Enterthedeals Dexter Gordon - The Squirrel Vinyl Album
Introduction
This review covers the “New Sealed – RSD Record Store Day Vinyl – Dexter Gordon – The Squirrel” listing. The item is presented as a Record Store Day release and is new in its original shrink wrap. The goal here is to evaluate what buyers can reasonably expect from this kind of product based on common RSD vinyl practices, the limited listing details, and Dexter Gordon’s place in the jazz catalog.
Product Overview
– Product category: Vinyl record (LP) / collectible music release.
– Artist: Dexter Gordon (tenor saxophonist, iconic figure in jazz).
– Intended use: Playback on turntables for listening enjoyment, archival/collectible item for jazz fans and vinyl collectors, or a gift for enthusiasts.
Manufacturer/label: Not specified in the provided listing. Many RSD releases are issued through the artist’s original label or a rights holder for the event; buyers should assume the pressing details (label, catalog number, country of origin) are unknown until confirmed by the seller.
Appearance, Materials & Aesthetic
The listing states the record is “New – Sealed,” so buyers should expect intact shrink wrap and a factory-sealed sleeve on receipt. Typical features you can reasonably expect from an RSD sealed LP:
- Outer packaging: Standard shrink wrap (possibly with an RSD sticker if the release included one).
- Sleeve material: Standard heavyweight or midweight cardboard record sleeve (often 12″ jacket stock).
- Design cues: As a Dexter Gordon release, the cover art may feature period photographs, jazz portraiture, or stylized typography; the exact artwork is not provided in the listing.
- Vinyl material: Glossy black vinyl is standard; some RSD releases use colored or limited-edition variants — the listing does not specify color or special pressing details.
Because pressing and artwork specifics are not listed, exact visual and material details remain unknown to prospective buyers until product images or label information are confirmed.
Key Features & Specifications
- Title: The Squirrel — Dexter Gordon
- Format: Vinyl LP (Record Store Day release)
- Condition: New, factory sealed
- Price: $19.50 (as listed)
- Intended compatibility: Plays on any standard turntable (33 1/3 RPM assumed unless otherwise noted)
- Collectible status: RSD designation can indicate a limited press or special release tied to Record Store Day events
- Missing/unknown specs: pressing weight (e.g., 180g), vinyl color, mastering/pressing location, exact track listing and duration, and whether it is mono or stereo
Experience Using the Product
Out of the Box (Receiving a Sealed Copy)
Receiving a truly sealed RSD record typically provides immediate collector satisfaction: the shrink wrap and any RSD sticker signal an untouched product. For collectors, the sealed condition preserves resale value and ensures no surface wear.
Opening & First Play
Once opened, expect to inspect the sleeve, remove inner protective sleeve (if present), and place the LP on the turntable. Because this listing doesn’t confirm pressing or mastering details, first-play impressions will depend on the specific pressing quality:
- High-end turntable (good cartridge/stylus): You should get a detailed, warm analog sound characteristic of Dexter Gordon’s tenor sax and traditional jazz recordings, assuming a quality press.
- Entry-level turntable: The listening experience will be serviceable for casual enjoyment, though lower-end gear may obscure details that a good pressing can reveal.
- Break-in: New vinyl and cartridges often benefit from a short break-in period (a few plays) to settle in, but that varies by equipment.
Use as a Collector’s Item
As an RSD-labeled sealed LP, this is well-suited for collectors who prize unplayed copies. Store it upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you plan to resell later, keep the sleeve and shrink integrity intact; documentation such as receipts or photos can help verify condition.
Use in Different Scenarios
- Casual listening at home: A sealed RSD LP is a strong choice if you value the physical ritual of playing records and appreciate jazz classics.
- Showcase/Display: Sealed RSD records often display well on a shelf or in a collection cabinet thanks to original packaging and potential RSD labeling.
- DJ or performance use: Jazz LPs are less typical for DJ manipulation; if you plan heavy use, an opened copy might be preferable to preserve a sealed example.
Pros and Cons
Pros- New and factory-sealed — attractive to collectors and guarantees untouched playback surface.
- Record Store Day association often implies a special or limited release, increasing collectible appeal.
- Price ($19.50) is reasonable for a sealed RSD-issued jazz LP, making it accessible for both collectors and casual buyers.
- Dexter Gordon is a highly respected artist; owning a physical release of his work has intrinsic musical and historical value.
Cons- Insufficient listing details: pressing weight, color, label, catalog number, and track listing are not provided.
- Unknown mastering/pressing quality — RSD releases vary in sonic quality depending on the source masters and pressing plant.
- Potential for mismatched expectations: if you expect a colored or numbered limited edition, those details are not confirmed in the listing.
- Shipping and handling risks: sealed jackets can be damaged in transit; the listing provides no assurance about packaging or return policy.
Buying Tips
- Contact the seller to request photos of the sealed sleeve (front/back/spine) and any RSD stickers or catalog numbers before purchasing.
- Ask for pressing details: label, catalog number, country of manufacture, and whether the record is standard black or a colored pressing.
- Confirm the seller’s return policy and packaging methods to ensure the sealed jacket arrives undamaged.
- If you want to verify audio quality prior to purchase, ask whether the seller will confirm if the pressing is a known good batch or using reputable mastering sources.
Conclusion
- Insufficient listing details: pressing weight, color, label, catalog number, and track listing are not provided.
- Unknown mastering/pressing quality — RSD releases vary in sonic quality depending on the source masters and pressing plant.
- Potential for mismatched expectations: if you expect a colored or numbered limited edition, those details are not confirmed in the listing.
- Shipping and handling risks: sealed jackets can be damaged in transit; the listing provides no assurance about packaging or return policy.
Buying Tips
- Contact the seller to request photos of the sealed sleeve (front/back/spine) and any RSD stickers or catalog numbers before purchasing.
- Ask for pressing details: label, catalog number, country of manufacture, and whether the record is standard black or a colored pressing.
- Confirm the seller’s return policy and packaging methods to ensure the sealed jacket arrives undamaged.
- If you want to verify audio quality prior to purchase, ask whether the seller will confirm if the pressing is a known good batch or using reputable mastering sources.
Conclusion
The “New Sealed – RSD Record Store Day Vinyl – Dexter Gordon – The Squirrel” is an attractive listing for collectors and jazz fans primarily because it is new and sealed and tied to Record Store Day. At the listed price of $19.50, it appears reasonably priced for a sealed LP. However, the lack of specific pressing, mastering, and artwork details introduces uncertainty about the exact product you will receive.
If you prioritize sealed collectors’ copies and are comfortable with limited listing information, this is likely a worthwhile purchase. If you require specific pressing attributes (colored vinyl, 180g pressing, numbered edition, or confirmation of mastering source), request those details from the seller before buying.
Overall impression: A promising sealed RSD Dexter Gordon collectible at a fair price, but confirm pressing and packaging details to avoid surprises.
