The Beatles (White Album) - Mobile Fidelity MFSL 2-072

$

76

Auctioning off my personal record collection. 
I am a private collector, not a dealer. As a (former) buyer I was VERY fussy about the condition of the records I purchased, and remember too well the disappointment of receiving a record that didn't match my expectations -- not to mention the seller's description. In the hopes of sparing the buyer this disappointment, the records I list will be described in detail, with any flaws and imperfections clearly pointed out and shown in photos. I believe a detailed description provides more information than a "grade" (Mint, EX, VG, etc.) and is far less subjective. I might still grade an item, but only in addition to a detailed description - never as a substitute.
Please don't be alarmed by my emphasis on the negative! I believe in full disclosure because different people have different standards and expectations. I have decided to mention even the most insignificant, tiniest, minutest flaw - precisely because it might not be so insignificant, tiny and minute to you. Please don't let the pictures (especially the close-ups) scare you: the lighting and angles were set up expressly to emphasize the flaws rather than attempt to mask or even hide them. Again, this is done in the interest of full disclosure and to prevent disappointment by strict and (justifiably) demanding bidders. Trust me, the close-ups make the flaws appear more ominous than they really are.

The record:
The Beatles (White Album) Half-speed mastered on Mobile Fidelity (MFSL) Original stiffeners (inner covers) Original MFSL rice paper inner sleeves
Condition: Vinyl: Records have been played twice on a high-end VPI Aries turntable with a Benz Ruby H cartridge. These had been properly set up and aligned, so there is no groove damage whatsoever. The vinyl retains all its sheen and sparkle. There are a few isolated hairlines and fingerprints. (This is the previous owner's work, mind you - I handle my records with kid gloves.)   The hairlines are faint, superficial, and do not affect play at all.  As can be seen in the pictures, the vinyl requires cleaning. Despite the dust it plays like a brand new record, with only the odd crackle in places. These can be eliminated by a proper cleaning: this is JVC Super Vinyl - the best and quietest vinyl formulation ever produced - and the grooves are totally unworn and nearly unplayed, so cleaning the record properly WILL result in silent, completely noise-free playback. Bottom line: If you twisted my arm and demanded a "grade", I would give this record at least an EX even though the previous owner graded it M- and I accepted that despite my strict, nearly obsessive standards.
Labels: One tiny spindle mark on each side.
Cover: The cover has lost its whiteness over the years due to the acidity of the paper. It is now off-white/yellowish, but the front and back surfaces are clean and practically unworn (there are 3 minor creases on the front - two at the top on the "ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING" banner and one at the bottom right). One corner is dinged and the others are very slightly worn. The seams are perfect and unworn. The open edge has minor, almost unnoticeable signs of handling. I would grade the cover at least EX. It is literally in Excellent condition.
Stiffeners: These too have lost their whiteness over the years. Very slight corner wear. 3/4 inch "early stage" splits in the middle of both stiffeners' spines (see photo).  Otherwise clean and unworn.

Shipping:
1. The record is located in Israel. 2. Please disregard the shipping prices displayed at the top of the listing. These are my first listings in years so I do not know the shipping rates at this time. I do however remember them being much cheaper than the equivalent USPS rates. If you regularly buy records by mail then you know what to expect. 3. You can choose the shipping method, but if you choose uninsured/unregistered/untracked/etc. then I obviously cannot and will not be held responsible if your package is lost in the mail. Shipping from Israel IS relatively cheap - take advantage of that and insure or register your package. 4. The record will be shipped in a used LP mailer box that I've been keeping since the time I was buying records myself. This saves you money. The box is in good condition and WILL protect your record in transit. 5. No "packing", "handling" or other silly fees will be charged.


Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Will happily provide as many additional photos as needed - just ask.
Good luck and happy bidding!