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Vinyl Details

Record Grade
NM
Cover Grade
VG
Release Year
1955
Record Label
Contemporary Records

Barney Kessel

To Swing Or Not To Swing

SKU: 146528050614

Barney Kessel - To Swing Or Not To Swing - 1955 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean  - The record has been cleaned using ultrasonic technology and is in exemplary condition; EX to NM for sure, especially for a counter Demo copy. The cover is crisp, but only a VG because of the significant spine splitting (no repairs, but it's a good idea to keep from things deteriorating, if buyer prefers, I can make internal corrections to keep the spine intact; still it's demo stickers, age and/or tag residue or writing! This is as good a copy you'll find on vinyl.

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Price
$12.99

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Barney Kessel

Barney Kessel

American jazz guitarist, born on October 17, 1923, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA, and passed away on May 6, 2004, in University Heights, San Diego, USA. He was the father of musicians Dan Kessel and David Kessel, and was married to B.J. Baker from 1961 until their divorce in 1980. Recognized as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of the 20th century, he played in numerous esteemed jazz ensembles and was a sought-after guitarist for various studio, film, and television recording sessions. Additionally, Kessel was part of the renowned group of session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew.

Description

Barney Kessel - To Swing Or Not To Swing - 1955 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean  - The record has been cleaned using ultrasonic technology and is in exemplary condition; EX to NM for sure, especially for a counter Demo copy. The cover is crisp, but only a VG because of the significant spine splitting (no repairs, but it's a good idea to keep from things deteriorating, if buyer prefers, I can make internal corrections to keep the spine intact; still it's demo stickers, age and/or tag residue or writing! This is as good a copy you'll find on vinyl.

  • Record was initially cleaned manually, then ultrasonically cleaned with iSonic Ultrasonic Cleaning prior to grading
  • Grading description below, done with The Vinyl Archivist photo examples in mind
  • Records are packaged with a plastic sleeve, the LP is placed in a fresh white inner sleeve (we include the accompanying sleeve, we send you both), separate from the cover to protect the seams during shipment, and of course, shipped within inserts in a standard cardboard record mailer.
  • We offer discounted shipping on multiple records: calculated shipping for the first one and $2 for each additional one. International Buyers, please read International Buyers paragraph below.


SRO Records Record Grading Guide:

SEALED/Mint:

Vinyl: Assumed mint, unverified until opened.

Sleeve: Visible through shrink wrap, graded as above.

NM (Near Mint):

Vinyl: Nearly flawless, with possible minor scuffs or hairlines only visible under strong light.
Sleeve: Appears new, as if freshly printed.

 

EX (Excellent):

Vinyl: Bright, with minor surface wear and hairlines, not affecting play.

Sleeve: May have faint creases or abrasions, but artwork is clean.

 

VG+ (Very Good Plus):

Vinyl: Obvious wear, scuffs and hairlines, plays with some noise but no major sound issues.

Sleeve: Worn with creases, noticeable wear, acid deterioration, corner dings, chipping, and possible seam wear.

 
Here's the typical SRO Records line in the sand. Anything below VG+, unless it's rare, unusual or just awesome, we're NOT going to sell online, much less go through the hassle of an ultrasonic cleaning, we're going to put it in one of many $10 Record boxes that we sell at Record Conventions and events. Some will wind up in the $1 Box, just to get it back out into the world for someone to enjoy or make a planter out of.

 

VG (Very Good):

Vinyl: Dull appearance with many hairlines and scuffs, somehow plays with persistent noise but no skips. 

Sleeve: Worn with possible seam splits and moderate ring wear.

G+ (Good Plus):

Vinyl: Numerous marks and scratches, plays with significant noise but music usually overpowers flaws.

Sleeve: Rough appearance with possible seam splits and water damage.


G (Good):

Vinyl: Copious unforgettable marks, probably a skip or jump.

Sleeve: Heavy ring wear and damage, likely large seam splits or water damage.


F (Fair):

Vinyl: It's round with nearly infinite damage, skipper gonna skip

Sleeve: It's basically what's left of the sleeve for the album

International Buyers: We charge $7 for the first record and $2 a record thereafter for Domestic Shipping in the continental United States. This only includes shipping to the International hub here in the United States. Please carefully review the total shipping and VAT charges for your order before committing to a purchase, which will be different from what we are able to view or control on the US eBay site.


SRO Records Office 

Record Testing Equipment:


Turntable:

Yamaha Direct Drive YP-D6

Ortofon VMS 20 E Mk II Cartridge


Amplification:

Yamaha Natural Sound Receiver


Speakers:

JBL 4312 Studio

We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy Dept.

We kid! Since 1983, we simply don't exist without happy customers; we offer hassle-free returns on all vinyl LP record album purchase that are returned in the exact condition they were sent. We cannot accept returns on factory sealed/mint new/unopened lp albums that have been opened. Please send us a message if you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your purchase; please do not open a return or an eBay case without contacting us first, we will make it right!


We are professional, quite reasonable to a fault and are ALWAYS willing to work to resolve any issue with a purchase!

Thank you for buying from SRO Records! You can catch us at the Spring and Fall Austin Record Convention, many Austin popups, so drop by and say hello to Gabi and Jeff!

What Our Customers Say

Over 1,400 positive reviews so far from vinyl enthusiasts worldwide

"Great seller! Fast shipping! Excellent all the way!"

Sea Level - Sea Level - 1977 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Lisa J. Nov 21, 2025

"Everything as described thank you"

Elvis Presley ΓÇÄΓÇô Early Elvis 1954-1956 Live At The Louisiana Hayride NOS SEALED
Larry R. Nov 5, 2025

"Great seller. Promptly corrected an issue for me! "

Marie "Queenie" Lyons - Soul Fever - 1970 Soul RARE 1st Ed - VG+ - Ultrasnc Cln
Timothy P. Dec 17, 2025

"Absolute classic! Sounds amazing! Thank you so very much."

Elvis Presley - How Great Thou Art - 1967 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Ryan P. Oct 20, 2025

"Thank you so much! It was shipped in perfect condition. Highly recommend buying from you. "

Star Wars - The Story of Star Wars - 1977 EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Ruth R. Dec 9, 2025

"Good condition as described."

Sylvester - Living Proof - 1979 Electronic, Funk / Soul - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Sandra N. Oct 12, 2025

"A+++wesome seller. Item arrived quickly, packaged safely, and as described. Very excited to get a true mono copy of this great album at reasonable price! Great value. Thank you!"

The Doors - Strange Days - 1967 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Daniel T. Dec 25, 2025

"Very good"

Kate Taylor - Kate Taylor - 1978 - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Michael H. Dec 18, 2025

"Vintage LP exactly as described, well packed in a sturdy mailer & arrived quickly. Thanks."

Jack Jones - The Jack Jones Christmas Album - 1964 Jazz - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Mark C. Dec 13, 2025

"Thanks"

Neil Diamond - Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show - 1973 Rock - EX - Ultr
Elizabeth W. Dec 4, 2025

"It's round and flat and great music comes from it when you drop the needle......Perfect"

The Band - The Best of The Band - 1976 Country - EX - Ultrasonic Clean
Joseph P. Dec 11, 2025

"Excellent seller! Album arrived exactly as describedΓÇöfactory sealed NOS copy in perfect condition, well-packed, and shipped quickly. Very happy to add this one to my collection. Thanks for taking great care with the listing and delivery! Fair pricing for a great album. "

More George Thorogood And The Destroyers - 1980 Rounder BLUES ROCK - NOS SEALED
Adam P. Nov 1, 2025