GRADING
 
 

Descriptions of Conditions:
RECORD GRADING

Each entry lists reference number, speed (LP/45), Artist, Title, Label, Label #, Condition, comments and price. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Every record is an original issue for the label unless otherwise noted. All records are PLAY GRADED. Sleeves are always graded first, eg VG+/VG- : sleeve VG+, disc VG-.


Grading is based on the Goldmine system (the old, long accepted standard for record collectors) which is summarized below:

SS (Still Sealed) - in factory fresh condition

M (Mint) - Used only if the item is unsealed but otherwise unplayed.

M- (Mint Minus) - A record which has virtually no surface noisehows no signs of wear. The sleeve has no more than minor defects such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of MINOR handling.

VG++ (Very Good Plus Plus) - Surfaces have no signs of wear or but may have a very low level of surface noise or static that indicates that the record has been played or may not have been an audiophile level pressing.

VG+ (Very Good Plus) - may have superficial marks that don't affect play (skips over heavy clips). Only well cared for records are graded VG+. Surfaces may have slight signs of wear or light scratches that don't effect listening quality. Minor cover wear is also acceptable. This grade should be sufficient to satisfy all but the most demanding collector.

VG (Very Good) - a used, reasonable copy. There will be obvious signs of wear and some surface noise, but still plays quite well. There might be a sticker or writing on label or sleeve or tape but not all of these problems.

VG- (Very Good Minus) - more significant wear and marks and usually noticeable surface noise especially during quieter passages.

G+ (Good Plus) - A record in this condition can be played without skipping although it will have significant surface noise, scratches and visible groove wear. A sleeve will have significant wear such as seam splits/tape/writing/ring wear. From here on down (Fair, Poor), records should be considered beat-up (read: unplayable).

G (Good) - In the record collecting world, 'Good' does not really mean good! G is the lowest grade used. Records in this condition are marginal at best.


GLOSSARY (for records) record gradi

For reference purposes, the following list contains an explanation of some commonly used terms in record collecting:

box set = multi-LP or CD set in presentation box

catalog number = record company identifying number on sleeve/disc

company sleeve = record sleeve featuring record company logo

compilation = collection of songs from various sources

cue sheet = printed supplement included with radio/interview albums

deleted = no longer commercially available, ie out-of-print

dj/demo = demonstration disc pressed for reviewers/radio stations etc

die-cut sleeve = sleeve with pattern or circular hole cut on one or both sides

envelope sleeve/ps = thick card sleeve with envelope-style flap opening

flexidisc = soft plastic (flexible) record

gatefold sleeve = record cover that opens out like a book

inner sleeve = printed protective sleeve for disc inside main cover

insert = bonus item of packaging, eg postcard, info sheet

laminated sleeve = sleeve with high gloss, shiny finish

limited edition = a release pressed in a set, limited quantity

lyric sheet = paper or card insert featuring words to songs

matrix number = unique number/letter code etched into record run-out groove

memorabilia = collectors items such as clothing, printed matter, backstage passes, etc

mispress(ing) = disc pressed with incorrect music, label info or design

mono/stereo/quadrophonic = music recorded for playback through one/two/four channels

one-sided = record with music on one side only

picture disc = record with a picture/design sealed within playable clear vinyl

picture sleeve = sleeve with a printed picture/design

play grading = after visually assessing a record, it is put on a turntable and spot-checked with headphones so as to determine the general sound quality. It is not played through from beginning to end. The beginning of each side is played as well as possible problem areas such as marks

poster sleeve = sleeve that folds out into a poster

promo = promotional release used by DJs, journalists, etc

reissue = re-release of a recording

run-out groove = continuous groove at end of record

sampler = compilation release showcasing an artist, label, genre etc

sealed = shrinkwrapped in cellophane (unopened)

shaped disc = non-circular release, normally shaped picture disc

test pressing = non-commercial pressing made by manufacture for quality control

vinyl = material from which records are made (also 'plastic', 'wax' etc)

warped = record misshapen by heat

white label = type of demo, promo or test pressing with plain white labels

withdrawn = release removed from sale by record company

 
 
 

 

ABBREVIATIONSord

The following abbreviations apply in our record listings:

bk = book/tour programme/sheet music

cat no = catalogue number

cc = cut corner

CD = compact disc (s = single)

co = cut out

coh = cut out hole

cvr = cover

cw = cover wear

dbl = double

dj = disc jockey or promotional copy

DMM = Direct Metal Mastered

dnap = does not affect play

es = electric stereo

feat = featuring

gf = gatefold

incl = including

inner = printed inner sleeve

ltd.ed = limited edition

mag = magazine

MC = (music) cassette (s = single)

#'d = numbered

obc = on back cover

oc = original cast recording

ost = original soundtrack

ss = still sealed

ps = picture sleeve

pstr = poster

quad = quadrophonic

re = reissue

rw = ring wear

sl = slight

slv = sleeve

sm = small

split seams, x" split, x" taped seam, etc... = refer to cover damage

ss = still sealed

stkd = stickered

toc = tape on cover

tol = tape on label

troc = tear on cover

trol = tear on label

ts = tape on seam

w/ = with

wl = white label

woc = writing on cover

wol = writing on label