipment.

You can assign your own grade based on my comments and the scale shown below.

Secondly, this item books at $100 if in Near Mint condition, $50 if in VG+(excellent) condition according to the price guide I use.

So this is your chance to own a unique item at a reasonable price. Bid early and often so you don't miss out on this auction!

It is further described below, please take the time to read before bidding.

Please e-mail if questions.

Be sure to check my other listings to save postage on multiple winning bids. Please explore the "me" link next to feedback rating) to check out my store and some of the 15,000+ records I have for sale as well as the LP to CD transfer service I offer.

I am using the Goldmine scale of G=Good(1), VG = Very Good(2), VG+ = Very Good Plus(excellent)(3), NM = Near Mint(4) when grading the disc(s).

Here is a summary of the record(s):

Artist: Duke Ellington and his Orchestra Title: Masterpieces by Ellington Record: Black vinyl with the original shine and a few very light marks, a few small pressing imperfections, grading by sight in normal room light. Labels: Green with gold print. No stickers, no pen/pencil marks, lots of spindle marks. Trailing wax: Side 1: "XLP 5672 1E". Side 2: "XLP 5673 1B". Inner sleeves: A generic white sleeve with a centered 3" seam split on both vertical sides. A different generic sleeve can be substituted, if requested. Cover: Bottom seam with a 4" seam split on the outer corner and a 2" centered seam split; top seam split 2" on the outer corner. Small dime-sized, clear liquid mark back upper right corner does not encroach into any print. Slight general/ring wear front/back. Corners moderately worn with some creased tips. No stickers, no pen/pencil marks. Rate the cover VG to VG+(excellent). You can assign your own grade based on my description of the condition. Comments: I found the four tracks to audibly average slightly better than VG+(excellent). You can assign your own grade based on my comments and the scale shown below. A good addition to your LP collection. Side 1: Comments: Mood Indigo A very, very light to a very light surface noise with some very light pops. More so towards the beginning of the track (3.0) Sophisticated lady Up to a very, very light surface noise, perhaps some very light surface noise towards the end of the track (3.45) Side 2: Comments: The tattooed bride Up to a very light surface niose, more so towards the end of the track (3.3) Solitude Up to a very light surface noise (3.3).

Additional criteria I use when audibly grading records for people:

• NM(4) = absolutely nothing wrong at all (very rarely happens--I've even opened sealed records and they don't play Near Mint)
• 3.5-3.9 = very, very light surface noise
• 3.1-3.4 = very light surface noise, very light pops
• VG+(3) = up to light pops and light surface noise (below this, one's enjoyment is affected, very subjective)
• VG(2) = up to medium pops and moderate surface noise
• G(1) = up to heavy pops and heavy surface noise

I ship in a 14 x 14 x 6" box. Weight with box is about 1 pound 13 oz. Shipping is $3.22 Media Rate (1-2 pounds) + $2.30 box/tape/packing = $5.52.

Buyer pays shipping/handling. Standard method within U.S. is Media Rate, $5.52 This includes delivery confirmation which enables you to track shipping of your package online. Outside U.S., e-mail location to determine S/H costs prior to auction end. Insurance / other methods of shipping cost extra. Payment received within ten days of auction ending. Payment via Paypal preferred.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the bidding!

Return Policy: Bid with confidence! All my auctions are guaranteed to be as described. If you feel the item is not as described:

1. Let me know why it is not as described.
2. If I approve it, then return the item in the original box within 7 days of receipt by you.
3. Provided the item is returned in the same condition as when I mailed it, your bid amount will be refunded. You are responsible for return shipping. On sealed items, if you open it, you own it.

Handling policy: There is no handling charge. Items are shipped within 24 hours of receipt of payment, unless payment is received on a Sat. in which case the item will ship on next postal day, normally Monday.