Rare Cuban Son Montuno 78 rpm SMC Arsenio Rodriguez Estrellas Del Ritmo

$

281

Hello! I would like to bring to your attention another rare phonograph featuring none other than “El Mago Del Tres” Arsenio Rodriguez and his group “Estrellas Del Ritmo.”.

Label: SMC (SPANISH MUSIC CENTER) PRO-ARTE

Artist: ESTRELLAS DEL RITMO [ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ]

Titles: YO NO ENGAÑO A LAS NENAS – (SON-MONTUNO); TECOLORO (PAJARO QUE NUNCA VUELA) – (SON-MONTUNO).

Description:

This rare recording features two compositions by one of the most critically acclaimed and influential Latin musicians of all time who needs no introduction, Arsenio Rodriguez. These are two pre-salsa sones montunos, with great piano and lead trumpet solo improvisations. They were recorded in Havana, Cuba in 1948 for SMC records (Spanish Music Center) at a time when “Arsenio” was a major sought-after attraction by Havana’s social clubs and dance academies. I would like to say only that bandleader, composer and tres (a guitar-related instrument with three double steel strings) player, Arsenio Rodriguez was known as “El Mago Del Tres” (the tres magician) because of his virtuosity.  A must-have collectible recording by all around superb musicians!

Condition:

(VG+). In very good condition with mix of glossy surface, light scuffs and scratches, and lightly damaged labels. Both sides have remnants of stickers of previous owner on label. Side A has also the RARE SMC store sticker where it was sold (please see pictures). Some surface noise (hiss and pops/crackles). Plays very loud and clear.

78s Grading:  I grade items visually, noting any defects such as scuffing and scratches, rim chips, or flakes, and hair or lam cracks.  In addition to the visual grading, I also offer a brief description of the overall sound quality as I hear it on my record player and sound equipment utilizing a 78 cartridge/stylus.  I do not use any state-of-the-art digital audio restoration software that removes hisses, clicks, pops, and crackles.  Those sounds are “natural” in many 78s as they were recorded (by acoustic or electric means) and pressed with technology developed in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.

As many avid collectors know, many of these 78 rpm discs are extremely rare, hard to find, and in many cases may be unique examples.  Thus grading them with a letter or number is beside the point.  Recognizing that these recordings are exceptional, I was just lucky and happy to find a playable copy, no matter in what condition I found them, and I hope you will be too.

I also hope the pictures will tell the overall story of their condition.  However, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns prior to placing a bid. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ITEM IS SOLD AS IS.

We regret we only ship within the US - contiguous 48 states.  I currently DO NOT offer Local Pick Up.  We DO NOT ship to HAWAII, ALASKA, GUAM, PUERTO RICO, P.O. BOX, or INTERNATIONAL addresses.

I have been collecting 78 rpm discs since the early 1980s.  I visited hundreds of record stores, flea markets, thrift stores, estates sales, and web-sites looking for these gems I am auctioning now.  You could say I already did all the hard work for you.  In addition, I am an ethnomusicologist (PhD) with an extensive knowledge of music and musicians from Mexico, Cuba, and the rest of Latin America.  Many of these recordings were used to illustrate college courses I taught about Mexican, Cuban, and other Latin American musics. Thus, I can assure you will be bidding on important recordings.  This is a great opportunity for you to start a great collection or add to your existing one, but I do not have to tell you this.

I will be auctioning my entire collection which includes such artists as Arsenio Rodriguez, Chano Pozo, Sexteto Habanero, Septeto Nacional, Antonio Maria Romeu, Rosales y Robinson, Trio Gárnica Ascencio, Guty Cardenas, Agustín Lara, Lydia Mendoza, and Mariachi Coculense, among others.  Music genres include Danzón, Rumba, Son, Bolero, Mambo, Son Jarocho, Ranchera, Canción Mexicana, Corrido, Fox Trot, etc.  Record labels include Victor Talking Machine (“Scroll”), RCA-Victor, Bluebird, Columbia (Flag, Viva Tonal, Note the Notes, and Grafonola labels), Brunswick, Okeh, Edison, and Coda, among others.

Payment Options: I accept PayPal only.  All payments should be in US funds and must be received within 3 days of auction close.  For quickest service, please complete eBay checkout including your correct shipping address!

Fees listed are for shipping, packaging, and delivery confirmation.  Everything ships via U.S. POSTAL SERVICE, unless otherwise requested by buyer. A DELIVERY CONFIRMATION NUMBER ensures verification of delivery to the address given, and is included in shipping fees.  Buyer pays a flat rate for shipping.

Shipping: By USPS Priority Mail.  Estimated shipping cost:  $6.80 - $13.45 (varies by buyer's location).

I will ship items in sturdy corrugated shipping boxes, packed between cardboard squares taped together.  I will try to ship within 48 hours of receiving the proper payment for your package. However, I DO NOT ship on Sundays OR postal holidays.

Combining Multiple Items:  I will be happy to combine items won within a 7-day period into a single shipment, at a discounted rate. Please send an invoice request at auction end to ensure the proper discount.  Combined items need to be paid on a single invoice; be sure to make only ONE payment for all the items you've won.

Feedback:  Once you have received your item and are completely satisfied, please leave me feedback and I will gladly return the favor!  I am trying to earn your respect and trust.