LSC 2449 

Gounod: FAUST Ballet Music

Bizet: CARMEN Suite

Alexander Gibson / Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden

 Original shaded dog 1s, superb condition !

record: NM (full gloss, grisp and shine - beautiful !) 

cover: E- (because of seam split on top edge near opening - 4" long, front cover clean and perfect colors !!)

immaculate superb collectors condition - it is impossible to find a better sample of this great and now already legendary record.

Please note: shipping from Germany - ebay template doesn't allow to adjust shipping charges for US-destinations. Shipping in excellent super heavy duty packing and with DHL airmail registered service is US$ 12.95.

My grading system following the Goldmine Standard:

MINT (M)

These are absolutely perfect in every way. Often rumored but rarely seen.

NEAR MINT (NM OR M-)

A good description of a NM record is “it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time.”

In other words, it’s nearly perfect.

Unless for a sealed record, I won’t use a grade higher than this, implying that no record or sleeve is ever truly perfect.

Near mint records are shiny and free of visible defects. No writing, stickers, other markings or spindle marks appear on the label. No major factory defects are present; a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near Mint.

If played, an NM record will do so without surface noise. Near Mint records don’t have to be “never played”; a record used on an excellent turntable can remain NM after many plays if the disc is properly cared for.

NM covers have no creases, ring wear or seam splits of any kind.

It is estimated that no more than 2 to 4 percent of all records remaining from the 1950s and 1960s are truly Near Mint.

This is why they fetch such high prices, even for more common items. They must meet these standards to qualify.

EXCELLENT (E/E+)

A good description of a E/E+ Record is “except for a couple of minor things, this would be Near Mint.”

Most collectors, especially those who want to play their records, will be happy with a E/E+ record, especially if it is toward the high end of the grade.

E/E+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience.

Slight warps that don’t affect the sound are OK.

Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, so long as repeated playing has not misshapen the hole.

There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.

E/E+ Covers should have only minor wear. An E/E+ cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable locataion. Also, an E cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking. Covers with cut-out markings can never be considered Near Mint.

VERY GOOD (VG)

That said, VG records — which usually sell for no more than 25 percent of a an NM record — are among the biggest bargains in record collecting, because moost of the “big money” goes for more perfect copies.

For many listeners, a VG record or sleeve will be worth the money.

VG records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail.

When played, a VG record has surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and ending. But the noise won’t overpower the music otherwise.

Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. Many collectors who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice. They remain a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.

VG covers will have many signs on human handling. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover, where the edge of a record would reside, is obvious; it may appear on all three sides, thought it won’t be obvious upon looking.

Someone might have written on it or stamped a price tag on it, too.

If for any reason you do not agree with the grading of a purchased LP, you may always return within 7 days of receipt for full refund.

I do not offer records below VG+ grading.