Traffic - S/T superb condition throughout plays very near mint

	£		26
	$		34

Traffic

Superb condition throughout, you will find it very difficult to find another one in such great condition! 

Island Stereo ILPS 9081T superb condition plays very near Mint 1968 UK pressing

·      This is an original 1968 pressing

·      Original genuine  Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve designed by Jim Capaldi

This copy has sat on my shelves alongside many others un-played, but not unloved, for the best part of 40 years and I guess it’s time to let it go to someone who will appreciate it and play it more often.

I bought this when it was first released and it has been stored in a protective polythene outer sleeve and the vinyl has always been kept clean. It has been recently “vacuumed” on my Moth Record Cleaning machine using L’Art du Son” cleaning fluid, which has no alcohol in it, to restore it to its original lustre. This LP has never been loaned out or taken to any party so I know its entire history and it has always been played on quality equipment.

The matrix details are as follows:

Side One:

ILPS 9081 T

A // 2

Side Two:

ILPS 9081 T 

B ? 5

Vinyl:                  Excellent++ (Plays very near mint)

Plays beautifully with no extraneous surface noise, pops or crackles other than the very faint swish occasionally heard on most vinyl even through good quality hi-fi. There is some soft crackle on the lead-in on Track 1 on both sides, although this is when there is no music so it has no effect on replay. This is being very critical. This LP plays as only early heavy vinyl can with strong instrument separation and 3-D image placement. The dynamics of this recording are similar to the sound of 180gm LP re-mastered reissues such as on Analogue Productions, Sundazed and Speakers Corner.

The instruments sound crisp and clear and the whole LP plays with no distortion. It sounds alarmingly “real” (unlike CDs), with the cymbals ringing clear and metallic, the drum sound is very accurate and the bass is deep and strongly defined as only vinyl replay can offer. Very good instrument separation on all tracks.

Please note: There are a few extremely fine, non-sounding, hairlines (probably cause by removal from the inner sleeve), on both sides. This is being extremely critical. Other than that this is probably the best condition copy of this LP you’ll be able to lay your hands on (unless you know someone, such as me, who has had a copy from new, always kept it scrupulously clean, never loaned it out and always played it on quality equipment).

I have played this on my latest set-up which is Project Perspective deck, Ortofon Kontrapunkt b cartridge through Musical Fidelity XLPS2 twin mono block phono stage into a WAD Pre–11 valve pre amp coupled to a Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amp and finally Ruark Prelude ‘speakers and it sounds wonderfully dynamic and clear. As a double check I have also listened to this through my Sennheiser HD 565 Ovation headphones linked to a Musical Fidelity X-Cans V2 valve headphone amp and only if listened to very carefully is the occasional mere touch of low-level surface noise evident between tracks.

It is worth bearing in mind that other systems may not reveal the same level of hi-fi sound, especially concerning the reproduction of any surface noise.

Sleeve:         Excellent+

There is no evidence of ring wear on the front or rear of the sleeve. Virtually no “feathering” on the edges and the spine is still strong with no tears or wear. The lettering on the spine is still clear and undamaged. There is no writing on any of the sleeve surfaces. There is slight damage towards the top right corner of the front of the sleeve (probably the result of sticker removal but I can't remember) - this can be seen in the photograph. The inner booklet is intact and free of creases and writing although the top (of three) staple has separated from the booklet but is still fixed in the spine. This could easily be replaced but I want to offer this in original condition - I'll leave it to the successful buyer to decide what to do

Inner sleeve:          Excellent+

This is the original inner sleeve and shows little signs of age, other than being very slightly yellowed. It has the British Patent number and the Made in England text, which can be verified from the photographs.

Labels:                  Excellent+

Both labels are clean and bright with no marks. There is no spindle wear.

This record has been visually and play graded as accurately as possible using the Record Collector's grading system (please see below) with an added + where the condition is somewhere between two grades.

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records listed as un-played should be mint.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have some slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items is acceptable.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration etc.

Posting & Packing:

*New Royal Mail postage rates from 1st April 2013

The postage quoted is for Royal Mail 1st Class & Royal Mail Airmail, so if you require any other method of posting or insurance please ask.

I always keep proof of posting & will assist you if you need to make a claim for loss or damage with Royal Mail. Please ensure you provide me with your correct address information.

All LPs will be posted in thick purpose-made cardboard mailers with cardboard inserts for extra protection and the sleeve and LP will be separated to avoid any potential damage to either.

UK

Standard Royal Mail Second Class signed-for service - £4.50.

First Class Special Delivery (next day delivery signed for) with Enhanced Royal Mail Insurance (for LPs valued at over £50) - £8.00

EUROPE

Royal Mail Airsure International signed for with full tracking details and Enhanced Royal Mail Insurance (for LPs valued at over £50) -  £15.25.

USA & REST OF THE WORLD

Royal Mail Airsure International signed for with full tracking details and Enhanced Royal Mail Insurance (for LPs valued at over £50) -  £17.25.

Keep a look-out as I will soon be posting more superb condition LPs from King Crimson, East Of Eden, Jethro Tull as well as a few more unusual ones, all from my own collection, bought at the time of release and extremely well-looked after.