VOCAL GROUP 78: THE ANTLERS OF MIAMI Just In Case You Change Your Mind ARTISTS

I Don’t Mind Being All Alone/Just In Case You Change Your Mind, Artists. AR-1259/1260. Rare 1951 a capella release from Artists Recording Studios of Kansas City, MO. The Antlers were originally from Flint, Michigan before relocating to Miami. This, apparently their only single, was reviewed as a rhythm & blues record in Billboard; it was listed as a Black vocal group record in at least one discography and was bootlegged on one LP compilation of vocal groups who were all Black—except for the Antlers, who were a white quartet. I could not find this 78 listed for sale or sold on eBay, discogs, or even Popsike. Visually E-/VG+, shiny with just a few light scuffs and streaks. I played this on different turntables and noticed that, while the music is strong, there is a level of mild surface noise. (Hear excerpts on video.) For some reason the record plays better on my systems with a microgroove stylus rather than a 78 stylus. I heard a little distortion with the 78 styli, but not with the 33/45 stylus.

Due to its rarity this record will be shipped with insurance.

78 RPM RECORD GRADING
Most of the following descriptions are based on the Vintage Jazz Mart grading codes.
N (new) or M (mint): New and unplayed. NM or N- (near mint): Nearly same as M but played a few times. or showing minimal storage wear.
E+: plays almost like new, with very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.
 E (excellent): Still very shiny, near new looking with few or no visible signs of groove wear but may have a few inaudible scuffs.
 E-: still shiny, but without the luster of a new record. Very little wear, plays distortion-free. May have a few minor scuffs.
 V+ or VG+: An "average" looking 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free of distortion. Surface noise still not pronounced.
 V or VG (very good): Moderate, even wear throughout but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not too intrusive. 
V- or VG- = quite playable; may have some distortion in louder passages but music remains loud in most places. Surface noise from wear and scratches are below music level. 
G+: gray throughout or quite scuffed but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled.
 G (good): quite worn/damaged, but surface noise still below music level. Listenable. 
G-: Music muffled from wear but still exceeds surface noise. 
F+: Music remains audible over surface noise but listening uncomfortable. 
F (fair): Surface noise is as loud as the music.
P (poor): unplayable.
 
 [+ and - denote in-between grades. Grades with a slash in between indicate the condition of Side A/Side B.]

Note: Some 78s look mint or near mint and may be graded so, but may play with some surface noise due to poor quality pressing material.