Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country & Western UK HMV STEREO Stunning Copy EX+

	£		20
	$		27

Background Information

I am currently in the process of shifting a vast collection of stock which largely derives from a Record Shop which closed its doors in the early 1980s.  The stock spans a period from the early 1960s through to the early 80s with the bulk dating from the 1970s.  There are large quantities of Progressive Rock, R & B and Soul and Modern Classical.  Most of the items have sustained a single play (clearly standard practice to check for flaws upon receipt of new records back-in-the-day) however, some are obviously UNPLAYED.  The bulk of what I’m currently selling comes from this source and I’d guess it will be years before I exhaust it!

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK A really stunning U.K. HMV STEREO pressing of Ray Charles ‘Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: His Masters Voice CSD 1451).  I’d guess this was about a 1968 pressing as it features what I believe to be the original EMI bag which advertises the first Pink Floyd L.P. (1967) and the first Tyrannosaurus Rex L.P. (1968).  HMV discontinued as a ‘pop’ label around this time so this must have been one of the last pressings.  The sleeve is virtually identical to a 1962 press with the only difference being the ‘STEREO’ emblem in the top right-hand corner which is thinner and smaller than you’d expect.  You can still feel the print on the rear of the sleeve (if you know what I mean) and the labels are black with ‘His Master’s Voice’ in red print.  I think this is the best copy I have ever seen and I’d guess it has been played once or twice.  Under an intense light there are only the most limited number of hairline scratches which you really have to look for.  There are no marks of substance (i.e. which can be seen in normal daylight or which can be felt).  The record retains a lovely ‘as new’ sheen to it and has evidently rarely been removed from its sleeve.  The vinyl is a confident (and perhaps conservative) EXCELLENT+ grading.  The sleeve repeats the same story as the vinyl namely that it hasn’t been handled much and it has a sheen which lends it a ‘pressed yesterday’ look.  Any flaws that I list are listed for the sake of being comprehensive because this is a truly stunning example.  There is a little wear to each corner with the bottom right-hand corner perhaps having sustained a light knock.  I’d say that the opening edge of the sleeve is as ‘sharp’ and the rear as white as the day it was pressed.  The rear has picked-up virtually no ‘grubbiness’ whatsoever.  I don’t think it would be cheeky to describe the sleeve as being in NEAR MINT condition.

Condition

VINYL – EXCELLENT+

SLEEVE – NEAR MINT

Final Remarks

You simply won’t find a better example!  This could have been purchased yesterday and really doesn’t look 45 years old!  Please check my other auctions for a similarly immaculate copy of Ray Charles ‘I’m All Yours Baby!’ L.P. on Stateside and a large run of Ray Charles 45s from the same source and other R&B and Soul collectables in similarly immaculate condition.  Save me as a favourite seller as there is plenty more where this came from!

General Conditions & Information

I have been a collector for in excess of 15 years now and regard myself as a conservative grader.  I know from experience that there is nothing worse than buying an item which is described with superlatives only for it to arrive and look like it has been scrapped along the floor (!).  As a rule I don’t submit anything to auction which I wouldn’t be happy receiving myself.  I endeavour to be accurate with my grading and all items are graded under an intense light.  Please take a look through my feedback as I’d like to think it speaks for itself. 

Returns Policy

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase then please contact me within 7 days of receipt.  The buyer is expected to meet the return postage costs.

Payment Methods

Domestic buyers can pay via Cheque, PayPal or Postal Order.  Overseas buyers are always welcome and are required to pay via PayPal.  Payment is expected within 7 days of auction end unless otherwise agreed.

Postage Costs

I have had to bring my service in-line with changes to Royal Mail Terms and Conditions effective of April 2013.  Previously items sent via standard post were automatically covered up to the value of £46.00 however, standard postage now only covers items up to the value of £20.00.  Items with an opening value >£20.00 will include domestic Signed For postage costs automatically.  Items with an opening value <=£20.00 and which complete with a value <=£20.00 will continue to be dispatched via standard post unless otherwise agreed (i.e. the buyer indicates a preference otherwise).  Items which have an opening value <=£20.00 but whose final value is >£20.00 will be subject to enhanced postage costs in order to cover the extra insurance which is required.  I hope this is as straightforward as I can make it?  Ultimately, please don’t make payment until you’ve received an invoice from me and if you aren’t happy with the invoice you receive then I’m always open to discussion.  Buyers should be aware that both Ebay and PayPal take a % of postage charges (i.e. they are higher than I’d ideally want them to be).

Multiple purchases will be subject to consolidated postage costs.  I will contact you at the end of the auction to confirm these costs.

Proof of postage is always obtained and retained.

Overseas Buyers

As noted above Overseas buyers are welcome.  If you want me to investigate potential postage costs in advance of the auction’s end then please feel free to contact me.