GRADING SYSTEM FOR VINYL RECORDS

This page gives detailed information on how we base our grading system and abbreviations we use. If you are unsure of the abbreviated grading letters beside each record, please read the following carefully. A + or - sign against any of these descriptions means that the condition is very slightly better/worse than the description given. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE GRADE RECORD FIRST, SLEEVE SECOND.

MINT (M)

Record: The record itself is in brand new condition, with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Any extra items such as lyric sheet, booklet, poster are present and in perfect condition.

Cover: The cover should be in perfect condition.

EXCELLENT (Ex)

Record: The record shows some signs of having been played, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality.

Cover: The cover may show slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD (Vg)

Record: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch.

Cover: Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without major defects is acceptable.

GOOD (G)

Record: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches.

Cover: Cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, staining, etc.

FAIR (F)

Record: The record is still just playable, but has not been cared for properly and displys considerable surface noise and may even jump.

Cover: The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

OTHER ABBREVIATIONS

p/s = picture sleeve

g/fold sleeve = gatefold sleeve

WOL = writing on label

WOS = writing on sleeve

SOL = sticker on label

SOS = sticker on sleeve