Lowrell Self-Titled 1979 L.P. U.S.A. AVI Records FUNK EX

	£		18
	$		24

American 1979 AVI Records L.P. pressing of Lowrell’s self-titled album (Catalogue Reference: AVI Records AVI 6070).  The single sleeve is a typically heavy duty 70s American affair which is largely still covered in the original cellophane.  The vinyl pressing is quite thin and flexible but is of a decent quality.  This copy has seen play but remains in solid condition.

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX (SLEEVE): The first thing you note about the record here is that it is a little dusty although the surfaces retain a great sheen and I wouldn’t think this copy had seen particularly heavy play.  Under an intense light a little groove-wear is visible in odd places (nothing significant) and there is a limited volume of ultra-fine hairline marks which are a by-product of the paper inner bag clinging to the record’s surface while it was withdrawn.  Finally, there is some writing (a signature?) on the A-Side label (please see attached images).  I’ve ultimately graded the sleeve as being in excellent condition as the majority of the cover is still protected by the thin cellophane layer.  However, the cover does display significant wear along it’s opening edge including a one inch break to the top edge of the cover.  The opening edge appears to have received a number of knocks.  I’m not sure if these were perhaps caused during the opening of the cellophane?  There is a tear to the cover in the very centre of the opening edge which measures a couple of millimetres and is present on both the front and rear of the sleeve.  On the rear of the sleeve there is a notable break in the cellophane which has been caused by something digging into the sleeve.  There is a sticker on the front of the sleeve beneath the cellophane in the top right-hand corner which probably couldn’t be removed without damaging the sleeve.  I’m making the sleeve sound bad but this is ultimately a decent looking copy.  A solid example of this record!

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

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