Grading.

These are the gradings that I use. I try to be conservative to rule out any uncertainty or argument. But if you don't agree with my grading after buying something please return it and I'll refund you the cost.

MINT (M) - The record is as new. The cover and any inserts should be in perfect condition. I've never seen a record or cover in this condition so I don't use this grading unless a record (LP) is sealed then I assume it is Mint.

MINT MINUS(M-) - The record is near mint, there is no damage or visible surface marking. Under Bright Light you may see fine lines on the record, caused by rubbing on the paper sleeve. LP or Picture covers and inserts are undamaged.

EXCELLENT (Ex) - The record shows signs of having been played, with light surface marks or fingerprints but there is no appreciable lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD(VG) - The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects. These will play through and any background noise will not overwhelm the music.

GOOD(G) - The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, with some distortion and scratches. The cover and contents suffer from major folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc. It will play through but be noisy and not pretty.

I won't sell records below these grades.

In the comments of each record I will make mention of any defects and I may use the above categories with pluses or minuses to denote that a record or cover falls in between the gradings shown above.

Abbreviations:

  • slt = slight
  • wol = writing on label
  • wlp = white label promotional copy
  • bb = drill hole
  • sol = sticker on label
  • smol = sticker mark on label
  • nap = not affecting play