Grading Policies for Used/Rare Records
- Note: I do not give grades of M or NM to records unless they are sealed or otherwise can be proven unplayed.
- Pluses (+) and minuses (-) are given where records exhibit qualities of two different grades.
- I'm not biased when I grade records, so that you'll be happy with the condition you receive the record in.
- Records are graded VISUALLY. That means that if there is a flaw in the vinyl that is not visible it will not be reflected in the grade. I do my best to try and listen to every record that I'm selling in its entirety before I list it.
EX The record and/or sleeve has few, if any signs of visible wear. Corners are sharp and vinyl is shiny and clean-looking. For records 10+ years old some slight wear around the edges of the sleeve or some very light surface marks on the vinyl might be acceptable. In other words, this is a very clean record.
VG The record is more or less clean but has some visible flaws. Sleeve might have a corner that was damaged in shipping, some slight ring wear or some scuffing or creases around the edges. Vinyl might have some surface marks and/or fingerprints (particularly on an old record), but the record should still play through with minimal, if any, surface noise. A good "player copy" of a record, but not dead mint.
G The sleeve or jacket has serious, visible flaws in condition, but should still play through without skipping. Jacket may have significant ring wear, seams may be coming unglued and the edges may show considerable shelf wear. The vinyl has significant scuffing and some audible surface noises, but no deep gashes.
P A badly damaged record. Sleeve may have significant tape damage, writing (such as radio station call letters) or parts missing. Vinyl has significant surface wear, including some scratches which may affect play. This record would be good for bragging to your friends that you own a copy, but little more.
