Elvis Presley"Fratelli Rivali" RARE Italian hardcover

	£		30
	$		40

ARTISTE, RECORD TITLE  AND LABEL

ELVIS PRESLEY " Fratelli Rivali"

RCA Italiana A72 V 0083(pressed in Italy)

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:  1) Love Me Tender 2) Let Me

Side 2:  1) Poor Boy 2) We're Gonna Move

BACKGROUND TO THIS RECORD:

While trying to determine a fair starting price for this obvious Elvis rarity, I noticed that only 4 were sold on EBay over the last 3 years.  This is black background with the RCA in a silver circle. I got this sometime ago from a gentleman who was buying records from 1955 onwards and its part of the collection from which I just closed the other rare EP ie " I Need You So".

It is housed in the thick cardboard stock. It does not have a center.

GRADING RESULTS:

I would rate the cover as between VG to VG++.  Though there are no tears on both sides of the cover, there is a inch long seam split on the top and bottom right hand edges . It has been mended. There is also a rectangular outline caused by the removal of a cellophone sticker just below the RCA logo. The back does show some age discolouration spots as well as "$3.00" written on the bottom right hand edge ( I have tried to show this with enlarged pictures but if any interested party requires close-ups please message). The spine is intact with the lettering still sharp and legible.

The vinyl is in a VG++ condition . One Side 2 there is a 3/4 inch long hairline surface scratch which did not affect play.  Side 1 was generally clean The vinyl, however, maintains its lustre and is mirror like. Tracking at 1.7g on my Naim Aro/Lyra Halycon SL cartridge , both sides has some persistent surface noise but they did not detract from the listening pleasure  I would rate the playing as a VG+ .

How I Clean and  Grade my Records

Cleaning: Cleaning is usually done on a Loricraft PRC 4 cleaning machine and/or VPI 17.5 using Loricroft L’Art du Son cleaning fluid

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/Lyra Clavis.

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

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. One buyer has even likened my packing as “ Fort Knox”! Shipping costs (with "signed for" post, which allows me to track delayed items are( in pounds) are:

EPs/45s :

4 for the first

1 for the  2nd and subsequent ones

So far, I only had delays when posting to Italy and though I will still assist by "chasing" from my end. Italian buyers should take note. I will  inform buyers of the registration details ie racking number through Email on posting.

Forms of payment that I accept include:

·       PAYPAL (preferred choice) 

·       International Money Orders