The Main Ingredient Tasteful Soul RARE ORIG U.K. 1970 RCA Victor L.P. EX Cond.

	£		18
	$		24

RARE, Original U.K. 1970 Orange Label RCA Victor STEREO L.P. pressing of The Main Ingredient’s ‘Tasteful Soul’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: RCA Victor LSA 3020).  This is pretty hard-to-find on a U.K. press.  The matrixes read ‘ZPRS 5291-IE’ (Side One) and ‘ZPRS 5292-IE’ (Side Two).  The pressing itself is typical of an early 70s U.K. RCA pressing meaning it is relatively thin and features glossy labels.  RCA pressings were pretty cheap and tend to suffer from all kinds of pressing flaws however, this is a fine copy.  The sleeve is thin and front-laminated.  The lamination extends around the spine and onto the rear by approximately 10 millimetres.  This was my personal copy.  Another one of those things I purchased but never bothered playing.  Obviously, it was purchased second-hand and while the sleeve displays it’s age with a general level of wear it is fairly clear that the vinyl has only seen the most limited of use.

CONDITION: EX/EX+ (VINYL) / EX- (SLEEVE): I wouldn’t think this copy has been played more than a couple of times in it’s entire life.  While a little dusty the surfaces really shine.  There are no obvious marks.  Under an intense light the odd, fine hairline mark is visible.  The few hairlines present are largely around the very edge of the playing surface suggesting that they are likely a by-product of the production process.  While the sleeve displays it’s age it remains a solid example.  There are no substantial flaws.  Wear is evident around the very edge.  Each of the corners displays minor fraying.  There is creasing along the spine.  At the top of the sleeve on both the front and rear the vinyl has left an impression.  This has caused some light creasing.  The rear is a little grubby.  Ultimately, this is a fine copy of a rare U.K. pressing!

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 intenselight 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.

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