Vinyl is graded first, then the cover. NM/VG+ means Near Mint vinyl in a VG+ cover.

My grading is visually first. If I detect any defects on the record I will playcheck it and grade what I hear.

Sometimes I grade records with the lightest surface scuffs NM as they play NM.

 

There is no EX here.  I use VG+ if I find signs of use like inaudible hairlines or faint scratches, surface scuffs etc. Deep scratches or any other defects will always be mentioned. Like all humans I'm not free from mistakes, but I'll do my best to work it out if there should be any problem. My aim is to have happy customers!!

If you're picky with conditions and you know it, please ask about the condition of an item before buying.
If you are not an audiophile and you're still unsure about the condition of an item, please just ask me. I will take photos and record soundclips if required trying to make the deals as close as possible to buying hand to hand in a shop.

Please understand that it sometimes might take a little time to do so.

 

High value items will be sent out with almost invisible growing bin markers only. If items should be returned without the markers my lawyer takes over... see Terms.

 

Grading:

 

Mint (M)  

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed.

I use this for new and completely unused records only

 

Near Mint (NM or M-) 

The record should show no obvious signs of wear. Slightest hairlines from being pulled out of the sleeve may occur. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear, lightest wrinkles or other signs of slight handling.

An LP cover should have no siginifacnt creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like.

 

Very Good Plus (VG+)  

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care.

Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't disturb one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play.

Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a  seam split.

An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, sticker tear, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.

In general, if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good (VG)  

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise and crackle will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music in general. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with 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 or sticker tears) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers.

 

Very Good Minus (VG-)

Many of the defects found in a VG record will be more pronounced in a VG- disc. Surface noise and repetitive crackle will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with audible 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 or LP covers.

 

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)   Generally worth 10-15 percent of the Near Mint value. Good does not mean Bad! 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 (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white).
A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.