PHILIP GLASS Music in 12 Parts. 6 N/M LPs & Box 1988

	£		103
	$		136

Hi, I am Mike, now 49 and have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 34 years now. We all wish we could turn back the clock and buy those wonderful brand new records from the 60s and 70s, but alas, this is not possible; so I always try to offer the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. No vinyl/music lover really would choose to buy second-hand, but this is only way now to own these valuable, prized and elusive items now. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested reader – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching for covers - this depends on the lighting at the time and that is out of my control, but I feel sure most items will be very close to the actual real item. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic , and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps or sticks or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortophon 520 Mk II cartridge (tracks at 1.75 grams). Amps: Arcam 2 x 125W Pre-Power. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

Album Title: Music in Twelve Parts.

Producer(s): Kurt Munkaesi.

Track Listing: Six Records, titles are Parts 1 to 12. A full ‘part’ occupies each side.

Label/Format: Virgin (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: All 12 are pretty much the same and that is practically as new. The odd faint spindle trace on a couple but this amazing box set looks and sounds practically unplayed as new.

Cat Number: VEBX 32.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: All around ± 120 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: The labels state made in W. Germany. I think it very likely this boxed set edition is possibly unique to this country.

Rarity: Very scarce I would think, I doubt if this would have sold in great numbers. This is specialist music for the connoisseur.

Original Year of Release: 1988 (the records were recorded in 1987).

Principal Musicians: Philip Glass – keyboards; Michael Riesman – keyboards; Richard Landry - flute, soprano saxophone; Jon Gibson – flute, soprano saxophone; Jack Kripl – flute, soprano saxophone; Richard Peck – alto, tenor saxophones; Joan la Barbera - voice; Dora Ohrenstein - voice; .

Brief Info: Originally composed between 1965 to 1975, this stunning six record box set that brings all twelve pieces of these masterworks all into one. A modern, state-of-the-art recording that has technical precision in performance and sound with immaculate records pressed in Germany. A set that lasts around four hours and yes I played them all in their entirety – it was a pleasure to do so too. Glass is well known for his ‘minimalist’ works and this probably – just – fits into this somewhat misleading genre. This monumental 12-piece work is music for the connoisseur, it boasts simply awesome sound and details. All 12 records have near perfect sound and have quite breathtaking harmonics and genuine super-fi sound. Trying to describe the content of this highly intriguing and complex music is not easy. Every side has repetitive harmonics that build and subtely alter – the listener becomes quickly transfixed into the repetition and this has a fast addictive quality. This is not classical music, it quickly reminds of vintage Tangerine Dream (at their very best) with most all pieces being fast and getting more complex and dramatic as the sides develop the soundscapes further. The inclusion of eerie female voice makes this a captivating experience, I enjoyed ten of the 12 sides immensely, only a couple of sides were a little more ‘difficult’ and with time these will become more accessible also I feel sure. A few years ago I attended a proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall that was dedicated to ‘alternative’ music by Philip Glass, Steve Reich and yes, Frank Zappa – what an evening that was. Just to watch the musicians play technically complex music like this was simply fascinating. Music in 12-parts blends electronic keyboards with haunting saxophone and reed sounds with female voice shimmering between. A box set to open the mind and senses, this will appeal to rock fans as well as minimalist connoisseurs. With pristine clarity and mega-fi sound on offer, this is unmissable and I doubt if this will be seen or offered often. The beauty and individualness of the 12 sides mean you can play whatever side you want too with no rules of order – all are ‘different’ but follow a similar path. To discover the genius of Glass, this set is near unbeatable and represents his early works to the most stunning advantage – a totally unmissable experience for listeners with a mind.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High: All boxes are delicate and damage easily. This could almost pass for new. [Unlaminated covers are always the most vulnerable for rubbing, fading, sticker tears and ringwear, gatefolds are more prone still and the darker they are, the more this type of wear occurs and shows. Some sleeves have a textured finish or die-cut shaped edges or ‘windows’. These are even more delicate and the hardest to find in top condition. Fully laminated covers are more resistent to wear but often the laminate ages with dulling, creases and blistering. Many 60s covers have outer flipback construction, these are very vulnerable to damage]. (US covers are the most fragile of all, very rarely laminated and made with thick brittle card that rubs and ringwears badly. Seams and edges split easily). Please see format below to access this cover’s potential for wear and damage.

Box Grade and Format: Mint(-). A two piece box, the lid is totally detachable with no hinge. The lid is practically pristine and any marks barely even register. All edges and corners solid with no damage, spilts or tears and totally unrubbed. This will not be seen better. The base is very similar, all edges and corners again almost as new. The black bottom has faint friction rub traces to the surface but how many will ever match or be better than this will very few (if indeed any). This robust and solid box is probably the very best that you will ever see.

The Six Inner ‘Covers’: All practically as new bar the very typical centre surface splits. All quite light here and this happens on the majority of inner covers within box sets. The records move in transit and even from new these inners were seen with small splits on the top edges. Indeed, this sets original (and only) owner told me these were indeed like this from new. A couple have escaped totally and all spines are pristine perfect as are front and backs. All retain a fantastic (again as new) semi-gloss sheen (but are unlaminated of course). These covers give details of the musicians and technical details etc. Like the fantastic box, these inners will not be seen much better than these.

Insert: One fold, double size and again Mint(-) with no real wear and few traces of ever being ‘used’ or handled. Crisp edges with no creasing or marks.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: All Mint(-) with nothing more than the odd ultra faint surface mark, again ‘movement’ or ‘removal’ trace blemishes with no sounds at all. A superb visual set that are super clean, shiny, jet black and very solidly pressed. Superior German records that are pressed to ‘classical’ standard and play with incredible clean and perfect sound. A set probably played two or three times most, including my play-grade. Visually immaculate records that should please most aall collectors.

Records Played For Grading: Yes (all them in their entirety).

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: These supreme records play up to their high visual grading with nothing to fault (and that is all 12 sides). Powerful, detailed and totally distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear. Sound quality is truly astonishing with a wide dynamic range and genuine high-end high-fidelity sound. Any surface sounds barely register and no pops or clicks were noted and these are exceptional clean pressed records as you would expect from Germany. These records have been mastered to the highest standards possible and these will make any system worthy of a name excel with breathtaking sound and dynamics. Few copies will match or better these I feel certain. Clearly a set little handled or played, these six records are near unbeatable and nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading these master ‘minimalist’ works. Apart from the small cover top splits, this set will never be found better (and I bet most have them too).

End Piece: I enjoy offering different types of music and this is my first set by this wonderfully gifted American composer. Now known within film music, these early works from his classic ‘minimalist’ period are guaranteed to thrill his fans. I normally offer rock and popular music, this set WILL appeal to rock fans, probably more so in fact than classical music listeners. If you have never experienced the music of Philip Glass – well here is a real chance to own some of his most prized work – do not let this one go.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.

My Terms For Bidding

Debutant Bidders: Many sellers refuse first time buyers: I do not follow this practice (everybody has to start somewhere), but I would appreciate any first timer letting me know their intentions for payment method and very prompt communication, preferably before any bid or soon after the auctions ends. This gives confidence that their intentions are honourable, and I in return guarantee extra special good feedbacks to get zero rated Ebayers off to a flying start to help them with future transactions.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance. Item wants are always welcome - email me with anything needed, you never know - I may just have a copy in stock. I buy quality single items and collections also (I am regularly told I offer the best prices – please Email me if you have items for sale).

Payment Details please read carefully - I know its boring but essential:

UK First Class: = £3 or Special Delivery (Next day, fully insured), the best service available = £7.00

Europe Air Mail: = £4 Insured & Signed For: £8.00.

Overseas, non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Australia etc. Airmail:= £7; Insured & Signed For (where available) = £11.00. Doubles add extra £1. Reductions for multiple items for all.

Any item that sells for over £75 will be sent Special Delivery in the UK at no extra cost. Items over £100 get the same service Overseas. This gives peace of mind for the winning bidder and myself for valuable items. Reduced postage of course for multiple items.

The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£30).

Mailing Details: Please note I do NOT profit on postage, in fact I lose money on most packets (my packing standards are very high and the package weighs a little more - I simply refuse to compromise with poor packing. All records are sent in plastic covers with the record taken OUT of the sleeve and sent in professional mailers with FOUR proper stiffners for extra protection (if space allows). More expensive items are also inserted into a de-luxe heavy duty padded bag AS WELL to give that extra protection. I truly want ALL my items to arrive to their destination in the same condition they leave me. I will also include in most cases a brand new inner, but will include the original inner if available.

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal or IMO’s from overseas bidders.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer.