Affinity (Linda Hoyle) gatefold Vertigo LP

	£		87
	$		115

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL 

AFFINITY

Vertigo 6360 004 ( see below for country of pressing)

An original LP with a gatefold jacket with both the front and back cover laminated. Its on the white Vertigo label with the spiral at the 12'o clock position on both sides.  For several years, we here in Singapore, used to be puzzled over its origins. It is definitely not Singapore as the matrix numbers are machine stamped whereas Singapore ones were scratched in. We used to think it was German in origin with a UK cover. However, towards the later part of 2007 ie November or in December, a UK seller put up a number of such Vertigos and indicated that he found it in their UK warehouse and that they were UK presed but for distribution to Singapore and the Far East. Perhaps in hindsight I should have made a copy of those listings. i am of the view that he is right as the sonics are pretty good.

Buyers please note that I am based in Singapore and that the postage rate indicated is for domestic UK shipping(It is part of the UK system and I cannot change it ...please read my shipping section below). 

GRADING RESULTS:

 The cover is generally Excellent with some light creases on the laminate and some light wear along the entry side. There is also a light tear at the center of the entry side on the reverse which has been mended with clear, slow drying paper glue.There are also some light wear spots on the bottom right hand side of the centerfold.

The vinyl looks Near Mint visually with some very light barelyvisible surface scratches on the playing surface though there are some light visible ones on the dead wax in the center. The label does show some signs of light browning. The vinyl maintains its lustre and is mirror like.Tracking at 1.7g on a Naim ARO/Lyra Helikon SL cartridge on a Linn LP12, there is some extraneous surface noise in the beginning of track 2 and some light clicks or pops which were not too intrusive. The playing could generally be graded as VG++ to Excellent.

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 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 costs

NOTE ON SHIPPING:  With effect from 27th January 2009, EBay UK has introduced a new policy whereby UK sellers have to offer a basic UK inland postage amount which is limited to £4. I am not based in the UK but in Singapore and whilst the amount would not even cover 7"/EPs, I could bear the difference for 45s but not in the case of LPs.  £4 may be barely sufficient for surface mail which will take 8 to 12 weeks and without registration. I have indicated the shipping costs below for registered air mail, but if UK buyers insist that I stick to that basic amount, then I suppose I will send by surface mail though I strongly advise against that mode .

I use brand new custom made  plastic sleeves  for both the vinyl and for the sleeve. Shipping is always by Airmail and by registered post as it allows one to track items in case of delays.  Shipping costs in pounds are:

UK/USA/Europe                          10 pounds

Hongkong, Taiwan South Korea  8.3  pounds

Australia China Japan                 8.9 pounds

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)