MERCURY SR 3-9016 BACH CELLO SUITES STARKER RFR ORIG

$

1,027

This is an auction for the following BOXED SET OF VINYL RECORDS

Composer(s): Bach

Piece(s): Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (complete)

Performer(s): Janos Starker (cello)

Label/Catalog Number: Mercury SR 3-9016

Stereo/Mono: stereo

Vinyl Condition: Records are NM- (all 3)

Box Condition: lid is neatly separated from box; otherwise the box is NM- (a book binder can reattach the lid for $30-$50);

Insert Condition: booklet is NM

Notes: Living Presence; deep groove, maroon labels; RFR3/RFR1/RFR2/RFR2/RFR1/RFR2 pressings; cleaned with the Disc Doctor system; email for Mikrokosmos Labelography code; one of the most highly sought after sets from the golden age, bar none; purchased from the estate of a former Ithaca College music librarian; THIS IS NOT A REISSUE

Additional Note: I will be downsizing my collection over the next few months. Expect some RCA shaded dogs, plum VICS, Mercs, London bluebacks and other audiophile offerings, including some rarities.


Grading

Grading is visual according to Goldmine standard, as follows (reprinted from Goldmine magazine).

Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly even still sealed. (More on still sealed below). Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.

Near Mint (NM or M-): A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record shows no obvious sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
An LP jacket has no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, and the like. Basically, Near Mint looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.

Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK.
The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP jacket my have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.
In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good (VG): Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+): Good does not mean bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear.
A jacket or sleeve has seem splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it.

Poor (P), Fair (F): The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, and written upon.
Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each.

Still Sealed (SS): Let the buyer beware, unless it's a U.S. pressing from the last 10-15 years or so. It's too easy to reseal on. Yes, some legitimately never-opened LPs from the 1960s still exist. But if you're looking for a specific pressing, the only way you can know for sure is to open the record. Also, European imports are not factory-sealed, so if you see them advertised as sealed, someone other than the manufacturer sealed them.

Two clarifications: (1) I do not use the Mint (M) grade; if it's open, it's no better than Near Mint (NM) in my book. (2) I understand Very Good Plus (VG+) such that a VG+ record cannot have a feelable mark on it.

Condition is guaranteed. In the event you purchase a record from me that has been misgraded according to this system, I will refund your money upon return of the item in question. Return is expected within ten days in such cases.

Terms of Sale

Email questions are welcome. Buyer pays S/H costs (see below). Records are shipped in a professional mailer. I accept payment by money order, personal check drawn on a US bank, or PayPal. Checks must clear before item will be shipped. Payment is expected within 14 days of auction's close. If you are unable or unwilling to meet this condition, please do not bid on this item.

Shipping and Handling

In the US: Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation: $5.00; Priority Mail and postal insurance available upon request at the buyer's expense. Shipping for additional LPs is $1.00 per LP (per disc for doubles and boxed sets). I will not be responsible for lost shipments.

Outside the US: will be quoted





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