| GRADING My records are graded as a worst case condition between visual condition of the vinyl, visual condition of the label and audio condition of the vinyl. In some instances I will grade a record as M- with writing on label. This method sometimes describes the record better and I would naturally price the record below a M_ price. Due to the number of records that I have for sale and a short lifetime, I do not have the time to play every record and only sample play records that may be suspect of not reaching the visual grade. If they play better than the visual grade, I often say so. All my records are guaranteed to meet the listed grade. I have been grading records for 40 years. MINT (M): Perfect. I never use this grade for 45rpms or 78rpms. I do use it for a sealed LP. NEAR MINT (NM) or (M-): Generally a store stock record that has never been played or a record that looks as though it was never played. VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+): A record that has been handled carefully and played infrequent. The audio passage of the record should have no noise. Maybe a barely noticeable paper scuff from the sleeve. It has 90%-100% of it’s original luster. VERY GOOD (VG): A records that displays visible signs of playing. Light surface scratches, scuffs and slight loss of luster. Light surface noise but no popping or disturbing noise that will ruin the listening experience. Many records that were played in a jukebox fit this grade even though they may play much better. It has 60%-100% of it’s original luster. VERY GOOD MINUS (VG-): A record that has not been well cared for, containing audible medium background noise and audible light scratches (not pops). This record is still enjoyable, but not something you would transfer to your favorite CDR. It has 30% to 100% of it’s original luster. GOOD PLUS (G+): A record that is well played but not trashed. It has a considerable amount of background noise that is distracting. Deeper scratches and small pops may be evident. It has 10%-75% of it’s original luster. Still sounds good on a juke box and is worth it. GOOD (G): A record that has all but been trashed. It doesn’t skip, but you wonder why. Something you would only want to keep if rare. It has virtually no luster. GOOD MINUS (G-) and FAIR (F): Throw them away. CO: cut out. When clearance records were sent to the big chain stores for their bargain discount bins, they could not return them. They were identified by a small BB hole in the label or corner cut off of an LP cover. DJ: radio station or promotional copy. Some labels may be just stamped with an “NR” (new release) or stamped with a star for the plug side WOL, WOC: writing on label, writing on cover SOL, SOC: sticker on label, sticker on cover TOL, TOC: tear on label, tear on cover Reis: A reissue of the original song on the same or different label Repro: A reproduction (reissue) that was made to look like the original |