ENRICO CARUSO ~ RCA TEST PRESSING ~ 10" vinyl ~ A DREAM / BECAUSE ~ 78 rpm

Playtested, 100%

Disc grading - Good+

4 pictures uploaded, disc front and rear - apologies for any tripod reflection - and a view of each of the label details...check 'em out, they're part of the description, too.

You are looking at a listing for an item that is in excess of 65 years old. Surface noise and signs of antiquity, either visually or on playback are to be expected.

Use the 'Scroll Over' feature for meticulous scrutiny of the condition of the item.

Only a few details of any veracity on this record...it's two sides of Enrico Caruso, tracks originally from 1912 and 1920, on an RCA Test Pressing disc of the type that was beginning to emerge at the tail end of the '40's, and into the early 1950's...it may well have been an experimental disc for further use later on in the 'red vinyl' color-coded early '50's 7" Classical series...I don't know, it's pure conjecture. Either way, it's a genuine Caruso rarity...playback graded Good+, surface noise, as expected and as per 78rpm grading...

Vinyl disc.

Released on - RCA Victor, Special Purpose Series

Catalog number, taken from the label, BS 71799 & DA 1380...there are various identifiers on this disc, check the pictures of the labels.

US issue.

Duration -  6 minutes in total, approx.

Matrix numbers -

Side One - 1657 A 705

Side Two - 1658 B 705

Please read the record grading guide below and familiarize yourself with the grades used and be aware of the full description in all aspects.

I strive to grade fairly, and have never sold a record without listening to it first.

Visual grading is not an option at all.

This approx. 65 year old 78rpm disc I have graded as being in Good+ condition. Both sides play through with no jumping, skipping or any other audio horrors. There are the usual minor hairline surface marks that any 78 of this vintage would accumulate over the passage of time.

There is the expected low-level and generally non-intrusive surface noise, typically common to any used disc of this vintage, and which shouldn't spoil your authentic listening experience!

The labels are in good condition, with no major defects, see close-up pictures uploaded. 

Tracklisting -

Side One - A Dream

Side Two - Because

Any questions, email and I'll help if I can.

Extremely rare item, I've supplied as much information as I know about it...collectors and the community of Caruso-philes can do the rest...

Thanks for looking!

:o)

Buy-it-Now, $124.50

Priority Mail service used for 78's, and this is included in the price, please note.

Postage - USA - Free Shipping...nice!

Overseas orders welcome - $35, wherever.

* Records are posted in dedicated oversized record mailing boxes with 4 x corrugated cardboard stiffeners, and an abundance of large sized bubble wrap.

GRADING GUIDE FOR 78rpm DISCS

NM Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.

EX+ Plays like new, with few signs of handling. Minor scuffs visible.

EX Very shiny, nearly new looking. No visible signs of wear, inaudible scuffs and scratches.

VG++ Still shiny, but without the lustre of a new record. A few light scratches. Light wear. No skipping or sticking passages.

VG+ Above average, undeniably vintage condition 78 in which scuffs and general use have dulled the finish of the disc. Wear is moderate, but playback is not overly affected, and is free from distortion. Light surface noise, commensurate with age. No skipping or sticking passages.

VG Moderate, even wear throughout, still very playable. Surface noise and scratches, audible but not intrusive.

Good++ Quite playable still, distortion on playback due to surface noise. Music remains loud, in most passages, with scratches and surface noise evident but below music level.

Good+ Serviceable and acceptable playback. Music may sound muffled in some sections. Noticeably heavier scratches and surface marks.

Good Quite obviously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.

Good- Music still prominent, with wear and scratches extensive.

Fair Most of music remains audible over continual surface noise, although the vintage 78 experience is an uncomfortable affair. Collection filler material.

Poor Unplayable, and most definitely of interest only to the most dedicated...