RARE SAX 2412-14 Bellini Norma Callas 2nd UK Red S/C Columbia Stereo L3P VG+/NM

	£		22
	$		29

Lovely copy of this TAS-list EMI-Columbia UK Stereo 3LP set, famous Callas performance with audiophile sound, second Red Magic Notes Semicircle label. Vinyls look and play NM sides 1-5, ESX sdie 6, box VG+) . It can be argued that, although a second label set, the later 60s vinyl is quieter and gives superb reproduction, perhaps better than some first label issues. 

NB The US issue of this set, on Angel SCL-3615 is on the TAS Super LP list (2023) and bearing in mind the usually superior quality of UK-pressed Columbias to US Angels, then this certainly deserves to be on the list as an English issue - the sound is quiet stunning!

I am selling a number of classic or rare 60s 70s and 80s albums in many genres, early pressings mostly, listing several more every day for the next few weeks, and happy to stockpile to economise on postage.

Bellini's Norma, with Maria Callas, Franco Corelli, Christa Ludwig, Nicoal Zaccaria, Piero de Palma, and Edda Vincenzi, withthe Orchestra and Chorus of La Scala, Milan, condcuted by Tullio Serafin.
Vinyls all look NM flat and very glossy, clean surfaces with barely any signs of play or handling visible under bright light, just a very few sleeve-removal hairlines, very faint.
YBX 27-4    YBX 28-5    YBX 29-7    YBX 30-4    YBX 31-4    YBX 32-9
Labels:  Red "Magic Notes" semicircle labels NM no spindle trails visible under bright light.
Fully play-tested all six sides on Linn LP12 system:  NM sides 1-5, EX side 6.  It plays with superb sound, quiet surfaces quality with no distortion, no wear, no jumps or clicks, or other defects, and even Callas's loudest high notes have no distortion at all - amazing!  On side 6 there are some very light ticks for a short period, well behind the music, and not disturbing for the most part)
Front laminated card box is VG+.  All intact, no splits, tears or major damage, glossy laminate with a small loss of surface at bottom right, box has some wear to corners, spine undamaged - see photos.
                                 _________________________________________________________
              

These LPs are all from my personal collection, which has grown much too large, and so I am thinning down, as I won't be able to listen to all of them in one lifetime.  

The description will state if the LPs have been fully auditioned (for rarer material, or when the visual grading is unclear), spot-auditioned, or if not otherwise stated, just visually graded.

For listening tests, stereo LPs are played either on LP12/Ekos/Dynavector10XS while monos are tested on Thorens TD160/SME 3009/Denon DL102,  Visual grading is under magnification and spotlight.

In my experience, most used LPs will benefit from professional cleaning which reduces background surface noise and often removes many of the pops and clicks, especially when these are due to debris, grease etc on the surface.

 

GRADING  (obviously slightly subjective and often dependent on original pressing and vinyl quality) - see description of each LP for more detail. 

Mint  Only used for sealed and unopened records (which may of course have pressing defects which are not visible until unsealed).

NM     Visually perfect, no scuffs or other marks, and plays without any problems, and barely audible surface noise (depending on date and pressing).  No spindle trails on label. Jacket (sleeve) or box will be almost perfect.

EX+    The occasional extremely light mark, fingernail scuffs etc that should not make any difference to the sound, possibly a few spindle trails on the label. Playback should be similar to NM.  Jacket or box may have very minor defects such as slight creases, or ring-wear but these will be not very noticeable

EX     Only one or two very minor marks that might give the occasional low level pop or click but no serious scuffs or scratches and the record should play without any distortion or serious problems. Surface noise may be slightly more apparent than NM but still not at all distracting.  Jacket or box may have some minor defects, slight distortions or edge knocks, small amount of discolouration or slight laminate peel etc.

 VG+    Minor surface marks that will give occasional background noise or a few repeating click and pops for a short period, or more noticeable surface noise, but on the whole the record should play without serious problems, and will still be enjoyable to listen to.  Sleeve or box may have noticeable defects (laminate peel or loss, small edge splits or repaired tears, staining or discoloration, slight sticker damage etc), but no major tears, losses, or bends.

VG:   There are marks that will cause some deterioration in the sound, such as repeating clicks from shallow scratches, or higher levels of background noise but this will not be serious enough to cause a major distraction to the listener.  Very slight inner groove or "side-end" distortion may be present on loud passages. Sleeve or box might have splits (repaired or otherwise), pronounced ring-wear, tears, sticker damage, writing,or noticeable creases or bends. 

Only very rare records will be offered for sale in less than VG condition; the description will give details of all the defects in such cases.

  

Postal charges:                      

Calculated by weight, including packaging

UK:  Royal Mail "signed-for" 1st class (insured up to £50)

up to 2kg (normally 4-7 LPs)                       £5.50 (Second class £4.50)

Over 2kg, Parcelforce Express 48 prices (insured up to £100):

Up to 5kg                                                       £13

Up to 10kg                                                     £16

Additional insurance can be purchased, please ask for a quote.

Europe signed and tracked postage (insured up to £50):

1 LP £12.00 

2 LP  £13,00

3 LP  £14.00

4 LP £15.00

5 LP £16.00

Rest of the World (except USA and Australia) signed, and tracked if available, air mail (insured up to £50):

1 LP  £17.00 

2 LP  £20.00

3 LP  £23.00

4 LP  £25.00

5 LP  £27.00

Tracked and signed-for postage to the USA and Australia has unfortunately recently become more expensive:

1 LP  £19.00 

2 LP  £22.00 

3 LP  £25.00 

4 LP  £28.00 

5 LP  £31.00 

 ·         Larger quantities, please ask for a quote. 

 ·         Boxed sets - the box generally adds the weight of one extra LP.  Please remember that earlier pressings will usually weigh more than later ones (some early mono LPs are more than 200g).

 ·         For all packages insurance is required and I can provide a quote for higher value packages (over £50).  I will always retain proof of postage.

 ·         LPs will be well packed, with extra stiffeners, and with the LP removed from the outer sleeve to prevent seam splits.  High value items will be double-boxed.

 ·         Honest mistakes in grading can occur occasionally, so if the LP is not as described, please contact me within 14 days to arrange return and refund (buyer pays return postage)