Early pressing with "35DP-4 71A5" matrix and no etching in stacking area. Early press predating 1985 without the "+++++" in matrix area. Smooth sided case with two wide stoppers and a "6" etched in lower rear right corner.

CBS / Sony Records opened the first commercial compact disc pressing plant in April 1982 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Production of commercial CDs got underway in mid-September, and the compact disc was launched in Japan on October 1, 1982.

 Early CDs are collectibles since many of them are the original issues and are, therefore, remnants of the early days of the “Compact Digital Disc”. Aside from the historical significance, many music enthusiasts also feel that these early pressings offer superior fidelity to later remasters. The reason for this is that many early CDs represent a “flat transfer” of the tapes used.  By contrast, many recent remasters have been prepared through excessive processing, including the abuse of compression and noise reduction. Often these early Cds are the best way to obtain a recording that is as close as possible to the original master. Most were manufactured in either West Germany or Japan for distribution throughout the world before the domestic pressing facilities existed or had capacity to meet demand.

Grading

Discs  :  Good (VG+) A few but very light lines to disc. Label excellent.

Artwork:  Good (VG+) light crease to booklet and tray card. No fading, stains rips or tears. 

Shipping(including United States as items are shipped from abroad) :

Standard shipping(no tracking number and no compensation in case of loss):

5$ for 1st CD - for each additional CD add 3$. 

2 CD boxes counts as 2 CD. Special rates apply to larger box sets, please inquire.

Expedited shipping(with online tracking to 150+ countries):

12$ for 1st CD - for each additional CD add 3$. 

2 CD boxes counts as 2 CD. Special rates apply to larger box sets, please inquire.

None(zero) of my customers so far has been forced to spend extra on customs duties or other government applied taxes.

My grading system(US Goldmine converted to ebays system):

I always grade under a bright light from an angle.

Like New(M-): Very near perfect playing surface and artwork. When held at an angle under extreme lighting you can see perhaps 1 or 2 very light scratches or pin dots. 

Very Good(EXC): CDs in this condition look used, but like they were taken good care of. Only a few very light scuffs can be seen when the disc is held at an angle to the light. The booklet and inserts are present and have only a few very minor flaws such as a slight bend or light fingerprints 

Good(VG+): No more than 10 very light to light scratches between 1/8" and 2". Artwork has case dents or a crease. Plays perfectly. 

Acceptable(VG) : CDs in this condition are more for listening to than collecting. The disc is heavily scratched but can be played through without skipping. The booklet and inserts are present but heavily worn, and may include heavy fingerprints, bent corners, smudges, creases, case dimple marks, and writing.