Bob Dylan, Self Portrait LP, First Columbia Labels (Very Rare)
$
70
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Description
The word "rare" is tossed around a lot in record collecting. But this is a true rarity! When this album came out in 1970, Columbia Records was in the middle of a label change, transitioning from these to the Red and Orange versions of the 70's. Just a few of these original Red and White labels got out. Even most of the promos had the new labels. In the past year, I only saw two copies pass through Ebay, and I check constantly . . .
I am grading these conservatively at VG/VG. Some sides are closer to VG+, but I'd rather lowball it. There are definite signs of wear, but both LP's play through without any skips or serious flaws. The background noise does not overpower the music AT ALL. The gatefold cover is nice on the face, rear and inside, and it comes with the original sleeves. The spine is in nice shape, but it does have some splitting on top of both sides (see pics). Still, this is a MUST HAVE for any serious Dylan collector!
Grading Scale—graded visually under (play graded upon request)
Mint (M): Sealed only, with no damage to the cover.
Near Mint (NM): Virtually flawless, with only superficial defects like sleeve scuffing, which can occur even in an unopened album. Vinyl appears in near unplayed condition, and the cover and inner sleeves are free of significant creases or tears. Labels will likewise be free of spindle marks. When I use this grade I MEAN IT! There will be virtually no background noise, like pops or cracks, and it will have a “just opened” sound.
Excellent (E): Still free of any significant defects, with only superficial flaws. Such albums will show some signs of play and storage, but will display minimal wear and plenty of shine. They will still be considered in “collectible” condition. Background noise will only be audible during quieter portions of the album, and will not be prominent to the point of affecting sound quality. Labels will have only a few spindle marks, and covers will have only minor edge and corner wear.
Very Good (VG): An album that has obvious signs of wear, but plays through without skips, jumps, or long repetitive ticks. It will be entirely playable with moderate background noise. Covers might have small stains, edge, spine and/or corner wear. Vinyl will have surface level scuffs that may affect playback, but allows the music to shine through.
Good (G): An album that has had a full life, but is still worth listening too. Sound quality will be diminished by background noise, and perhaps some loud pops and very minor skips. Covers and inner sleeves will have stains, tears or other signs of damage, but will still adequately protect the vinyl and acceptably present the original artwork. Labels will be diminished by spindle marks and other forms of damage.
Poor (P): An album on which the surface noise and skipping is too distracting to listen too enjoyably, and that has a cover with major stains, tears or other significant defects. I will sell an album in this condition ONLY when it is highly collectible because of its age and/or rarity.
(+/-): I will use plus or minus designations freely to nuance the grading of each album, and to bridge the gap in describing albums that fall in between grades.
I am not a wholesale collector or a large scale seller. I’m just an average dude who loves vintage vinyl and collects as a personal hobby. (Especially Dylan!) I try to grade conservatively, and as a personal collector, always asking myself how I would feel to receive a record in the condition I describe. Be assured that I will always strive to be as accurate as I can with the grades I assign. (I know how important that is to us vinyl enthusiasts, and how frustrating it is when albums come over-graded!) If you disagree with my grading upon receipt, please contact me immediately for a resolution before leaving negative or neutral feedback.
All LP’s will be VPI cleaned and securely shipped in a media mailer box, reinforced with cardboard and bubble-wrap. No worries here! I know how to pack an LP.
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