Rare Greek 78 RPM Columbia DC 392 Vassilis Tsitsanis Athinaissa 10" Shellac

	A$		65
	$		43

Rare Greek 78 RPM Columbia DC 392 Vassilis Tsitsanis Athinaissa 10" Shellac
Up for auction is an extraordinarily scarce, premium 10" Greek 78 RPM shellac record on the classic dark blue and gold Columbia export label (Catalog No. D.C. 392). 
Pressed in England from historic master matrices recorded in Athens in June 1946, this release marks the golden dawn of post-WWII Rebetiko history. 
Side A features the driving urban anthem "Me Ghynekes Mi Traviese" (Zeimbekiko) pairing the gritty vocals of Stratos Pagioumtzis with Vassilis Tsitsanis. 
Side B holds the legendary, haunting "Athineïssa," showcasing the incredible golden-age voice of Stellakis Perpiniadis. 
Driven by spectacular, raw 3-string acoustic bouzouki accompaniment from Tsitsanis himself, this record is a prized museum-grade artifact for world music archives and serious collectors globally
Side A (CG 2166) Main Title: ME GHYNEKES MI TRAVIESE – ZEIMBEKIKO Me Gynaikes Min Traviesai – Zeibekiko (Don't Get Mixed Up With Women – written in the classic 9/8 time Zeibekiko rhythm) Songwriter: (Tsitsanis – Tsitsanis) Vassilis Tsitsanis (Music and lyrics) Artists On Label: Pop. Orch. ; Stratos Tsitsanis Stratos Pagioumtzis & Vassilis Tsitsanis Historical Context Note: The label prints "Stratos Tsitsanis" as a shorthand fusion, but the actual lead singer is the iconic Stratos Pagioumtzis ("The Bilal"), with composer Vassilis Tsitsanis providing the second vocal harmony and playing the lead 3-string acoustic bouzouki.
Side B (Matrix CG 2167) Main Title: ATHINEÏSSA → Athinaissa (The Athenian Woman) Songwriter: (Tsitsanis – Tsitsanis) Vassilis Tsitsanis Artists On Label: Stellakis, Tsitsanis pop. orch. Stellakis Perpiniadis & Vassilis Tsitsanis Historical Context Note: "Stellakis" refers to Stellakis Perpiniadis, one of the most prolific and celebrated voices of the pre-and-post-war Rebetiko movement. He sings lead here with backing vocals and blistering bouzouki work by Tsitsanis.
Year: 1946 (Recorded in Athens on June 25, 1946, immediately following the post-war reopening of the Columbia factory). Genre: Folk, World, & Country. Style: Rebetiko / Laiko (Classic post-war urban Greek blues).
Condition: E (78) Does have minor 78rpm surface noise, crackles and pops commensurate with a record of nearly 80 years old.  Does not overpower or distort playability. Plays through, no skipping or jumping.
We fully test all 78s with a 1950s COLLARO JRP-59M mono record player fitted with a RONETTE SA-250 78rpm sapphire stylus set at 3 grams.
All 78rpm records if required are ultrasonically cleaned without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents. We use distilled water with a squirt of fairy dishwashing liquid at a temperature of approx 20oC for a minimum of 7 minutes for mildly soiled records to 15 minutes for heavily soiled records. We have used this method for several years now with no adverse affects on the playability of the records.
We use the VJM Record Grading System (see grading at bottom of description) and assess each 78rpm on visual and sound quality, however this may differ according to the buyers individual tastes and expectations. We do not grade original paper sleeves as these are usually well beyond shelf wear with creases and tears being common. The original sleeves are supplied if applicable, however we pack with a new black generic paper sleeve and include 2 labels with discography information included.
Packing is of great importance to us to ensure safe delivery of your valuable purchase(s). Each record is sandwiched between heavy duty cardboard and then placed in a 300 x 300 x 100mm box using recycled packing materials for adequate cushioning during transit.
We post internationally. All customs duties, import fees are to be paid for by the buyer. These costs are usually displayed in checkout prior to purchase.
We combine your purchases to save on postage costs. If purchasing more than one record, please DO NOT pay until we send you a combined invoice. 
We use Australia Post for all our deliveries with tracking. 
Express post available in checkout. (not available for international orders due to prohibitive costs)
Overseas orders sent Australia Post Standard International with tracking.
VJM Grading:
N (78). As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).
N- (78). Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.
E+ (78). Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.
E  (78). Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.
E- (78). Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches. 
V+ (78). V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced.
V (78). Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.
V- (78). Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level.
G+ (78). Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.
G (78). Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.
G- (78). Music still prominent, but wear and scratch damage extensive.
F (78). Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.