LXT 5304 Elman Encores - 1957 Decca 1st issue label EX EX and EX sleeve

	£		361
	$		478

LXT 5304 Elman Encores - with Joseph Seiger (piano) 1957 33rpm  Mono LP

This is a first issue copy on the silver and orange label with the following stamper marks:
Side 1: ARL 3421 1A

Side 2: ARL 3422 1A

This is a wonderful sounding copy in a overall excellent and well-cared for condition with few signs of use. There is no hint of distortion or any significant 'ticks' or other audible discrepancies that would cause any audible displeasure. The sound quality itself is very rich, clear, and extremely dynamic, and such is the presence of Elman's violin that it really does leap to life beside you - all this from a mono recording, which to me must be one of or maybe the best ever mono recording from the LXT series. 


Vinyl  A flat, bright and glossy disc with very light signs of play.

Side 1: EX. A few very fine surface hairline marks and a small number of other very light surface blemishes that do not sound in any way.  Crystal clear sound with no distortion whatsoever, and allowing for the fact that the early lxt recordings were not pressed on the quietest of vinyl at the time, the background here is astonishingly quiet - just a couple of places with a hint of static crackle in the quiet sections between tracks, as well as a few isolated and distant or sleepy ticks here and there. Most significant audible blemishes on this side are four more definite yet still moderate 'clicks' in Liebesland and Tango - these are definitely non-distracting and insignificant, and are quickly forgotten about within the splendour and majesty of the recording.

Side2: EX. As side 1, some very-very insignifcant surface blemishes, although Airs Tsiganesa and From my Homeland have a group of heavier marks that only reside on the uppermost part of the surface and definitely do not sound as well as being not in the slightest feelable - these are the most significant marks on the whole disc yet they are very light and do not sound in any way.  As on side 1 the background is astonishingly quiet - possibly even quieter as there appears to be not even any discernable background static crackle.  Also as appearing on side 1 there are a few isolated and distant or sleepy ticks here and there. Most significant audible blemishes on this side are a small number of slightly more definite yet still very moderate 'clicks' in Airs Tsiganes and Canto Amoroso, which, as is also on side 1, are so insignificant that they too are quickly forgotten about within the splendour and majesty of the recording. In fact the loudest audio discrepancy throughout the disc appears at the very beginning where the track hasn't even begun, which is in the silent lead in section before Airs Tsiganes starts: these are three light pops caused by a slight vinyl bump defect in the vinyl.


Labels

Side 1: VG+ - can see a small number of feint spindle trails [see photo]; there is also some circular label lift or transfer to the poly inner - the circular transfer corresponds to the groove.
 
Side 2: EX - can only see a small number of feint spindle trails [see photo].


Laminated outer sleeve: EX: a bright, fresh looking crisp copy with neat edges and sharp corners, along with minuscule signs of handling and modest ring impression - there are no creases or corner bumps, and the only significant blemishes are some laminate-lift along front opening edge [see photo] and similar along with a little laminate loss to rear opening edge [see photo]. These early LXT sleeves are very flimsy and more prone to tears and creasing, etc than the later stiffer sleeves; yet despite their inherent flimsiness, the sleeve here is in a remarkably well-preserved condition and even has the original WHSmith price label retained with no visible clues whatsoever of any attempts to peel it away. 


Inner sleeve: original circular polythene sleeve in neat and clean condition, albeit with the aforementioned label transfer.  The original patent-applied-for transparent sticker is still present [see photo].


*****

Inspection & grading of records  Generally I do not clean or play vinyl records, although I do use a truth-revealing point source light, ie. sunlight, to expose any likely-looking audible flaws on any record I list. If I find such flaws, then a description of these is provided after a test-play of the relevant side. I will also test-play records on request if required. If an inspection reveals no such likely-looking flaws and that the side is very clear, glossy, and showing either very few or no signs of play, then I will grade that side as either EX or NM, depending on the level of the most minuscule of surface marks.  However with such grades, please bear in mind that there may still be a few noticeable isolated 'ticks' or 'pops' here and there, and/or occasional mild surface noise - records in such condition yet not been played for decades can still accumulate noise, although a deep-groove clean with the appropriate means should make things silent once again.  While any record I list will appear clean, I would advise the purchaser to give their purchases a good clean with the approprite means [although they do have a careful clean before any test-play]. For test-playing, a Pioneer PL-L1000 turntable fitted with either - depending on record condition - a Denon DL-160 cartridge or an AT95e cartridge is used.
Packaging  Records are wrapped and sent within thick, sturdy double-walled card arranged at cross-grain to one another for maximum rigidity - I will never use flimsy mailers made out of thin card. Corners of the package will also be made further rigid and well clear of the corners of the record's outer sleeve.

Delivery & insurance  Delivery is either via Royal Mail, Parcelforce, or any other suitable courier to any world-wide destination including the UK. Delivery is sent with appropriate insurance, and a tracking number - whether for tracked delivery, signed delivery, or both - is always provided. I will also combine and reduce postage costs for multiple purchases. Please let me know if you have a delivery preference other than those shown.

PLEASE NOTE: For destinations outside Europe other than USA, Canada, Australia, Russian Federation, and China, please contact me for a delivery quote.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE: I do not charge for packaging, and I am not in the practice of profiting from delivery costs. The delivery rates shown for destinations are realistic and close to what I actually pay - though sometimes the rate is much lower than actual cost, since courier rates for individual countries fluctuate.

Payment (UK) Paypal, Bank Transfer, or Cheque is accepted. Item(s) will be despatched after clearance of funds. Payment details will be supplied.

Payment (overseas) Paypal or electronic funds transfer / Wire Transfer / IBAN/BIC payment. For electronic funds transfer outside EU, a further £7 is required. Item(s) will be despatched after clearance of funds. Payment details will be supplied, and payment must be in GBP or UK Pounds Sterling.

Descriptions I always try my best to be fair and accurate in providing item descriptions, and always give special attention to pointing out any visual and audible flaws or areas of damage. My descriptions are detailed and thorough, so there should not be any unpleasant surprises. Please ask if further information or extra photos are required.

Returns Returns are accepted if the item is materially different from the item description, has reached me in the same condition as when it was first despatched to you, and has reached me within fourteen days from your receiving of the item. For accepted returns, I offer a full refund of the total cost paid, including return postage. I would be grateful if I am notified of any intention to return an item, and all returns must include the original packaging - please place the item to be returned inside its original packaging then with the whole securely placed within sturdy and rigid outer packaging. I cannot accept a return if the item was as described, yet the recipient has simply changed their mind - so please bid only if you are absolutely satisfied with the item description, or are satisfied after further enquiries.