Elvis Presley "I Need You So" RARE Italian hardcover EP

	£		221
	$		293

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:

While trying to determine a fair starting price for this obvious Elvis rarity, I noticed that only 3 were sold on EBay over the last 3 years. 2 of them had pictures of the label which showed a blue label. This is black background with the RCA in a silver circle. I got this sometime ago from a gentleman who was buying records from 1955 onwards.

It is housed in the thick cardboard stock Italian EP with RCA in black print in a silver box. It does not have a center.

As the 3 times it was sold were 232 pounds, 343 pounds and US$536, I have indiated a starting price of 50 pounds with no reserve as I suppose that might be fair.

May I also take this opportunity to let new buyers know, without sounding immodest, that an LP which I sold on Ebay in March 2008 was featured in this month's(May issue) of Record Collector magazine and that it highlighted the fact that I stood out with my detailed explanation of how I clean my records. The point I wish to make, and my regular buyers are awaare of, is that whether it is a 2.99 pound record or a 299 pound one, I will still give the same level of attention to both the record and the buyer. Hence I only put up not more 50 at any given time. Besides I do have a return policy. I can make the occasional mistake but am prepared to redress any. I suppose a major part of my good ride over this last year or so has been due to me being blessed with so many wonderful buyers some of whom  have even sent personal emails expressing positive remarks which is a  personal reminder to me that the buyer comes first.    

GRADING RESULTS:

I would rate the cover as VG++.  Though there are no tears or writings on both sides of the cover, there is beginnings of seam wearon the top edge measuring about 2 inches. It has not torn through though. There is also a rectangular outline caused by the removal of a cellophone sticker. The back is generally clean though it does show some age discolouration spots( I have tried to show this with enlarged pictures but it is still no very clear and if any interested party requires close-ups please message). The spine is intact with the lettering still sharp and legible though there is a half inch spot towards the top of the spine where the paper has separated . The printed "Best Wishes" and signature  towards the bottom  is still sharp and legible.

The vinyl is in a VG++ to Excellent condition . One Side 1 there is a scuff mark at the biginning of the track as well as a long faint barely visible hairline surface scratch . There also seems to be a faint indentation between the 2 tracks and which appeared to some sort of manufacturing defect(it was not present on Side 2) but all these did not affect play. On Side 2, there are a couple of faint hairline surface scratches which also did not cause skips or pops. The vinyl, however, maintains its lustre and is mirror like. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro/Lyra Clavis cartridge , both sides has some surface noise in the run in grooves but, as the music seems to have been pressed at a relatively higher level than normal, these were not intrusive and did not detract from the listening pleasure once the actual tracks started playing. I would rate the playing as a VG+ to  VG++ though most of the time it was closer to VG++.

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/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers. For 45s I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Lyra Clavis.

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

0.75 each for 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