Elvis Presley 1st RCA Italiana EPA 30-072 hardcover EP

	£		84
	$		111

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

ELVIS PRESLEY

RCA ITALIANA EPA 30-072 (A 72V 0072 pressed in Italy)

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:  1) My Baby Left Me 2) I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

Side 2:  1) Blue Suede Shoes   2) Tutti Frutti

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

This is the first EP issued in Italy but in the process of researching a fair starting price, I found out that it was issued in 1958 and only 2000 copies were pressed. Apparently, it is stated so on the bottom left hand corner on the reverse. I cant read Italian but I do notice the "1958" and "2000" amongst other words and numbers. The original Italian catalog number ie A72V 0072 appears on the back in brackets under the main catalog number but not on the label. I sold a hardcover version of another EP, I Need You So,  last month for £221. The feedback report on that sale is on the 1st page of my feedback reports. This is from the same batch. The RCA logo is in  black  print in a silver  circle on the label. It does not have a center. As it is generally a very good copy,  I have indicated a starting price of  £30 pounds with no reserve.   

GRADING RESULTS:

I would rate the cover as a strong VG++. Though there are no tears or writings on both sides of the cover, there is a rectangular outline of a sticker having been removed on the top right hand corner. Though there is some faint seam split, it is, by and large intact. The wording on the spine is still very clear and legible.

The vinyl is in a Excellent condition . There are a couple of faint hairline surface scratches on both sides but these did not affect play. The vinyl maintains its lustre and is mirror like. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro/Lyra Halycon SL cartridge , both sides has some slight surface noise but it generally played Excellent.

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 Loricroft L’Art du Son cleaning fluid

Playback Equipment: Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Armeggedon/Naim Aro tonearm/Linn Troika cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers. For 45s I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Lyra Halycon SL.

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 (with "signed for" post, which allows me to track delayed items are( in pounds) are:

EPs/45s :

4 for the first

1 for the  2nd and the  subsequent ones

So far, I only had delays when posting to Italy and though I will still assist by "chasing" from my end. Italian buyers should take note. I will  inform buyers of the registration details ie racking number through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice) 

·       International Money Orders