I am listing for auction the 171 CD set of the Complete Works of J. S. Bach, Edition Bachakademie. The condition of the CDs is fine, with no scuffs or scratches. The packaging is another matter. The CDs are stored in 4-CD jewel cases, a poor choice on the part of the manufacturer (I have seen other issues of the set in different packaging). Some of the prongs that hold the CDs are broken in many of the jewel cases. When you open a jewel case, tiny plastic nuggets from broken prongs sometimes fall out (see the very last picture to see one of those broken plastic bits). The hinges on the jewel cases are not strong enough to store and allow access to 4 CDs. They do not open smoothly, and some hinges are broken. In some cases, opening and shutting the jewel cases has caused the paper label at the spine to catch on the case and fold slightly. Look closely at the pictures, you can see for yourself everything I am describing, broken hinges, folded spine paper, etc. The two cardboard boxes that hold the CDs are structurally sound but on some of the corners of the boxes the cardboard is abraded. The plastic on the fronts and backs of the jewel cases is clear, unscratched and shiny. The paper inserts are unfolded and unmarked. Most importantly, the CDs are clean and unscratched. I have played many but not all of the CDs, and so far I have not encountered any problems with playback. I have not tried the 2 data CDs.
As for the music contained on these CDs, seek out independent reviews. I have found them consistently enjoyable. The cantatas and other choral works are rendered on modern instruments by the Bach Collegium Stuttgart. The choral singing is excellent, and likewise the vocal soloists (prominent & familiar names: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Arleen Augér, Helen Watts, Edith Wiens, Peter Schreier, Philipp Huttenlocher, Matthias Goerne, Juliane Banse, Thomas Quasthoff, Christoph Prégardien, Christine Schafer). I have greatly enjoyed the organ works, performed by several players on different European organs. Some of highly regarded performance of the keyboard works are on these discs, with fine performances by Trevor Pinnock, Edward Aldwell, Robert Hill, Evgeny Koroliev, Peter Watchorn and Robert Levin. Other instrumental soloists include Isabel Faust, Hille Perl, and Dmitri Sitkovetsky. David Hurwitz from Classics Today says: "I can say with complete conviction that nothing here is less than very good as either performance or sound. In terms of sheer consistency the quality here is astonishing, and in terms of value for dollar this is unbeatable." Personal favorite: Robert Hill's disc of music for the lute-harpsichord (as well as Hill's Art of Fugue on harpsichord).
The buyer pays shipping via USPS Media Mail. The auction is No Reserve, so this may turn out to be a great deal for someone. If you are looking for perfection in packaging, look elsewhere. Jewel cases are a great example of bad design. However, there is a lot of great music here.