Kanye West Through the Wire The College Dropout RARE USA 2004 2 x LP Set VG+/EX

	£		35
	$		46

RARE, U.S.A. 2004 Roc-A-Fella Records 2 x LP Pressing of Kanye West's 'Through the Wire - The College Dropout Original Album' (Catalogue Reference: Roc-A-Fella Records KWTTW01).  The front of the sleeve features the subtitle 'Includes 16 Brand New Unreleased Tracks!'.  The 16 tracks are across four sides of vinyl.  The quality of the vinyl pressings is high.  The rear of the sleeve features the legend 'This sleeve was hand designed by me!  Kanye West'.  I'm assuming this was self-released as the whole package is of a decent quality although it doesn't feature a barcode.

CONDITION: VG+ (DISC ONE VISUAL) / EX+ (DISC TWO VISUAL) / EX (SLEEVE): Like all my media these discs have been graded under an intense light in an effort to identify every possible flaw.  There is a notable difference in condition between the two discs here.  As usual with double sets Disc One sees play and Disc Two sees little or no play.  However, when I found this set Disc One had been replaced directly in the sleeve and not inside the white paper inner sleeve which means it displays a reasonable volume of ultra-fine hairline marks and evidence of handling however, it still remains in solid condition.  As noted above, Disc Two has hardly seen any play.  It is a little dusty (as is Disc One) but otherwise displays no notable flaws.  The sleeve remains in fine condition.  The records have left a light impression in the sleeve in places but this stops short of having caused actual creases.  There is a little wear around the exposed edges which is more notable on the spine.  Overall, a solid copy of a rare set!

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intense light there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

PAYMENT - Terms

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

POSTAGE - Terms

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured & tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases  will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.