Vinyl Grading

In an ideal world, every record would be played before it is graded. But the time involved makes it impractical for most dealers, though some play-grade everything and say so. But unless otherwise noted, records are visually graded. Abbreviations stand for cover/vinyl in that order.

• SS (STILL SEALED) - Sealed at factory and never opened. Disc is assumed to be undamaged and mint, but this cannot be proven until the album is actually opened and the disc is examined.

• NM or EX+ (NEAR MINT or EXCELLENT PLUS) - The vinyl is virtually flawless, bright and shiny. A very minor, barely visible scuff or two may be permitted, but no scratches. The label is bright, clean and unmarked unless otherwise noted. Covers will be almost perfect with only very minimal imperfections that are barely visible unless otherwise noted.

• EX (EXCELLENT ) - Disc appears like new, but may have minor paper scuffs or negligible hairline scratches that should not interfere with the sound quality. Vinyl is bright and shiny; label is clean and unmarked unless otherwise noted. Covers may have very light wear and/or small corner bends or a corner cut.

• VG+ (VERY GOOD PLUS) - Some visible surface wear, very minor scratches and scuffs, but minimal impact on the sound quality. Vinyl will still have good luster; labels may have minor imperfections but are otherwise clean. Covers may show just the start of ring wear, & may have slight discoloration or staining or minor seam wear, or writing. Corners may have small creases or fraying.

• VG (VERY GOOD) - Vinyl will have noticeable scratches or scuffs that cause minor surface noise (pops or hiss), but should not overpower the music. Vinyl may appear somewhat dull and grayish. Labels may have small tears, tape marks, larger writing, etc. but are still easily legible. Covers are visibly worn. Seams may be starting to split or may have been unobtrusively repaired with clear tape.

G (GOOD) - Well-played, dull looking vinyl with deeper scratches and wear causing distracting surface noise (hisses, pops, crackle, possible skips etc.). Labels may be significantly defaced or damaged. Covers may have major seam splits, large marker writing, significant ring wear, damaged corners, tears, cuts, gouges, masking or duct tape seam repairs, or other flaws and damage. The only items we would ever offer in this condition would have to be very hard to find.

We want the customer satisfied, at any rate, and if any item we offer does not match it's description, we'll take it back!