SXL 2006 Mendelssohn Bruch Ricci UK DECCA WBg ED1 BB

	£		50
	$		66

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL 

Mendelssohn AND BRUCH "Violin Concertos"

Ruggiero Ricci with The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierino Gamba

Decca SXL 2006 ( Wide Band, Grooved, blue bordered back  pressed in England)

Matrix Numbers 2E/2E 

BACKGROUND :

This is an original  early pressing with the thinner covers on the wide band grooved Decca label with the blue bordered back. It comes with the original inner sleeve. The matrix numbers are 2E/2E.

GRADING RESULTS:

I would rate the cover as a strong Excellent.  There are  no  writings, tears  etc  on the cover. There are some  light scuffs on the 4 edges but generally they  still  maintain their rigidity.  The glue on the flipback is still strong and intact.

There are a couple of light hairline surface scratches on both sides as well as one light "mount" on each side which afflict early Decca pressings especially in this part of the world but all these did not affect play.These were only visible under direct light and did not affect play at all. There are a a couple of very faint  spindle marks. The vinyl maintains its lustre and is mirror like. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro arm and Lyra Helikon SL cartridge, the playing on all sides was generally a  strong Excellent to Near Mint.There are some soft clicks in the run in grooves but these did not detract from the listening pleasure.  There was no distortion whatsoever.

How I Clean and  Grade my Records

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC 4 cleaning machine and/or VPI 17.5 using the US made Walker Audio stage cleaning 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/Linn Troika though I change them occasionally as the arm tubes can be easily transferred from one deck to another.

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 pounds are:

UK/USA/Europe                           9 pounds

Hongkong, Taiwan South Korea 7.5 pounds

Australia China Japan                 8.0 pounds

Postage is via Airmail, "signed for" delivery. I prefer signed for delivery as it allows me to "chase" on my side if buyers do not get their items within 2 weeks though so far this has only happened with Italy.

 I will  inform buyers of the registration details through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice) 

·       International Money Orders