MINA mina RARE Self-Titled 1978 EMI U.K. Issue L.P. English-Language Tracks EX

	£		40
	$		53

RARE, Original U.K. 1978 (rear of sleeve dated 06/78) EMI Records 1st pressing L.P. of Mina’s ‘mina’ album (Catalogue Reference: EMI Records EMC 3243).  From what I can tell this album is made-up of a combination of English-language and Italian-language performances with the former (consisting of 7 of the 12 tracks) having been recorded with Norman Newell in 1978 and the latter (the remainder) from 1976.  I believe this is the 1st pressing.  For starters, this was formally a factory sample copy but unfortunately this identifying sticker has been torn from the rear of the sleeve (please see attached images).  The matrixes read ‘YAX 5435-1’ (Side One) and ‘YAX 5436-1’ (Side Two).  The sleeve is the typically thin and flimsy Garrod & Lofthouse construction which typified EMI UK sleeves of this period.  The ‘thinness’ of the print is also typical.  The pressing has a relative weight to it and is a decent quality pressing.  While this copy has seen some play it remains in fine condition.

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX (SLEEVE): Like all my items this has been graded under an intense light.  I note one small (couple of millimetres) spindle ‘drag’ on the Side Two track ‘Don’t Ask Me to Love You’ which is superficial.  Otherwise there are a relative volume of ultra-fine, wispy hairline marks visible under an intense light which are a by-product of the coarse paper inner sleeve clinging to the record’s surface while it was withdrawn.  The surfaces are a little dusty but they retain a great sheen.  The sleeve also survives in very fine condition.  These unlaminated EMI sleeves with their thin layer of print generally suffer from a high level of print-loss due to ‘rubbing’ but there is only the lightest evidence of loss of print here at the very top and bottom.  The most obvious flaw with the sleeve is the aforementioned damage caused by the loss of the factory sample sticker on the rear at the top.  The spine corners are still quite sharp although the opening edge corners display a little fraying.  Further to that the bottom right-hand corner has received a knock which has caused light bending and creasing in this corner (please see attached images).  I also note some very, very light creasing running parallel to the the top edge of the sleeve in the top right-hand corner and a couple of creases on the rear near the opening edge where the thin cardboard sleeve has been gripped whilst the record was removed.  This is a fine copy of a hard-to-find record!

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

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