All grading is done under a bright light, with a light tonearm weight of 1.25 grains, after thorough ultrasonic cleaning. Our basis for grading is conservative Goldmine visual, but we play grade everything, so we have tweaked our definitions somewhat, and standardized some of our own language for the sake of speed and convenience. Grades apply specifically to the disc. Jackets and sleeves are as seen in the photos we do not assign grades to them, but we try to always mention flaws that may not obvious, like edge wear and splits, or cut-out marks. Please look closely at the pics and ask any questions, we are happy to answer.
NM. Minimal wear, good gloss, plays well. Record has been seldom handled and played very carefully, may have some slide lines from sleeve travel.
NM-. Minimal wear, good gloss, plays well. A negligible flaw or two. Record has been handled and played carefully, may have some slide lines from sleeve travel, and an additional light surface mark or two that does not affect play.
VG . Minimal wear, good gloss, plays well. A few inconsequential marks away from NM. As above, a little more light surface wear, but nothing that affects play. When I find myself equivocating between NM- and VG , I call it VG and move on.
VG . Very light wear, good gloss, plays well, occasional crackle or pop. Sparse light surface marks that can be seen but not felt. Audible distractions at a minimum.
Records graded VG or better will reliably play more or very slightly less than as new, especially if you remember what new sounded like before digital. But by virtue of age and usage, most of our collectible vintage used records grade in the VG range. Since we play grade everything, we make a couple of distinctions at this level.
Strong VG. Moderate visible wear, good gloss, plays well with light background. A record that has been reasonably well cared for but at this point has seen a fair amount of play, characterized by too much light surface wear for VG , and/or a consistent light noise in the background well below the recording, or both.
VG. Visible wear, fair gloss, plays well with moderate background. A record that has been less reasonably well cared for, perhaps or even probably stored sans sleeve or jacket, and has seen a fair amount of play. Characterized by significant visible surface wear up to and including mild feelers that may tic lightly on playback, and/or a consistent light to moderate noise in the background under the recording, or both.
