Ed. By Harry Smith “ANTHOLOGY OF AMERCAN FOLK MUSIC Vol. 1: BALLADS” 2-LP Box – FOLKWAYS (FA 2951)

Easily one of the most influential musical documents ever, this series turned an entire generation onto the blues, ballads and stomps that blew through rural America during the 30’s and 40’s, and nearly became lost forever in the transition from 78-RPM to LP phonograph records. Harry Smith feverishly collected these relics from all over and released them on Folkways in a 3 (initially planned as 4) part series in the late 1950’s. Each set contains 2 LP’s and a fantastic booklet with song-by-song commentary, facsimiles of old advertisements and other Smith-chosen graphics. This pressing is from 1967 and is very difficult to find. The first edition from the 50’s is damn near impossible to find. Both versions are very sought after by collectors, and the music contained in all three sets is utterly indispensable to any serious listener.

Record 1 – NM

Beautiful. Hard to find a fault, and sounds magnificent. Clean labels.

Record 2 – EX(+)

Light paper scuffing on both sides. Plays beautifully. Clean labels.

Booklet – NM

Beautiful. No creasing, tears, writing, rusted staples or discoloration.

Outer Box – EX(-)

Small tear on front, lower-right of paste on image (see photo), spine has faded from red to very light orange. No tears in the paper wrap-around hinge (uncommon for these!), splitting or writing. Looks great overall.

Mint – Unplayed. I reserve this grade only for sealed records that show no visible signs of defect, such as warping, and, to my knowledge, have been properly stored.

NM – Looks perfect, but has likely been played at least once. Covers don’t really exceed this grade.

EX – Very nice, save for one or two small defects such as a hairline scratch or paper scuff that doesn’t affect play. Record may have a pressing flaw such as a bubble or two that can be heard if listened to closely. Cover may show the very beginnings of ring-wear, have light staining or a very small corner bump.

VG+ - Still nice, but has definitely been played a bit by someone who takes good care of things. Record may have a few light scratches that are audible but do not detract much from the music, or a very slight warp that does not affect play.  Cover may be ring-worn a bit, have a small corner bump or two, a small seam-split or a light crease.

VG – Record has some very noticeable defects, such as a few scratches that are easily heard but do not cause skips. Record plays through fine and the music is still enjoyable, but there may be background noise throughout. Cover might have Moderate ring wear, creasing or significant seam-splitting (3+”). In other words a decent playing and perfectly collectible copy until a nicer one comes along.

(+) and (-) next to grade indicate that the record or cover is either a hair above [(+)] or below [(-)] that grade.

I will not likely list anything deserving of a grade below VG.

NO PERSONAL CHECKS. Paypal, money order or well-concealed cash only.

Priority shipping in US is $8, or $4 for Media Rate. 

Airmail to Canada: $8.

Airmail to UK & Europe: $15. 

Airmail to Japan: $17.

Contact me for rates to any other destination not listed above.

Insurance is optional, however it is highly recommended. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNINSURED ITEMS DAMAGED/LOST IN TRANSIT.

Shipping charges include the price of a professional record mailer and flat cushion by Bags Unlimited.

LP’s are shipped with the record outside the sleeve to prevent ring-wear and seam-splitting.