SIBYL SANDERSON FAGAN - THE WOODLAND FLIRT / THE BIRD AND SAXOPHONE

Disc grading - VG

4 pictures uploaded, sleeve close ups, front and rear, disc - apologies for the tripod reflection - and a view of the label details.

You are looking at a listing for an item that is in excess of 90 years old. Surface noise and signs of antiquity, either visually or on playback are to be expected.

Use the 'Mouse Over to Zoom / Click to Enlarge' feature for meticulous scrutiny of the condition of the item.

What's it all about, then?

'Sibyl Sanderson Fagan was a whistler, one of a number of whistling acts who were briefly popular in the early years of the recording industry. She recorded as early as 1917 for Columbia and also for Okeh, Edison & Victor, recording as late as 1924 before falling out of fashion. '

...doesn't tell you much, does it? What it fails to point out is the unbridled and enthusiastic whistle-fest that the good lady presents for your delectation on both sides of the disc...one with a restrained low-key orchestral accompaniment, and the other - and this is where it the unique quotient gets upped considerably - features a still relatively youthful saxophone parping away while Sibyl chirrups for all she is worth...

4 pictures uploaded, a variety of views, check 'em out.

Brown 'wax' disc.

Released on - Vocalion

Catalogue number, taken from the label, A14291.

Style of music, from label details - Whistler, Orchestra Accompaniment.

US issue.

Duration - 6 minutes in total, approx.

Matrix numbers - A14291 & B14291, each with an added Made In USA stamp.

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 93 year old 78 I have graded as being in Very 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, but they are mainly visual and have no real impact on playback. 

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

A perfectly acceptable shellac-to-mp3 transfer, with a suitable turntable. Keep it real but in a digital way! 

The labels are in good condition, with no major defects, light scuff marks around the spindle area, nothing major, see close-up pictures uploaded. In X and X with

Tracklisting -

Side One - The Woodland Flirt (A Bird Flirtation)

Side Two - The Bird and the Saxophone

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

Rare, unusual item, used, not abused...price includes shipping, played, checked and most certainly not just given a visual once-over and a 'hope for the best' grading...

Thanks for looking!

:o)

Buy-it-Now, $19.50

Postage - USA - Free Shipping...nice!

Overseas orders welcome - $30, to wherever.

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

If there are any problems with the USPS, I will fully refund, absolutely no problem...

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...