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Our Record Grading Standards
Mint (M) | Near Mint (M-) | Very Good Plus (VG+) | Very Good (VG) | Good/Good
Plus (G/G+) | Poor/Fair (P/F)
Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly
even still sealed.
Near Mint (NM or M-): A nearly perfect record. The record shows no obvious
sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as
almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled
by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some
slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that
don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the
sign are OK. The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should
be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture
sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight
seam-split.
We do not recommend purchasing records below this grade if
your intention is to play them
Very Good (VG): Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in
a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages
and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music
otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches
(deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may
be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The
same will be true of picture sleeves. However, it will not have all
of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+): A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put
onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have
significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A jacket or
sleeve has seem splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape,
writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's
a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually.
Pass it up. But if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price
is right, get it.
Poor (P), Fair (F): The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through
without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all
three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. Except for
impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should
be be passed on.
(SOL) - Sticker on Label
(TOL) - Tear on label
(WOL) - Writing on label
(XOL) - Letter "X" written on label
(LD) - Minor to significant damage to label
(EC) - Edge Chip on record - does not affect play
(CH) Chip on record - may affect play
(CR) - Hairline crack - we only offer cracked records when it is insignificant
and the record is rare
(PS) - Picture Sleeve
(DJ) - Disk Jockey or Promo copy
(JUKE) - Jukebox copy
(EP) - Extended Play record
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