Janos Starker: Bach Suites For Unaccompanied Cello. 1966 Mercury SR3-9016. VG+

$

300

Experience Janos Starker's spectacular performance on this original and hard-to-find 3-LP box set: Bach's Suites for Unaccompanied Cello Complete. 3 sides are VG+ and 3 are VG.  Please have a look at all of the photos and the descriptions of each disc below.
Stereo SR3-9016/Mono OL3-116
33 1/3 RPM
12"
1966 Mercury Living Presence
Vinyl grading, track listings and etched matrix numbers: **There are two pictures of side 1 and the appearance is representative of all sides of the discs.  I could not get a direct shot without reflections of my phone and myself.  
Side 1: VG+ 
Matrix etching: SR 90445 A  RFR-3
Bach Suite No. 1 in G (17:12)
Under bright light it appears lightly used but in very good condition.  There are some hairline scratches and a very light scuff at the outer edge of the record, approximately 1 inch long, and causes light, intermittent ticking for approximately 2 minutes but does not affect sound quality.  There is very light static both at the beginning, end and during silent parts.  
Side 2: VG+    
Matrix: SR-90445 B  RFR-1
Bach Suite No. 2 in D minor (15:25)
There is a white speck that is about the size of a poppy seed but this does not affect the sound.  Under bright light there are some hairline scratches, but the vinyl appears to be in great condition.  There is light static during the beginning, end and silent areas.  There is occasional light ticking that does not affect sound quality, and no skips.  The sound on this side is overall very clear.    
Side 3: VG  
Matrix numbers: SR- 90446 A  RFR-2
Bach Suite No. 3 in C (17:55)
Light static low ticks at the beginning, end and during silent areas.  There are no scratches or scuffs visible under bright light.   I would have called the sound on this side VG+ if it weren't for sporadic ticks throughout this side.  They do not occur during silent parts.  No other surface noise is audible as the music plays.  When the ticks occur on this side they sound almost in tandem with Starker's fingers switching notes; I do not know why that is.  I do not think they interfere with the quality of the music, but they are noticeable.
Side 4: VG  
SR- 90446 B  RFR-2
Bach Suite No. 4 in E-flat (18:16)
There is light static at the beginning, during silent areas and at the end.  There are occasional low ticks that in my opinion do not affect the quality of the music.  There are no skips.  The depth of the sound of the cello playing is magnificent and distracts the listener from any surface noise.  The record is shiny and clean and under bright light there are a few hairline scratches.
Side: 5 VG
SR-90447 A  RFR-1
Bach Suite No. 5 in C Minor (22:30)
There is light static at the beginning, end and soft/silent areas but does not overwhelm the sound.  There are a few light, sporadic ticks.  Under bright light the record has only a few hairline scratches and no scuffs.  The music overall is very clear. 
Side 6: VG+  
SR-90447 B  RFR-2
Bach Suite No. 6 in D (21:38)
Under bright light there are a few hairline scratches and no  other markings.  The record looks new.  There is very light static at the beginning, end and during silent parts.  There are a few light, nearly unnoticeable ticks.  Otherwise the sound is flawless.
Box/sleeves: VG+.   The box is in great condition for its age.  One corner of the lid of the box has a small split and there are some signs of wear but it overall is sturdy.
Sleeves: The discs are in their original sleeves.  They are yellowed from age but there are no split seams, tears or marks.  
This set comes with its original insert.  It is in excellent condition and looks close to new.  Please have a look at the picture.
This set has been in storage for approximately 25 years and has been played once since then for sound testing and visual inspection.  The discs have been gently cleaned with only a soft damp cloth.  They appear in great condition for their age.  Perhaps with a thorough cleaning the light surface noise could be reduced.
If you have any questions please send a message.  If there is anything in particular you would like a closeup photo of (such as a disc tilted under bright light to show visual quality), let me know and I will send it to you.
Based on the estimated weight and dimensions of the package shipping is $4 in the US and $45 to Europe.  If the shipping cost turns out to be less, the difference will be refunded right away.  Returns are accepted.
Grading system:

Mint (M)   Absolutely perfect in every way.  Has never been played and is in its original seal.

Near Mint (NM or M-)   Nearly perfect.  No obvious signs of wear with flawless sound. The LP cover/box, sleeves and inserts have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable defects.  Overall it appears as if it was just taken out of its original shrink wrap.

Very Good Plus (VG+)  Shows some signs that it was played but otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.  Record surfaces show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect the listening experience.  There may be slight surface noise that does not affect the sound.  The stamped label has little or no ring wear or discoloration, and if there is any it will be barely noticeable.

Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear and or have a punched/cut-out hole, indentation or creased corner. 

Very Good (VG)  Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro.  It will fade and will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear might be noticeable, as with light scratches that will affect the sound. 

Labels might have writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it would not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them. 

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)  Would have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear.  A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine.