A World of Music for Everyone!
I do my best to list stock daily and pride myself in listening to every record completely prior to listing to ensure an accurate grading.
I tend to grade conservativey and include the appearance of the record and sleeve as part of the overall rating and if I have any doubt I will normally grade one level lower and do not use + or -.
It should be noted that grading is to some extent subjective and equipment, speakers and environment may have a bearing on the sound.
I utlise a light tone arm to ensure I pick up any imperfections and the turntable is wired through my computer and the sound is routed through high quality 5.1 speakers
I grade my vinyl based on the
"The Goldmine Standard"
Mint
Absolutely perfect in every way, almost certainly never played, possibly even still sealed.
Near Mint
The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
The LP jacket and inserts should have no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes.
Excellent
The record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience.
The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The centre hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight ring wear, lightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. The LP jacket may have slight signs of wear
Very Good
Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will 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) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.
Good
Good does not mean Bad! A record in Good 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. A jacket 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.
Fair
The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, crinkled, and written upon.
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