Mischa Elman/Steiger "Elman Encores" Decca LXT 5304

	£		89
	$		118

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL 

ELMAN ENCORES

Mischa Elman,Violin

Joseph Steiger., Piano

DECCA LXT 5304 (pressed In England)

A mega rare UK mono Decca on the orange label with silver print . Though it came from the collection of our local radio station and the labels and reverse cover carry the radio station markings, the vinyl is in a excellent  condition(see results of my grading below). An interesting aspect about this copy is that it does not have any of the Decca"mounts" which afflict early Decca pressings especially in this part of the world. I suppose the storage in temperature controlled environment by the station has something to do with it.

Please note that I will be away from Singapore from 18th Nov till 28th Nov 2009 and have scheduled this to end after I return which will be in the morning of 28th(local time). I may not be able to answer any queries but will certainly do so in the few hours before closing(we are 7 hours ahead of GMT)

GRADING RESULTS:

 The cover is generally VG++. There is some wear at the bottom  right hand edge which has been strengthened with cellophone tape by the station. There is the words "R.T.S' on the front cover which refers to Radio Television Singapore. The reverse side has the catalog number (LXT 5304) written at the top flipback, a stamped date as well as timing lengths against the tracks.

The vinyl is generally in an Excellent condition with some light lines which did not get into the grooves and affect play too badly. The vinyl does maintain its lustre and brilliance. The labels carry the radio station markings.Tracking  at 1.7g on a Naim ARO/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge on a Linn LP12, there are some extraneous surface noise but these were not intrusive . There is no distortion whatsoever.I would rate the playing as generally VG++. 

How I Clean and  Grade my Records 

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC 4 cleaning machine  using the US made Walker Audio 3 stage cleaning solution.

Playback Equipment: Playback is through a Linn LP12 turntable/Armeggedon/Naim Aro tonearm/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge and through a brace of active Naim 250s/135s into Naim DBL speakers. For 45s I use a second Linn/Lingo/Aro/Linn Troika though I change them occasionally as the arm tubes can be easily transferred from one deck to another.

I use both Goldmine and Rare Record Price Guide grading system as a guide and came up with the following:

·       Mint  I only use this for sealed items. The record is virtually unplayed and is in a brand new condition. Cover is pristine. Up till now, I have never used this grading and, chances are, never will, due to my conservative nature in matters of record grading.

·       Near Mint  Very little or negligible flaws. Faint lines or very faint creasing  on laminated covers visible under a strong light is acceptable but nothing serious. Records which show some signs of having been played such as very faint spindle marks are allowed but there should be no lessening in sound quality. .

·       Excellent   Item obviously played, though not often,and enjoyed with some slight noise. The record should be nice and shiny but may have a few light marks which should not intrude on play. Slight wear on cover is acceptable. 

·         Very Good Many more imperfections which are noticeable but not obtrusive. The record has been played several times but there should be no major deterioration in sound quality despite some noticeable surface marks and light scratches. Normal wear and tear or writings on the cover  is acceptable but there should not be any major tears.

I do not offer any records below Very Good  unless its extremely rare. 

SHIPPING:

I use brand new custom made paper sleeves  for the vinyl and for the sealable plastic ones for the sleeve. Shipping from Singapore is always by Airmail and by registered post as it allows one to track items in case of delays. I usually post within 2 working days from date of payment. From experience, I know that it generally takes about 10 days to arrive at the destination though there might be variations of plus/minus 3 days. Shipping costs in pounds are:

UK/USA/Europe Australia Japan  10 pounds

Hongkong, Taiwan South Korea  8.9  pounds

Each additional LP 3 GBP

I WILL NOT POST TO MALAYSIA.

Postage is via Airmail, "signed for" delivery. I prefer signed for delivery as it allows me to "chase" on my side if buyers do not get their items within 2 weeks though so far this has only happened with Italy.

 I will  inform buyers of the registration details through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice)