BLUE NOTE 1588 SONNY CLARK COOL STRUTTIN' OG MONO RVG DG W 63RD EAR NO R

$

810

Here is a true absolute first mono pressing of Sonny Clark's Cool Struttin' (BLP 1558) on the original 47 West 63rd Blue Note label (no "(R)" or "Inc" on the labels).   The deadwax features the RVG machine stamp, "ear" and "9M" on both sides.   The back cover contains the "47 W 63rd St, New York 23" address signifying that it also is original and matches the LP.   This record's authenticity was confirmed by a local Blue Note collector as well as London Jazz Collector's page here:

 https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/record-labels-guide/labelography-2/the-blue-note-labels/

Record:  Visually looks VG+, plays strong VG.   There are absolutely no deep or significant scratches on either side.  In typical lighting, this record would be graded visually as NM by some with only a few small hairlines to speak of.   Upon close inspection under direct very strong light, one can find many hairlines (most are probably a result of insertion and removal from the sleeve), but as you likely know, these heavyweight early Blue Note pressings hold up really well against scratches. 

This record has been cleaned on a Nitty Gritty record cleaning machine and play graded on a VPI Scout turntable with a calibrated AT150MLX cartridge and a stylus with less than 100 hours on it.    I am grading this conservatively as a strong VG simply because there is noticeable crackle at times, especially during the quieter parts.   I want to be sure that the buyer of this amazing LP will be pleasantly surprised and certainly not disappointed.   The AT150MLX cartridge is sensitive to surface noise, so you may hear less than I did.   Though the crackle was noticeable at times, at no time does it overpower the music or become distracting.   There is not a single skip, stick or loud pop on either side.   As a self-proclaimed audiophile, I can tell you that this record really confirms the reputation that these very early Blue Note RVG pressings have for sounding fantastic.   I doubt the sound quality on this true first pressing could be possibly be beat.

Label:  Unfortunately the Side 1 label has a pinkish stain across it (please see the pictures).   There appears to be lettering in the stain but I can't identify its source.    Either way, while this is an unfortunate blemish, both sides are the first 47 West 63rd - NYC label with no "(R)".   The Side B label is excellent.   There is no sticker residue, tears or other blemishes on either side.

Deadwax:  Side A and Side B both have RVG machine stamps, the "ear" and "9M", and a handwritten BN-LP-1588-A on Side A and BN-LP-1588-B on Side B.

Cover:  VG+.   Given its age, this cover is in nice shape.   There is some discoloration from age or more likely from being in a prior owner's smoking home, but nothing beyond what I imagine would be typical.   Looking straight on at the front cover, everything appears really nice.   The spine is mostly intact with about a 1-inch split starting at the top and a 1-inch split at the bottom.    All printing (title, artist, catalog number) is clearly visible, readable and intact.   The top of the cover has a 2 and 1/2 inch split on the left and about a 3/4 inch split on the top right.    The bottom is completely intact.   There is some noticeable discoloration on the back cover and staining around the left and bottom edges.    Please see the pictures and ask questions if you require clarification.

The inner sleeve is generic and discolored.   I believe this to be the original inner sleeve.  An online reference for Blue Note inner sleeves does not suggest that this LP came with anything other than a generic inner sleeve.

About me:  I am a longtime rock and soundtrack record collector who buys often but very rarely sells his records.   However, I recently purchased this item and a true first pressing of After Hours (Prestige 7118, check my other listings) and felt that these should really be passed on to someone who will appreciate them best. 

Shipping costs:   Postage in the continental US is free, but due to high shipping costs, I will require an additional $10 to ship to Canada and $20 to anywhere else in the world.   This record will be packed very safely and the LP will be stored outside of the original jacket in a Mobile Fidelity anti-static polyethylene sleeve.   It will be sent registered mail with delivery confirmation and an appropriate amount of insurance for best protection.