Elvis Presley "I Need You So" Italian EP

	£		139
	$		184

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

ELVIS PRESLEY " I Need You So"

RCA EPA 4041 (A 72V 0175 pressed in Italy)

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:  1) I Need You So 2) Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

Side 2:  1) Blueberry Hill   2) Don't Leave Me Now

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

I sold a hardcover version last month for £221. The feedback report on that sale is on the 1st page of my feedback reports. This is a relatively softer cover version, though it is still of sufficient thickness,  with a characteristic flipback of 60s pressings. The RCA Victor is in silver print. The RCA logo is in  silver print in a silver bordered circle on the label. It does not have a center. Both the label as well as the reverse cover indicate EPA 4041 though the reverse cover also indicates A72V 0175 in brackets below that.

As it is generally an excellent copy,  I have indiated a starting price of  £10 pounds with no reserve.   

GRADING RESULTS:

I would rate the cover as a strong Excellent. Though there are no tears or writings on both sides of the cover, there are some slight creases on the cover as well as a faint trace of wear on the top and bottom right hand edges. If not for these, I would have rated it Near Mint. The back is generally clean and does not show its age. The glue on the flipback is still strong and intact. The spine is intact with the lettering still very sharp and legible. The printed "Best Wishes" and signature  towards the bottom  is also still sharp and legible.

The vinyl is in a Excellent condition . One Side 1 there are 2 arc like areas at the 4'o clock position and 11 o'clock positions where the vinyl is discoloured but it did not affect play at all. On side only 1 faint hairline surface scratch was observed and ,that too, only under light. Other than the 2 arc like areas, the vinyl maintains its lustre and is mirror like. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro/Lyra Halycon SL cartridge , both sides has some surface noise in the run in grooves but it generally played Excellent.

How I Clean and  Grade my Records

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC 4 cleaning machine and/or VPI 17.5 using Loricroft L’Art du Son cleaning fluid

Playback Equipment: Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Armeggedon/Naim Aro tonearm/Linn Troika cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers. For 45s I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Lyra Halycon SL.

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

I use brand new custom made  plastic sleeves  for both the vinyl and for the sleeve. 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 (with "signed for" post, which allows me to track delayed items are( in pounds) are:

EPs/45s :

4 for the first

1 for the  2nd and the  subsequent ones

So far, I only had delays when posting to Italy and though I will still assist by "chasing" from my end. Italian buyers should take note. I will  inform buyers of the registration details ie racking number through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice) 

·       International Money Orders