Mark Murphy Rah Japanese 70s Milestone Re-Issue L.P. with Insert EX/NM Cond.

	£		15
	$		20

70s Japanese Milestone STEREO re-issue of Mark Murphy’s ‘Rah’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: Milestone Records SMJ-6064).  This item consists of a high quality Japanese vinyl pressing contained within a thick, heavy-duty card sleeve which includes a lyric insert in both English and Japanese.  The sleeve represents a re-production of the original American Riverside issue and therefore it features the Riverside logo and catalogue reference on the front.  It is only upon removing the contents that you realise that this is a Milestone pressing.  This is a great quality item through-and-through with high production values.

CONDITION: NM (VINYL) / EX+ (INSERT) / EX (SLEEVE): I would guess the vinyl might have been played once but it is hard to tell.  There are a couple of small spots of encrusted dirt and the odd wispy hairline mark but otherwise this copy is a good as new.  The insert clearly hasn’t seen much handling.  The vinyl has made a light impression in the soft paper.  The sleeve is still pretty flat which isn’t surprising when you consider how thick the cardboard is.  The sleeve displays a number of minor flaws thereby justifying my EX grade.  The images have emphasised some brown marks on the white rear (which are far more prominent in the images than they are in real-life).  There is a reasonably substantial ‘dig’ to the opening edge of the sleeve which has resulted in a small tear on both sides (more to the covering paper rather than the underlying cardboard).  Each of the corners have received a knock with the most substantial having been sustained to the opening edge corners.  There is a hint of ring-wear which has resulted in minimal loss of print.  This is a really great copy!

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 intense light 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.