The Who TOMMY Classic Records 8LP 45rpm Clarity Vinyl TEST PRESSING #3 of 20
$
1,308
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Description
PLEASE CHECK OUT OTHER TEST PRESSINGS I HAVE ON OFFER THIS WEEK!
The Who TOMMY Classic Records 8LP 45rpm 200gm Clarity Vinyl TEST PRESSING, and this is #3 of only 20 issued. I purchased this copy factory sealed here on eBay in May 2017, during a period in which the owners of Classic Records were disposing of their remaining assets. These test pressings, particularly at 45 rpm, will get you as close to the master tape as you're likely to get!
COMMENTS: Pictures 4 through 11 show each corner of the Outer Box, starting from the Front Upper Left and proceeding clockwise (Pictures 4 through 7) and in the same order for the rear (Pictures 8 through 11). The outer box is in EX+ condition; there is a minor crease/ding to the front (Picture 14).
Uncharacteristically, Classic included a copy of the Tommy LP cover (Pictures 20 and 21); almost all of the Classic test pressings I've owned do NOT come with an LP cover. NO lyric booklet was included. Candidly, in this case I would bet they had enough extra covers lying around so they threw one in to get rid of them. The cover included in this set has significant bumps to the lower corners (Pictures 22 and 23 front, Picture 24 rear), which was the condition it was in when I took delivery. I considered the cover a bonus item, and I hope the auction winner will share that view.
AUDIO SAMPLE: The video is a "needle drop" audio sample of each LP track. eBay limits videos to 60 seconds, therefore limiting samples to only around five to eight seconds per track. I believe the audio will demonstrate that, on average, the LP is in the condition described.
Because Tommy has 24 tracks, I have opted to provide a 7.5 second sample of the beginning of each of the 8 single-sided LPs. On average the set grades a solid EX to NM; any surface noise is down to the pressing itself.
ABOUT 45 RPM PRESSINGS
A lot of audiophile titles get reissued as 45 rpm sets for several reasons, but the most important one is because they almost universally sound better than a 33 1/3 version.
This is not hype. LPs pressed at 45 rpm offer a wider dynamic range, deeper bass, and sweeter top end. While 33 1/3 offers more convenience (more tracks/time per side before you have to flip the LP over), there are significant tradeoffs, including more compression (particularly as the stylus moves closer to the center) and lower frequency extension (you need physical space to cut deep bass wavelengths into vinyl).
I’ve played “A/B” comparisons for a lot of folks (mostly non-audiophiles) and no one has yet chosen a 33 1/3 title over a 45 rpm version. It is NOT subtle.
About My Used Records - NOT REQUIRED READING, BUT...If you have not purchased an open/used record from me, this section might be worth reading once, as I offer a handful of reasons why I think I offer a superior record-buying experience. Here goes:
1) I'm selling my personal collection. I purchased every item I sell here, and therefore I know where and when I got it, and whether the LP has been played frequently, or not at all, etc.
2) I take care of my records. Once an LP is open, the record is always stored in a rice-paper (Mobile Fidelity/Quality Pressings-type) or a poly-lined sleeve. For over 20 years I've made a practice of cleaning a record EVERY TIME before I play it. I've owned VPI, Audiodesk, and Degritter cleaners, and for the last several years I use the KLAudio 200T, which is widely considered to be the best cleaner on the market (Acoustic Sounds is said to have their KLAudios running 24 hours a day for their used record business). I also clean my stylus after the end of each LP side. I currently use the DS Audio ST-50 cleaner. Finally, I use high-end cartridges for playback. Owing to these best practices, my LPs do not undergo the kinds of wear you might typically encounter. Generally speaking, if an LP I sell has incidents of surface noise, it's because of the pressing itself.
By the way, thanks to KLAudio, I am certain that a new LP cleaned on that machine is unquestionably in better condition than the sealed ("mint") LP. Why? Take a look at the next new record you buy. You're likely to see all kinds of dust or other debris, and that doesn't include the microscopic detritus you can't see. A new record is actually upgraded after it's been cleaned by the KLAudio cleaner. All used records I sell here are cleaned before shipment.
3) Since 1984 or so, my work involved extensive traveling throughout the U.S. My free-time was always devoted to checking out any and all record stores. By the early 2000's, after you add Ebay and other online vendors into the mix, I ended up with a collection of 7,000+ records! (it's down to 5,000+ now). However, there are only so many hours in the day, and the upshot is that many of the "used" records I sell have only been played once or twice, if at all.
About Me: I'm a long time Ebay buyer and seller intent on selling a significant portion of my LP collection over the next year or two (or three!). I believe in the auction process, so I list my LPs with low opening bids and NO RESERVES. Please have a look at some of the feedback I've gotten over the years; you will be hard-pressed to find a better or more trustworthy source for high value collectibles. The LPs I sell here are routinely listed on other sites at very high asking prices. Here's your chance to get these fantastic rarities in an open auction, reflecting their true market value. I believe this is the most fair process for both buyer and seller -- and it's way more fun!
I look forward to getting rare, out of print records into the hands of music lovers, record collectors and audiophiles (I consider myself all of the above). All LPS stored in a smoke-free, climate controlled environment.
COMBINED SHIPPING: I am more than happy to combine shipping. Ebay buyers pay the actual postage costs and a single $2 charge for shipping materials.
PayPal Payments Only. Payment required within 3 days after the end of auction. All records will ship USPS Media Mail.
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