THE COLLECTOR'S NO B*S* GRADING SYSTEM

We created this page to emphasize the importance of condition when dealing in records.

This system is based on our own experience, combined with the grading systems of Record Collector, Discogs, Rockin'Records and Goldmine, as well as visiting and seeing the grading standards of dozens of stores around North America and Europe.

Premium investment quality items are the most desirable to collectors, so very strict grading is the object here- remember that buying records in poor condition is wasted money. Condition is everything!

Mint- A record that is above expectations. Like new, absolutely perfect with no discernable imperfections. The vinyl is glossy, the label and the sleeve are perfect in every respect. Audibly, the best.  A practically unachievable grade!

Near Mint- A record that is used but has been maintained in the highest quality by its owner. Almost perfect, any imperfections are so minor as to be very difficult to detect. The vinyl is glossy without scuffs, scratches or wear; there is no label wear or spindle marks and the sleeve has no ring wear, creases, bends, stains or tears. Many new albums come out this way! Audibly, still the best.

Excellent- A record that has been used, but has been treated with respect. Minor imperfections may be present but do not detract from the item. The vinyl is still glossy, although it may have very, very slight wear that does not affect play. The label is almost perfect, but may show light spindle marks. The sleeve may show slight wear on the seams, slight dulling of the gloss on the cover and very minor wear at the sleeve opening. Audibly, very light imperfections between tracks may be heard but no noticeable problems with the tracks themselves.

Very Good Plus- A record that has been used, but is still enjoyable. Noticeable imperfections are present that detract from the item. The vinyl is still good looking but no longer has all of its original gloss; it also has visual flaws that should not affect playability. The label shows evidence of handling and spindle wear. The sleeve shows evidence of handling with worn or minor split seams, wear at the sleeve opening, minor creasing and a lack of gloss caused by the onset of ring wear. Audibly, occasional clicks or pops occurring between or during tracks; very light static between tracks.

Very Good- A record that has been used, but is still playable. Noticeable imperfections are present that detract from the item. The vinyl no longer has its original gloss; it also has visual flaws that affect playability. The label shows evidence of handling and spindle wear. The sleeve shows worn or split seams, wear at the sleeve opening, creasing and a noticeable  ring wear. Audibly, noticeable click, pops and static occurring between or during tracks; very noticeable static between tracks.

Good- A record that has been used and abused. It has noticeable imperfections that detract from its appearance. The vinyl will still be playable but will have noticeable flaws: scuffs, light scratches, edge wear, or slight warpage. The label has lost its lustre and is obviously worn. The sleeve shows evidence of ringwear, creasing, splitting seams, and/or fading. Lots of static, pops, clicks, mild distortion- still playable, but not recommended for a good system.

Fair- A record that has been abused but may still be of moderate interest. It has all the flaws of a good condition record but more severe and more prevalent. Audibly, playable without skipping or major distortion, but not enjoyable.

Poor- A record that has been abused. It has major flaws n every respect. Audibly unplayable with skipping and major distortion. Junk- worth nothing. We do not deal in records of this quality.

+/- - This indicates that the item falls between the gradings above. Usually indicates that one imperfection is present whose absence would put the item up a half grade to a whole grade. For example: stickers, writing, light discoloration on a sleeve that is otherwise near mint would likely drop the condition to NM- or EX depending on the severity. A minor scuff that does not affect play would drop a vinyl grade from NM to NM- or EX. Delete/cutout//promo holes would also tend to devalue a sleeve by a half grade.

Note: In some cases imperfections do not necessarily detract from the value of an item: authenticated autographs, cover promotional stickers, original price tags, lightly pencilled original prices, etc.