About

Casals Classical – used classical LPs, CDs, books & music memorabilia

This is an internet-only store. I do not have a brick-and-mortar shop. I do buy LP and CD collections, large and small. Please contact me if you have a collection to sell.

Although my Shopify store is new, I have been selling used classical LPs and CDs for nearly 20 years. There are more than 5,000 items available in my Shopify store.

I have occasionally written freelance articles on classical music, mostly for “Classical Recordings Quarterly”, which sadly has now closed, and twice for “International Piano”.

Please write with any questions. I will be happy to help. Thank you.

---------------------------------------------

Buy the whole shop!

If anyone is interested in buying the entire inventory, please write to me at info@casals-classical.com. The price, which is negotiable, is $100,000 USD. I would pay for shipping, economy rate, which would cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The entire inventory would fill approximately 100 of the plastic crates shown below and the entire shipment would weight hundreds of pounds. Each crate holds approximately 70-85 LPs. 

The buyer would be responsible for all custom fees. One could buy it for a music conservatory. If anyone can find a buyer - in other words, broker a sale - that person would receive a 20% finder's fee. Thus, if the store sold for $100,000, the broker would receive $20,000 USD. The broker would only receive payment after the sale was finalized - that is, after I have received payment and the buyer has received the shipment. There is no room for negotiation on this point. 

---------------------------------------------

Ordering

Though the website has a shopping cart and a fully secure checkout system, you may also place orders "off-line", if you prefer. Simply make a list of the LPs you would like to buy and e-mail me at:

info@casals-classical.com

I will then prepare a PayPal invoice and promptly send this to you to complete the order.

---------------------------------------------

Grading

I take grading very seriously and do my best to grade the LPs and CDs accurately. I do try to at least spot-check (i.e., play-grade to some extent) every item. On some items I rely on a visual grade only. Any expensive items (e.g., $50.00 USD and higher, will have been play-graded from beginning to end.

The gradations of condition I use are as follows, though the terms below are described vis-à-vis the LP itself (vs. the jacket). I do, on occasion, employ a plus (+) or minus (-) to further refine the grading of a particular item.

LPs

• MINT (PERFECT) – should play flawlessly, like new and be free of marks and/or spindle trails.

• NEAR-MINT (NM, ALMOST LIKE NEW) – should play near flawlessly, but may have non-sounding marks, spindle trails, or very minor sonic imperfections. Should be free of tics and/or even light surface noise.

• EXCELLENT (EX) – may have occasional patches of light surface noise, or a few scattered tics, though nothing repetitive.

• VERY GOOD (VG) – surface noise is more pronounced, but not overly obtrusive. Could still be considered a collector’s copy, though hardly a perfect one. Again, no repetitive tics.

• GOOD – better than a simple audition copy, but not a collector’s copy. Likely has significant surface noise, possibly repetitive tics, spindle marks and/or wear, grimy, etc.

• FAIR – really only serviceable as an audition copy or for some sort of study purpose. Will play though – no needle jumps. I do not sell LPs with needle jumps. 

• POOR – simply a worse version of FAIR. Heavily played, worn copy that should not be purchased from a “collection” or “collector’s” standpoint.

Jackets

• MINT (PERFECT) – should look like new. Shrink wrap could be torn, but the underlying jacket should be more or less flawless and free of any owners’ markings.

• NEAR-MINT (NM, ALMOST LIKE NEW) – appears almost like new; perhaps minor corner bumping or very light shelf wear or discoloration; free of owners’ markings.

• EXCELLENT (EX) – possible light edge wear, corner wear, light discoloration; should be free of seam splits or bends; maybe have discreet owners’ markings.

• VERY GOOD (VG) – may have a small seam split (generally less than 3”) and/or other defects (edge wear, corner wear, discoloration, owners’ markings).

• GOOD – noticeably aged or worn jacket; seam splits, bends, owners’ markings, and/or discoloration apparent.

• FAIR – the jacket is still serviceable; definitely not a collector’s copy; multiple defects and/or wear.

• POOR – simply a worse version of FAIR: heavy wear, discoloration, tears, bends, splits, etc.

CDs

Here the grading is a bit simpler. When items are described as Excellent (EX) or Very Good (VG), this refers to the booklet or tray card showing wear or damage. The CD itself should still be MINT (Perfect) or Near-MINT (NM, Almost Like New) unless otherwise noted. Although I cannot provide a brand new jewel case in every instance, I will never send a CD in an old or dirty jewel case. The jewel case will either be new or almost new.

Please write with any questions. I will be happy to help. Thank you.

---------------------------------------------

Links

Bandoneon Recordings

I have a small CD label, Bandoneon Recordings, devoted to historical recordings of classical music artists. It can be found here:

http://www.bandoneonrecordings.com

Although I only have one release at the moment, several more are planned in the future.

SoundFountain.com

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/amb.html

One of the great music websites on the net with a wealth of information for the dedicated collector; rich in historical detail and with considerable practical information for record and sound system care; the last word on the Remington label; and with records for sale. A truly wonderful resource, with many beautiful illustrations, photos and reproductions.

---------------------------------------------

Payment

PayPal
This shop accepts PayPal.
 
Credit Cards
Credit card payments are also accepted, either via PayPal or via Shopify's online payment system. Both are completely secure and highly rated internet payment companies.
 
Bank Transfers
Also accepted are bank transfers. However, please bear in mind that this payment option cannot be used in conjunction with the shopping cart. Buyers who prefer this method can simply send me an e-mail listing the items they want, or a screen shot of the shopping cart, and I will calculate the total and provide them with an invoice and my USA bank details.
 
Bank Checks
I will accept bank checks, though again these must be directed to my USA bank and must be in US dollars. Really, this method is not recommended. It is quite slow – the check would have to clear my USA bank, etc.
 
Cash
Not accepted.

---------------------------------------------

Shipping

Shipping is charged at cost. I do not attempt to make even 1 penny on shipping. Nor do I charge “handling fees” or pass the cost of supplies (mailers, poly-sleeves, etc.) on to customers. If a customer is overcharged, as regards shipping, I will refund the difference.

Outside of Europe, shipping can be quite expensive, though very much comparable to other European countries.

The good news, at least for those contemplating a large order, is that the shipping rates do not continue to climb precipitously. Roughly, postage increases by $4.00 USD for every kg above 2.0 kg. Thus, to mail 3 kg costs $44.00, 4 kg $48.00, 5 kg $52.00, etc. The big jumps in price occur at 500 g and 1000 g. Thereafter the increases are more modest.

Below is a table with shipping rates up to 1.5 kg. Based on weight and destination, the rates are roughly as follows: