The Greatest Show On Earth "Horizons" UK Harvest 769

	£		98
	$		130

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

The Greatest Show On Earth"

Harvest SHVL 769 (pressed in UK)

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:  1) Sunflower Morning 2) Angelina 3) Skylight Man 4) Day Of The Lady 5) Realcool World

Side 2:  1) I Fought For Love 2) Horizons 3) Again & Again

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

This is the original first album by the group housed in a gatefold cover. Though RRPG 2008 lists a mint copy at 65 pounds,  I have started the bids at 20 pounds taking into account the delivery costs involved(see results of my grading below). 

Year of Release: 1970  

GRADING RESULTS:

The cover is in a  strong Excellent shape.  There is a half inch separation of the laminate at the top right hand corner but it did not tear through and some slight wear at 2 of the edges. Looking under a strong light, there were some faint lines on the laminate Other than that, nothing serious.

The vinyl  in a Near Mint shape on visual examination. There are no visible scratches on the playing area on both sides even when viewed under light and only a couple of very faint ones on the dead wax area around the label.  There were no spindle marks on both sides and the vinyl maintains its shine and lustre and is mirror like. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim ARO tonearm, though there is some slight surface noise at the run in groove on Side 1 and in the dead wax areas between tracks, it generally played  Near Mint. 

How I Clean and  Grade my Records

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Clearaudio cleaning machine and/or VPI 17.5 using Loricroft L’Art du Son cleaning fluid

Playback Equipment: Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Naim Aro tonearm/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge and through a Naim DBL system. For 45s I use an adaptor.

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

Though I keep th original inner sleeves intact, I will usually place them in custom made acid free paper sleeves which is coated to prevent chaffing. 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:

LPs:

₤8.50 for the first

₤1.50  for the  2nd

₤0.75 each for the  subsequent ones

I usually quote lower for Asia and  Australia but in the event the it is marginally higher than actual costs, I will generally adjust for repeat buyers in future purchases. However, I  will refund if the buyer wants me to (In this respect, I will inform them if such a situation arises). 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