Harmonica Frank Chess 1494 (Sun studio) Howlin' Tomcat / She's Done Moved V+/E

$

75

LABEL: Chess (recorded by Sam Phillips @ Memphis Recording Service a/k/a Sun Studios)

CAT No.: 1494 (78 rpm single)

ARTIST: Harmonica Frank Floyd 

SIDE A:    Howlin' Tomcat

SIDE B:    She's Done Moved

VJM GRADE (VISUAL): V+ / E 

PLAY QUALITY: Sample on attached video (representative of general sound quality) - loud, bright, clean (but see OTHER below)  

OTHER:  consistent with VJM grades, B side (E) is very shiny, near new looking, with no significant signs of wear and some stray, visually insignificant and inaudible scuffs and blemishes; A side (V+) is generally shiny with minimal wear but for a few fairly visually significant [see pics] isolated scratches which result in a few soft but audible pops in the middle of record play. 

INFO:  Sam Phillips recorded eccentric one-man-band Harmonica Frank Floyd in 1951 at his Memphis Recording Service (later Sun Studios). Because he had yet to establish the Sun Records label to release his own recordings, he acted as a scout for and provided masters to many other labels, like Chess in Chicago, on which this title was released.   

The VJM 78 RPM Record Grading System (for your reference):

N  As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed)

N- Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.

E+ Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.

E  Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.

E- Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches.  

V+ An average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced. 

V  Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.

V- Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy graying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level. 

G+ Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.

G  Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.

G- Music still prominent, but wear and scratch damage extensive.

F Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.

P Unplayable. 

About Me: 

Have collected 78s for 30+ years, now beginning to sell off some of my personal collection. I grade conservatively and disclose anything I think might materially impact the record's value. If you believe I haven't done so with regard to any record you've purchased from me, please let me know.