SXLA 6452-61 Rare Beethoven Piano Sonatas Backhaus

	£		60
	$		80

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

WILLIAM BACKHAUS

THE PIANO SONATAS

DECCA SXLA 6452-61 ( Box Set pressed in England )

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

A rare and sought-after 1970 Decca 10 LP box set of the complete piano sonatas which Bakhaus recorded from 1952 onwards. I understand that all were recorded in stereo with the exception being Hammerklavier Op 106 which was electronically processed stereo. It is on the Narrow Band Decca(as it should be if one were to use the Rare Classical Record Price Guide 2006 as an authority ) and comes with a 24 page booklet. It was unplayed when I obtained it and remained so until I cleaned and auditioned them recently.Though the inner sleeves are complete, I have used acid-free paper sleeves to house them after cleaning them using the US made Walker Audio 3 step cleaning process on a Loricraft PRC4. ( I will ship it with the original inner sleeves but will leave it to the successful bidder if he wishes to have the paper sleeves or anti static plastic sleeves though in our rather humid climate, I prefer paper ones. As the Rare Classical Price Guide lists a mint copy at 125 pounds as well as taking into account that this box set rarely comes up for sale and that it fetches in excess of 100 pounds in the occasional times it does, I have indicated a starting price of 60 pounds with no reserve(see results of my grading below).

As this is a rather heavy box(at 2.7kg with packing) , I took it to the Post Office and the various postage rates as well as options are indicated below.

GRADING RESULTS:

I would rate the box  as  VG++. Though there are no tears, writings etc  on the box  and all 4 edges are still sharp and still  their rigidity, it does look aged. The lettering on the spine of the box is generally legible but there are some slight discolouration spots on the right hand edge. Other than that , no serious flaws.

The booklet is in perfect condition.

With the exception of SXLA 6460, all the vinyl were Near Mint on visual inspection and had no surface scratches(even when viewed under light)  or spindle marks. SXLA 6460 has a visible scuff mark on the last grooves as well as the dead wax area on side 1. This did not affect play or cause any distortion and it appeared to be a factory defect. I have changed my cleaning fluid to the 3 step cleaning solution by Walker Audio of US and so far its been good. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro arm and Lyra Helikon cartridge, the playing on all sides was generally a strong Excellent to Near Mint.

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/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:

COUNTRY

Speedpost Signed

for delivery

(2 weeks)

Insurance

Speedpost Courier

( 3-5 Days) delivery

UK

38 pounds

8 pounds

64 pounds

Rest of Europe

38 pounds

8 pounds

70  pounds

US

US $75

US$16

US$ 120

Brazil,

South America

38 pounds

8 pounds

77 pounds(may take longer than 5 days)

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). Buyers from South America please contact me for postage rates. 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