ORDERING / CONTACT:

If you wish to make a purchase from this site, please e-mail me to reserve the item. Please include a subject line that has the word bongos, as well as your topic of interest.

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All records listed on this site are original 1st pressings with only a few exceptions. First pressing records are made from new "Hot Stampers", as indicated by their matrix numbers, and therefore sound better than 2nd pressings or re-issues. All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges given. If you have a specific question about a pressing, please ask. Details about availability, condition, date of issue, variations, any defects, etc, should discussed before payment is made. You'll know exactly what you will be getting, and so your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Any autographed item has a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Prices are subject to change without notice. If the same title appears in more than one category with differing prices, the higher priced listing will prevail. Want lists & special orders are welcome, but please include your message in the body of the email because I do not open email attachments. Also, I do not send email attachments. See the FAQ page & Terms Of Service page for further details.

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PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Payment may be made via Money Order or Personal Check drawn on a US bank. Personal checks may take up to 10 business days to clear. Same day shipping with a Money Order. Sorry, no Paypal, but a Credit Card payment can be made online via MoneyGram payment service. International buyers may also make payment via International Postal Money Order, Western Union, or well concealed cash in US Dollars.
Please make payment to: Richard Julio, PO Box-106, Portland, ME 04112 USA

GIFT CERTIFICATES are available in any amount desired, and have no expiration date.

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RECORD GRADING: Grading is based on guidelines established by Goldmine (US) and Record Collector Magazine (UK). All records listed are full length 12" black vinyl Stereo albums unless otherwise noted. Most are Original First Pressings, usuallly pressed on thick, inflexible vinyl, Typically, the sound on original thick vinyl pressings is full-bodied, exceedingly vivid, and even dramatic. Do not expect to obtain such a majestic analog sound from your compact disc! Country of origin is listed on records manufactured outside the USA (ie: Canada / Capitol).

OVERVIEW: Grading is usually visual, but on request I will play grade certain rare and expensive items, or those in questionable shape, for a more critical grade. Some dealers feel there is no such thing as Mint, but I will use Mint as a grade. To me, if it's like new, it's Mint. In my terminology scratches are feelable and generally audible, while scuffs and surface marks are cosmetic and generally less audible or often inaudible. A (+) or (-) indicates a half-grade point. I do not use (++) or (--) grades. A record that is EX++ may be described as NM- or a record that is VG++ will be described as EX-

Some of the records offered may be Test Pressings, DJ, Promo, Demonstration, Review or Audition records. They're the first few copies to be pressed from the freshly cut masters, and therefore sound the best. These so-called "Hot Stamper" pressings are given special labels, usually white or printed in a way to indicate a promo, and are distributed only to selected radio stations, thereby making them rare & desirable to collectors. I will only list an LP as DJ if the label indicates it, not just the jacket. Some Mono LPs were only available as Promos and not commercially released in Mono. Also, some test pressings may be different than the final commercial release, and therefore quite collectible.

Mono Vs Stereo: It's always been a matter of opinion which is better or more important, but for any serious collector where there is a choice (e.g. Beatles, Stones, Hendrix etc), both are essential. True Stereo records give great imagery & presence, whereas Mono records usually are more dynamic, louder & present the detail more clearly. Mono albums are generally harder to find in Excellent or better playing condition. As a general guide to rarity, Mono was the predominant format from 1961-1965. Around 1966-1967 the number of Stereo & Mono issues were roughly equal, then from 1968-1969 the balance swung more to Stereo, making Mono issues from these dates scarcer, even rare & thus effects values accordingly. Some titles were issued in limited Mono runs as promotional radio station only pressings, and were often packaged in Stereo jackets. All 12" LPs listed on the site are Stereo unless noted otherwise.

RCA's LSC-series (Living Stereo Classical) LPs are from the late 1950s & early 1960s. This series was very exactingly recorded & is in demand primarily among audiophiles. In 1962, UK Decca’s American subsidiary, London Records, initiated "Phase 4 Stereo". Approx 250± titles were released by Decca & London Records using Phase 4 Stereo. These recordings emphasized stereo directional effects engineered to make the sound travel from speaker to speaker, highlighting soloists & instruments within the sound field. To compete, RCA began replacing their "Living Stereo" series with their superior "Dynagroove" process they had in development.

When you compare an RCA Dynagroove LP and a CD version of the same selection from 1963, you'll find the original LP version will sound noticeably better. It is more dynamic & brighter than the CD. It's best not to play the early 1963-64 Dynagroove pressings with an elliptical stylus however. Use a conical stylus instead. After 1963, and as the 60s decade progressed, RCA gradually altered & modified its Dynagroove process, making it more user-friendly towards both elliptical & conical styli, and they still sound great to this day.

In the early 60's, Command Records and the Mercury Records "Living Presence Stereo" / "Perfect Presence Stereo" releases were sourced from session recordings made on 35mm magnetic film, resulting in audiophile-oriented productions that rival the dynamic range & clarity of half-speed masters and direct-to-disc vinyl. In the beginning most sessions were done at the Fine Recording Studios in Bayside, Queens, NY at the former site of Everest Records, who pioneered 35mm film recordings. Besides having Mercury & Command Records as their clients, Cameo/Parkway became interested in releasing 35mm recordings and also turned to the Fine Recording Studios. As the 35mm process began catching on other studios popped up, including United Recording Studios & Radio Recorders, both in Hollywood, and Universal Recording in Chicago. After Enoch Light left Command Records in 1967, he started the "Project 3" Records label, carrying on with recordings made on 35mm magnetic film. Project 3 made most of their recordings at A&R Studios in NY, and continued to record on 35mm until the late1960’s. By the early 1970s, the 35mm recording process had become obsolete thanks to Dolby NR & quieter tape formulations. Also, multi-track machines were being developed along with overdub recording techniques which became too difficult & costly to do on 35mm equipment. Time has not been kind to the magnetic master films from the 35mm recording era. The acetate-based films tend to suffer from “vinegar syndrome” and other deterioration & shrinkage problems. Record companies were not vigilant in their vaults and many 35mm masters are now lost while others were ordered destroyed. Those masters that survive tend to be in very poor condition. The only truly preserved examples available today are the original pressing vinyl records themselves.

Most major label releases are pressed on good quality vinyl and sound better than a record on a budget label such as Crown, Spin-O-Rama or Design. Even some major label budget lines can be inferior, such as Pickwick (Capitol); Wing (Mercury); or Camden (RCA). Recording techniques also vary. The sound on live albums may be inferior to studio recordings. There may also be slight defects in the pressing which are nearly invisible, such as air bubbles or the commonly seen staining from the record press 'mold release compound' used to separate the vinyl from the record stampers.

Note: I will not list a record that appears in less than VG- condition, unless it is a very rare or unique item.

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Still Sealed (SS): New store stock. Record was originally sealed at the factory and has never been opened. Not a resealed or repackaged LP. Sold "as is". Disc is assumed to be the correct title, undamaged and mint. European LPs are generally not sealed, but may have been shrink-wrapped for export to the US.

Mint (M): The record itself appears in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Record may be unplayed. Most European LPs listed on the site as M are unplayed.

Near Mint (NM) or Mint Minus (M-): (superior) An almost new, nearly perfect record, still bright and shiny. There may be a few visible cosmetic flaws or minor surface scuffs from handling, but no scratches or notable play wear. NM is slightly better than M-

Excellent (EX) (above average) The record plays nicely but shows signs of having been somewhat used. May play with a few more pops then M-, but has no serious problems. The previous owner took fairly good care.

Very Good (VG): (average) Record surfaces show obvious signs of being used, but not abused. Record will have some scuffs and/or occasional light scratches, some of which may be audible in soft passages or during a song's intro and fade, but does not overpower the music. There are no skips and no major deterioration of overall sound quality, despite any flaws. There may be some wear around the spindle hole.

Very Good Minus (VG-) or Near Very Good (NVG): (below average) A used record that may have some moderate surface noise, pops, etc, but plays through without skipping. Many of the defects found in VG will be more pronounced on a VG- disc. Still suitable as an affordable everyday play copy until a better grade comes along. With occasional exceptions, this is the lowest grade I put in my listings.

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ALBUM COVER GRADING:

OVERVIEW: I give greater weight to the condition of the front cover than back cover when assigning an overall grade. I don't reduce the grade of a cover for stickers which are glued to the jacket by the record company (ie: Contains the hit song "Beatnik Blues", or a DJ timing strip), but will reduce the grade for marks or stickers glued on the cover by stores, radio stations, previous owners, etc. If I write that a cover has a delete mark, I’m talking about a small cut-out hole, clipped corner, or narrow saw mark to the perimeter of the cover. I always make note of any obvious imperfections such as seam splits, color rubbing, writing, stains or stickers, etc. The overall grade takes into consideration any stated defects. For example, if I grade a cover as overall VG and state it has color rubbing and a 4” separation of the bottom right seam, I've already reduced the grade to VG because of these flaws. Without these flaws, the cover would have been graded higher.

Note: Cover grades are NOT given in the category page listings, or when you click the "More Info" link. Please write for further details on the cover, condition, price, & availability of any particular item.

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Still Sealed (SS) Album is still sealed in the factory-applied shrink-wrapping. No wear, cut corners or cutout holes unless noted.

Mint (M): Bright and clean with no marks, tears, creases, color fading, or other obvious flaws to speak of.

Near Mint (NM) or Mint Minus (M-): Minor signs of wear. An LP jacket should have no significant wear or any major defect. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than minor defects, such as slight creases, color rubbing, or other signs of light handling.

Excellent (EX): The cover might have some slight edge wear, color rubbing, and/or creasing. There may be slight discoloration or staining, but artwork is overall clean and displays well. Any small seam splits, minor writing, or other flaws would be noted.

Very Good (VG): Cover is somewhat worn and used. Seams may be starting to fray and split or may have been repaired with tape. Corner creases, dings, or wrinkles may be present. There is moderate color rubbing and there may be yellowing, stains or discoloration, large writing, stickers, or marks. All flaws would be noted.

Good (G) Expect some combination of the usual array of flaws, including significant color rubbing, major seam splits, writing, bent corners, tears, cuts, dings, or other damage.

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SHEET MUSIC / 8-TRACK TAPE GRADING:

Sheet Music and 8-Track Tape Cartridges are graded by the same grading scale as Album Covers. All 8-Track Tape Cartridges and Cassette Tapes that are not Still Sealed have been tested.

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COMICS / MAGAZINE / PAPERBACK GRADING:

Near Mint (NM) looks almost like it did on the newsstand.

Very Fine (VF) is high grade with possible slight wear at corners or spine and/or light wear on cover.

Fine (F) has more wear but is still above average. May have corner creases and/or slightly split spine tips. May have a date stamp or other markings.

Very Good (VG) is average condition with normal handling wear, obviously read but still collectible. Cover is more worn than contents but the artwork is still attractive.

Good (G) is rougher than average but complete. Suitable as a reading copy.

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CD / DVD GRADING:

As with a vinyl record, a SEALED CD or DVD is sold "as is". Disc is assumed to be the correct title, undamaged and mint. On any unsealed CD or DVD, the item description will detail any visual flaws noted. Usually surface marks on a used CD or DVD will not effect playback. All listings are for original issues. I do not sell DVD-R or CD-R copies except for only certain titles by special request. CD-Rs are recorded at a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz using 4 highly acclaimed 24-bit Burr-Brown analog-to-digital chips. DVD-Rs are optionally available in XP Progressive High Definition (480p) mode.

JEWEL CASE / BAR CODE: I will indicate when there is a crack or delete hole to the jewel case, or a punch mark or slash mark to the bar-code of a CD or DVD. Please note that a jewel case may easily get cracked during shipment. I do not remove CDs from their jewel case for domestic or international orders.

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MOVIE POSTER & LOBBY CARD GRADING:

There are no strict rules on how to grade a movie poster but there are general guidelines, as established by Jon R. Warren, that are used in the movie art industry. The following is a 10-point system which is most generally used and accepted in the collector's market. I Do Not list items in Fair (C2) or Poor (C1) condition. As with everything on this site, feel free to write for more details on condition of any particular item of interest.

Mint (C10)
Item is "as new" or in the same condition as the day it was made. It can be machine folded or rolled, depending on the manner in which it was originally produced. The item may or may not literally be in "perfect" condition, but should exhibit an amazing state of preservation for its age, with virtually no perceptible flaws other than possible minor color registration printing flaws, slight edge wrinkles, 1 or 2 minor dents or impressions.

Near Mint (NM or M-) (C9)
Item may be in "like new" condition although it may have been used in the theater, but was carefully preserved after use. Only the slightest signs of wear, such as a tiny pinhole in each corner from being displayed. Noticeable but slight offset color registration and/or slight clamp indentations from movie theater use are allowable in this grade. Some minor edge wrinkling or fraying. Folded One-Sheets may have very slight fold wear if such wear does not significantly affect the eye appeal of the image.

Excellent (C8)
Item is in Very Fine condition and was carefully used in the theater. If a C9 is almost like new, then a C8 is not far from a C9. Poster should be bright, supple, and clean. May exhibit more fold wear than a C9, but without significant color loss in the fold area. A slight amount of color loss is acceptable in this grade, but if the fold wear is such that a heavy solid white line results from loss of color, then the item would not qualify for a C8 rating. One or two tiny pinholes in each corner is allowable in this grade, but no tape allowed. No writing on the front allowed, but rubber stamping or writing on the back that does not bleed through is acceptable. Very Minor tears of less than 1" in length are allowed in this grade, and not more than two total tears on the item. Tears on posters are common at the folds, and is allowable in a C8 grade notwithstanding other extenuating circumstances.

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) (C7)
A poster in VG+ condition may have blemishes in the border and up to approximately one inch into the poster's artwork. There may be small tears in the artwork along the fold lines only. It may have minor cosmetic flaws, fading, edge fraying or wrinkles. Some paper loss, such as a small piece missing from a corner or border is allowed, as long as the image area is intact.

VERY GOOD (C6)
Wear beginning to be of concern. The edges may be wrinkled torn or frayed. There may be pinholes and/or tape on corners or missing corners. There may be tears and/or color loss along the fold lines. Scuffs, tape, or stains, may extend somewhat into the image area, but any of these flaws do not greatly detract from the enjoyment of the major area of the artwork.

VERY GOOD MINUS (C5)
An average, middle-grade item. The above flaws are more pronounced, showing such signs of use as multiple pinholes or staple holes, tape or mildew stains, pen or pencil marks. Pieces of the border may be wrinkled, torn, or missing; there may be mild bleed-through in the artwork; there may be mild fading.

GOOD (G) (C3)
The poster shows some significant signs of wear. Any number of the aforementioned blemishes are well pronounced and extend into the artwork. Listed for it rarity. Artwork still has some value for its modest displayability. Restoration may help somewhat, but could exceed the value of the piece.

FAIR (F) (C2)
Worse than 'good' but not quite in 'poor' condition. Item may have missing pieces, fragile or brittle paper, amateurish tape repair or color touchup, and any number of other flaws and deficiencies. I do not list "Fair" or "Good" posters. Listed if item is quite rare.

POOR (P) (C1)
Posters in poor condition will have such serious flaws in general, that even handling them may add to the damage.

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SHIPPING: Postage & Handling from Portland, Maine 04112 USA

OVERVIEW: Items are shipped from a clean & healthy smoke-free & pet-free enviroment. Most all the records are shipped with a protective clear plastic outersleeve. Singles with picture sleeves are removed from their covers to prevent seam splits during transit. The record is put in a paper sleeve and put with the picture sleeve in a protective clear plastic outersleeve. I do not remove CDs from their jewel case for domestic or overseas orders. Packaging is solid and done with care, as my eBay feedbacks and buyer testimonials indicate.

Domestic orders are shipped via USPS Media Mail with Tracking, and may take up to 2-3 weeks to arrive. If you would like optional Priority rate shipping, I will provide a quote based on your zip code. NOTE: during the hot summer months Media Mail is not recommended for records, as there is a good chance of warping en route in a hot mail truck. Priority Mail with insurance is strongly recommended. Also, during the busy Christmas mailing month of December, Media Mail can take up to twice as long as usual, so again, Priority Mail is strongly recommended during the month of December.

Tracking will document that the package was shipped & received. Insurance covers against loss or damage in transit. Optional insurance is also available for $2. Orders valued over $50 require additional insurance coverage. Please note that with insurance coverage over $200, an adult signature would be required upon delivery. I am not responsible for any loss or damage during transit. Initiating any claims with the post office for loss or damage during transit is the buyer's responsibility.

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DOMESTIC SHIPPING RATES FOR USA & PUERTO RICO:

10" or 12" RECORDS: Shipping for 1 or 2 record albums is $5.00 via Media Mail which includes Tracking. Add 50 cents for each additional record (2-LP sets count as 2 LPs). Optional Priority Mail and/or Insurance available by request.

CD / DVD / 7" SINGLE / CASSETTE TAPE / PAPERBACK BOOK / SHEET MUSIC: $5.00 via First Class Mail which includes Tracking. Additional items are extra, based on weight. Orders for three or more of these items (except sheet music) need to be either upgraded to Priority Mail or downgraded to Media Mail. Price would be adjusted accordingly. *** Postage for any one of these items is FREE when combined with any LP purchase. ***

MAGAZINE / REEL-TO-REEL TAPE / VHS: $5.00 via First Class Mail which includes Tracking. Additional items are extra, based on weight. Optional insurance instead of tracking is available by request. Orders for two or more of these items (over 13 oz. total) need to be either upgraded to Priority Mail or downgraded to Media Mail or Bound Printed Matter. *** Postage for any one of these items is FREE when combined with any LP purchase. ***

35mm MOVIE TRAILER / BOOK: $5.00 via Media Mail which includes Tracking. Additional items are extra, based on weight. Optional Priority Mail and/or Insurance available by request.

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INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Postage & handling from Portland, Maine 04112 USA.

OVERVIEW: Prices given are for uninsured regular 1st Class Airmail International, which has a delivery time of 2 weeks more or less. Priority Airmail International is available by request, and delivery time is usually 6 -10 days or less. NOTE: 1st Class Airmail is not available for orders of 4 or more LPs. Priority Airmail or a higher service must be used, such as Express or Global Express. All prices are rounded up to the nearest dollar.

Uninsured packages are sent at the buyer's risk. I cannot be held responsible for packages lost or damaged in transit. If you would like optional insurance, I will provide a quote upon request, but the rates for international insurance are high because insured packages must be sent via Priority Airmail, which is a more expensive rate than regular 1st Class Airmail.

Packages may be subject to the customs fees & import duties of the country to which the order is shipped. Any customs or duty charges are always the responsibility of the buyer, and as such, I will declare the value as requested by the buyer. Some countries place restrictions on certain imports. If ordering girly magazines & DVDs, please be sure that the customs laws in your country will allow you to receive vintage 'adult' material, even if it is tame by today's standards. In some cases customs officials will confiscate a restricted item, and there would be no refund for the merchandise or shipping.

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INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING RATES:

CANADA: 10" or 12" RECORD / VHS: $25.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Please add $3 for each additional LP (2-LP sets count as 2 LPs). Example: If you order 1 2-LP set, the shipping would be $28. Shipping price per LP drops on larger orders with 4 or more LPs. Please write for quote.

CD / DVD / 7" SINGLE / CASSETTE TAPE / PAPERBACK BOOK / SHEET MUSIC: $14.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Add $3 for each additional item (except sheet music). Postage for any one of these items is only $1 when combined with any LP purchase. *** Postage for Sheet Music is FREE when combined with any LP purchase. ***

MAGAZINE / REEL-TO-REEL TAPE: $15.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Add $3 for each additional item. Postage for any one of these items is only $5 when combined with any LP purchase.

35mm MOVIE TRAILERS / BOOKS: Depends on the total weight involved. I will weigh your order and provide a quote.

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MEXICO: 10" or 12" RECORD / VHS: $20.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Please add $4 for each additional item (2-LP sets count as 2 LPs). Shipping price per LP drops on larger orders with 4 or more LPs. Please write for quote.

CD / DVD / 7" SINGLE / CASSETTE TAPE / PAPERBACK BOOK / SHEET MUSIC: $14.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Add $3 for each additional item. Postage for any one of these items is only $2 when combined with any LP purchase. *** Postage for Sheet Music is FREE when combined with any LP purchase. ***

MAGAZINE / REEL-TO-REEL TAPE: $16.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Please add $3 for each additional item. Postage for any one of these items is only $3 when combined with any LP purchase.

35mm MOVIE TRAILERS / BOOKS: Depends on the total weight involved. I will weigh your order and provide a quote.

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REST OF WORLD: EUROPE / AUSTRALIA / ASIA / AFRICA / SOUTH AMERICA: 10" or 12" RECORD: $30.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Please add $4 for each additional record (2-LP sets count as 2 LPs). Shipping price per LP drops on larger orders with 4 or more LPs. Please write for quote.

CD / DVD in case/ 7" SINGLE / CASSETTE TAPE / PAPERBACK BOOK / SHEET MUSIC: $16.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Add $3 for each additional item. Postage for any one of these items is only $3 when combined with any LP purchase. *** Postage for Sheet Music is FREE when combined with any LP purchase. ***

MAGAZINE / REEL-TO-REEL TAPE: $18.00 via 1st Class Airmail. Add $4 for each additional item. Postage for any one of these items is only $4 when combined with any LP purchase.

35mm MOVIE TRAILERS / BOOKS: Depends on the total weight involved. I will weigh your order and provide a quote.

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PRIVACY GUARANTEE:

This site does not use code of any kind to collect information. Your name, email address or mailing address is never shared, and will not be used for any purpose other than completing a transaction. I will never ask for a credit card number or send you newsletters or unsolicited email.