ULTRA RARE, MAYBE UNIQUE? This recording from 1957 was never issued as a SAX LP, but these UK test pressings were prepared in 1962 I think but not released. NM vinyl and EX sleeve mono sleeve with Gold Stereo sticker, as no stereo sleeve was ever produced . An EX copy of the mono 33CX 1561 is included for comparison.
Recorded in Kingsway Hall on 11-14 May 1957 by Walter Legge. The mono was issued in 1958, but possibly the recording was scheduled for stereo UK release a few years later, in 1962 date written on inner sleeve . There were a number of unused SAX numbers at that time e.g. SAX 2440 The YAX 293 and 294 matrixes imply the stereo masters were not prepared in 1957-8 at the same time as the mono, but a bit later, so the 1962 date is probably right?
There was a US Angel stereo issue S 35527 but it was not manufactured with UK stampers. I don t know of any later stereo UK LP issue as an SXLP, CFP etc, so this is an ultra-rare UK stereo LP pressing. I d be interested to hear from anyone who knows more about this and why it wasn t released, as it is a fine performance in my opinion, with great recorded sound.
PLEASE NOTE - you are bidding on original 1960s vinyl - this will not have completely silent surfaces, even when in unplayed condition - but the sound and recording quality is generally excellent. If you are looking for absolutely perfect blemish-free reproduction, please bear this in mind.
UK Columbia Stereo LP probably from 1962, no SAX was ever issuedTwo very first UK White label single-sided tests pressingsMothers are YAX 293-3 and YAX 294-7Prokofiev Symphony No 5 Op. 100 Played by the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Schippers Vinyl appears NM, good gloss, flat, looks unplayed, Fully play-tested NM. Stunning late 50s EMI recording, Philharmonia on top form Quiet surfaces, excellent reproduction, excellent sound, just slight background static occasionally, well behind the music, mostly beginning of sides, as normal for vinyl of this date. No issues, no wear and no distortion. White Made in England labels with STEREO stamp are NM, no spindle trails visible. Condition of mono-issue fully laminated flipback sleeve with gold Stereophonic EMI Sound sticker is EX all intact, mostly crisp and clean, glossy laminate, not peeling but with some air pockets under surface, and a few mild edge creases etc, back clean with slight bleeding of the printed text under laminate, which is common to other copies of this sleeve - see photos . Supplied with a mono copy for comparison, in EX condition and in VG sleeve. Original inner sleeve with date 12-6-62 in top corner LPs now in new innersMore photos available on request
I will combine postage for multiple items, please contact me if you are intending to bid on further LPs.
Payment please within seven days of auction ending foreign bidders please wait for invoice.
These LPs are all from my personal collection, which has grown much too large, and so I am thinning down, as I won t be able to listen to all of them in one lifetime. I will be putting up for auction mainly classical LPs from the advent of LP in the early 1950s until the 1980s, but principally early stereos late 50s and 60s , rare repertoire, and often first or early pressings. There will also be some 1960s-80s rock, pop, blues and jazz.
The description will state if the LPs have been fully auditioned for rarer material, or when the visual grading is unclear ,spot-auditioned, or if not otherwise stated, just visually graded.
For listening tests, stereo LPs are played either on LP12/Ekos/Dynavector Karat17D2 or Garrard 301/SME 3009/Denon DL103R, while monos are tested on Thorens TD160/SME 3009/Denon DL102, all through Quad QC24/Quad IIs/ESL63 system . Visual grading is under tungsten-halogen spotlight or direct sunlight when available in England
A few LPs will have been professionally cleaned, and this will be stated in the description. In my experience, most used LPs will benefit from professional cleaning which reduces background surface noise and often removes many of the pops and clicks, especially when these are due to debris, grease etc on the surface.
GRADING obviously slightly subjective and often dependent on original pressing and vinyl quality - see description of each LP for more detail.
Mint Only used for sealed and unopened records which may of course have pressing defects which are not visible until unsealed .
NM Visually perfect, no scuffs or other marks, and plays without any problems, and barely audible surface noise depending on date and pressing . No spindle trails on label. Jacket sleeve or box will be almost perfect.
EX The occasional extremely light mark, fingernail scuffs etc that should not make any difference to the sound, possibly a few spindle trails on the label. Playback should be similar to NM. Jacket or box may have very minor defects such as slight creases, or ring-wear but these will be not very noticeable
EX Only one or two very minor marks that might give the occasional low level pop or click but no serious scuffs or scratches and the record should play without any distortion or serious problems. Surface noise may be slightly more apparent than NM but still not at all distracting. Jacket or box may have some minor defects, slight distortions or edge knocks, small amount of discolouration or slight laminate peel etc.
VG Minor surface marks that will give occasional background noise or a few repeating click and pops for a short period, or more noticeable surface noise, but on the whole the record should play without serious problems, and will still be enjoyable to listen to. Sleeve or box may have noticeable defects laminate peel or loss, small edge splits or repaired tears, staining or discoloration, slight sticker damage etc , but no major tears, losses, or bends.
VG: There are marks that will cause some deterioration in the sound, such as repeating clicks from shallow scratches, or higher levels of background noise but this will not be serious enough to cause a major distraction to the listener. Very slight inner groove or side-end distortion may be present on loud passages. Sleeve or box might have splits repaired or otherwise , pronounced ring-wear, tears, sticker damage, writing,or noticeable creases or bends.
Only very rare records will be offered for sale in less than VG condition the description will give details of all the defects in such cases.
Postal charges:
Calculated by weight, including packaging
UK: Royal Mail signed-for 1st class insured up to 50
up to 1kg normally 1-3 LPs 4.50
up to 2kg normally 4-7 LPs 6.50
Over 2kg, Parcelforce Express 48 prices insured up to 100 :
Up to 5kg 13
Up to 10kg 16
Additional insurance can be purchased, please ask for a quote.
Europe signed and tracked postage insured up to 50 :
1 LP 11.00
2 LP 13.00
3 LP 15.00
4 LP 16.00
5 LP 17.00
Rest of the World Signed and tracked if available air mail insured up to 50 :
1 LP 14.00
2 LP 16.00
3 LP 18.00
4 LP 20.00
5 LP 22.00
Larger quantities, please ask for a quote.
Boxed sets - the box generally adds the weight of one extra LP. Please remember that earlier pressings will usually weigh more than later ones some early mono LPs are more than 200g .
For all packages insurance is required and I can provide a quote for higher value packages over 250 . I will always retain proof of postage.
LPs will be well packed, double-boxed if needed, with extra stiffeners, and with the LP removed from the outer sleeve to prevent seam splits.
Honest mistakes in grading can occur occasionally, so if the LP is not as described, please contact me within 14 days to arrange return and refund buyer pays return postage
