Capitol Records P 8510 Mono 1960 UK Press ED1 LP The Magic Bow Michael Rabin
£
80
$
106
May 14, 2026
Sold Date
Jan 15, 2026
Start Date
1
Number Of Bids
Great Britain
Country Of Seller
eBay
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Description
The Magic Bow
Michael Rabin
Felix Slatkin ~ The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra
"Michael Rabin — the violinist with “no weaknesses,” and The Magic Bow, his recorded crown jewel"
Cat#: P 8510 Record Label: Capitol Records Country Released: UK Label Info: Please See Pics Stereo/Mono: Mono Release Year: 1960
Notes UK Pressing manufactured by EMI.
Michael Rabin, widely regarded as one of America’s greatest violinists, was famously described by his teacher Ivan Galamian as having “no weaknesses, never.” The Magic Bow, recorded with Felix Slatkin and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, is considered the crown jewel of Rabin’s studio recordings — a benchmark collection of light-classical virtuoso showpieces. The performances combine effortless technique with warmth and lyricism, and the original Capitol recordings are prized for their natural balance and presence. This UK mono issue captures the focused, direct sound characteristic of early Capitol pressings and remains highly regarded by collectors and Rabin aficionados. Vinyl Condition Score Vinyl 79 / 100 EX Category Max A Side B Side Notes Visual surface 40 32 32 Light sleeve scuffing/hairlines under hard light, no felt scratches.
B side shows more hairlines than A side - reflected in Playback. Playback 50 48 36 A Side
Deductions: run-in crackle/Light surface noise (-2). Quiet thereafter.
B Side
Deductions: run-in crackle (-10), a few isolated pops (-2), brief repeating click (-2).
A side playing through at NM. B side has a patch of crackle at 12 o'clock at intro for 6 turns. Handling / provenance risk 10 8 8 Light spindle wear; labels tidy. Sleeve Condition Score Sleeve 66 / 100 VG+ Category Max Score Notes Structure & integrity 40 33 Minor edge wear; 1cm Split to front right; spine strong but missing "T" from "The". Surface & visuals 30 19 Light Ringwear / rubbing visible under light; light lifting of laminate to rear top left. Light discolouration to unlaminated rear. Corners & opening edge 15 9 A couple of small corner bumps; opening edge tidy. Cleanliness & markings 15 5 Original Point of sale sticker to rear. Grade Key (Score / Grade) 90-100 = M 82-89 = NM 68-81 = Ex 50-67 = VG <60 = G+ / F Applies to Vinyl, Sleeve and Overall scores (all out of 100). How the scoring works This listing uses a transparent points-based system so you can see exactly what contributes to the final figures. Playback is scored cumulatively (localised issues = small deductions, not an automatic downgrade of the whole record). What is being scored Vinyl score (out of 100) is the sum of:
- Visual surface (0-40) - assessed under strong directional light; any mark that can be felt is treated as likely audible.
- Playback (0-50, cumulative) - starts at 50/50; points deducted only for noise actually heard (run-in crackle, isolated pops, brief repeating clicks, distortion/groove wear). Quiet sections are not penalised.
- Handling / provenance risk (0-10) - spindle wear/label condition as indicators of use and potential groove wear risk.
- Structure & integrity (0-40) - seam splits, spine wear/readability, edge wear, tears.
- Surface & visuals (0-30) - ringwear, rubbing, scuffs, creases/laminate lift.
- Corners & opening edge (0-15) - corner bumps, fraying, wear at the opening.
- Cleanliness & markings (0-15) - stickers/residue, writing/stamps, staining/odour (where present).
My Grading Philosophy (Updated 20th Nov 2025)
- The points-based score above is the primary method. The definitions below explain what each score band typically means in practice.
- I use a hybrid of Goldmine (US) and Record Collector (UK) standards.
- Perfect condition in every way.
- Guaranteed unplayed or factory sealed.
- Cover, inserts, and inner sleeves are flawless.
- Almost indistinguishable from Mint.
- Record may have been played once or twice with no audible issues.
- No visible marks, scuffs, or handling wear.
- Cover is bright, clean, and free from major defects.
- Very light signs of use but still a high-end copy.
- Hairline marks or faint sleeve scuffs may be visible under strong light only.
- Should play near-perfectly with minimal background noise.
- Sleeve may show slight edge wear or minor handling but remains clean and attractive.
- Better than VG but not quite EX.
- Light, non-feelable marks or occasional low-level noise may be present.
- Still a solid, enjoyable listening copy.
- Sleeve may show moderate wear, small creases, or faint ring wear.
- Played many times and will show signs of use.
- Audible surface noise, more noticeable in quiet passages.
- Light groove wear or feelable scratches possible.
- Sleeve will show general wear, writing, or small defects.
- Increasingly worn; may include heavy noise, distortion, repeats/skips, or significant sleeve damage.
- Turntable: JBL TT350
- Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190
- Speakers: Elac Debut 3.0 DB63
- Preamp: Cambridge Audio MM/MC 640P
- Stylus / Needle: Audio Technica VMN95EN
- Other Notes: Testing done with standard volume, quiet room, no EQ or DSP applied.
All items packed in sturdy mailers with padding.
Next-day dispatch after payment where possible.
***International Shipping***Handled by eBay Global Shipping Programme.
Refund Policy Most listings are EX/NM quality. If my grading ever falls below expectations, I will happily offer a full refund.price rating
