Leonid Kogan, Lalo Symphonie Espagnole, Columbia SAX 2329, YAX 305, 1st UK Press

$

2,150

This one doesn't need a whole lot of introduction.  It's a masterpiece.  This record was released in many versions which are catalogued thoroughly on Discogs.  The version we have here is the first British Stereo Pressing, Variant 2, Columbia / EMI 1960, SAX 2329, Matrix numbers YAX 305-1 (side 1) and YAX 306-7 (side 2).

We would grade this record VG, and towards the higher end of the range for the grade.  Here are our detailed observations on condition.  (1) Record.  There is no skipping and no loud or distracting surface noise.  There is intermittent, quiet surface noise mainly fuzz / static during quiet passages and when songs fade in and out.  The surface noise is difficult to hear from more than a foot or so away from the speaker.  There are also occasional very light pops or crackles that show up in quiet passages.  These are few and far between and are not loud or distracting.  Overall, the sound quality is excellent and the violin solos are phenomenal.  The labels are beautiful.  There is only a bit of spindle wear.  There is no warping or cupping of the vinyl.  The biggest surface issue is what looks almost like a thin water drip mark/line that runs from the outer edge straight in to the label on side 2 (after the picture of the record in profile, the next 6 pics all show surface issues - the first three are different views of this mark).  This does not appear to affect play / sound (note that our video is of side 2 playing).  Beyond that, again on side 2, there is a hairline scratch traveling from the edge through three tracks, about 2 inches long (it is shown in two different angles in the pictures immediately following the picture of the drip mark).  There are a few stray hairline scratches or scuff marks, but much smaller, on side 2, and a little group of scuff marks on the outer edge of side 1, about 1 inch long or so (we tried to show this in the last of the 6 surface issue pictures, but it is really had to show on film).  None of these surface issues appears to affect play / sound in any significant way.  The gloss / sheen of the vinyl is intact and very nice. 

(2) Inlay.  There is a tear in the lower left corner, about 1/2 inch long.  Some crinkling of edges and a chip / small tear in the upper right corner, about 1/4 inch long and a few other small chips in the edges of the paper.  The paper is still nice and white and the printing color is nice and sharp.  There is no splitting along the edges.

(3) Outer sleeve.  There are wear spots / rubbing spots on the back in a number of areas.  They are generally very light.  There is some ring wear visible on the front of the cardboard on the bottom and right edge (see pic of edge), but not bad.  The corners have some softening, but again, not bad considering age.  The colors are vibrant and very nice with no obvious fading or discoloration.  There is no splitting at the spine, top, or bottom edge.
Shipping:  This record will ship with an expedited service (depending on buyer location, likely UPS 3-Day Select or Priority Mail) with signature required on delivery.  We will ship internationally only through ebay International Shipping.