Mode is another short-lived label you don’t see all that often. Here’s one: Warne Marsh, Music for Prancing, Mode 125. This is an original pressing listed in M- condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. The record has shrink wrap, but I doubt it was originally issued that way back in 1957 or 1958. Perhaps Rudolf would have a better idea. Anyway, the start price for this is $250 and so far there are no bids.

Here’s one from a label that is perhaps somewhat more familiar to our readers: Art Taylor, AT’s Delight, Blue Note 4047. This is a West 63rd Street pressing that seems to have the RVG stamp in the deadwax, but no ear and no deep grooves. It’s funny, my copy (autographed by Arthur Taylor in 1980) is of the same vintage. Would you say, early in the Liberty years. I listened to it a couple of weeks ago and the sound was fine. Anyway, this copy is listed in Ex condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. The bidding is already in the $260 range. I wonder how much my autographed pristine copy would sell for. Not that I’m looking to sell it.

Speaking of deep grooves, a reader sent the following note/question:

“I have followed your site for several years, and I am continually impressed by the content provided by you and fellow collectors. I have a question for you, that may also become a suitable topic for a blog post.  My question is, when did Blue Note, (and Plastylite and Liberty), Prestige, Impulse, Riverside, etc. convert mono pressings from 1mil groove width to .7mil groove width? I ask because I have participated in a discussion on another blog site regarding this issue and which stylus to use for optimal mono playback. Thank you.”

I told the questioner that I didn’t know the answer but it was highly likely someone here would know the answer. Let’s see.

Red Mitchell, Bethlehem 38. This was an original red label pressing, deep groove. It was in M- condition for both the record and the cover. It sold for $190.93.

Lee Konitz with Marne Marsh, Atlantic 1217. This was an original black-label mono pressing. It looks to be generously graded at VG++. It sold for $149.99.

Here’s one that would support the theory of a developing two-tier market:

Stan Levey Quintet, Mode 101. This was an original pressing. The record was VG and the cover was VG+. The price was just $15.55. I know this was not in mint condition, but $15 for this LP seems quite low.

Here’s another one that seems quite low: Max Bennett Plays, Bethlehem 50. This one is in VG+ condition for both the record and cover. It sold for $26.05. It features Charlie Mariano, Frank Rosolino and several other top West Coast jazzmen.

This one also seems effected by condition, so the price was actually probably fair: Kenny Clarke, Klook’s Clique, Savoy 12065. This was an original pressing. The record was VG+ and the cover was VG. The price was $77.55.

Eric Dolphy, Last Date, Fontana 681008ZL. This is the original Dutch pressing. The record was listed as M- and the cover as VG++. It sold for $661. Also from Eric Dolphy, Outward Bound, New Jazz 8236. This was an original deep groove purple label. The record was M- and teh cover was VG++. The price was $283.

Jackie McLean, Swing, Swang, Swingin’, Blue Note 4024. This was an original West 63rd Street pressing. The record was listed as VG++ and the cover as VG+. The price was $547.11.

Sonny Criss, Jazz USA, Imperial 9006. This was an original pressing. The record was listed as

VG+ and the cover seemed VG+ as well. The price was $262.

Richie Kamuca Quartet, Mode 102. This was an original pressing in VG++ condition, both record and cover. The price was $316.

Art Farmer and Donald Byrd, Two Trumpets, Prestige 7062. This was an original New York pressing. The record was M- and the cover was VG++. The price was $202.50.

Duke Jordan, Flight to Jordan, Blue Note 4046. This was an original West 63rd Street pressing. The record was VG+ and the cover was M-. The price was $589.90.

Leonard Feather Presents Bop, Mode 127. This was an original pressing in VG++/VG+ condition. The price was $80.

Warne Marsh, Music For Prancing, Mode 125. This was also an original pressing in VG++/VG+ condition. It sold for $68.

Dexter Gordon, One Flight Up, Blue Note 4176. This one already has received some discussion on the

site because it set a new high for this LP. It was in VG++ condition and an original pressing, with one side deep groove. The price was $415.90.

Johnny Griffin, The Kerry Dancers, Riverside 420. This was an original blue label pressing in M- condition, both record and cover. The price was $231.50.

Jackie McLean, Lights Out, Prestige 7035. This was an original New York pressing. The record was M- and the cover was VG++. The price was $572.

Helen Merrill, Emarcy 36032. This was an original pressing in VG++ condition, both record and cover. The price was $460.