RECORD GRADING & ABBREVIATION DEFINITIONS
Most all the records for sale in this website are visually graded. Buy
with confidence, as I have been grading records for over 25 years. Too often, a
record plays fine and looks like it was used for skeet shooting. Conversely, if
the record has a dig, I always try to notify the buyer. Here are the general
standards used to grade all records on this website. Please note all records are
graded using bright lights!
EXCELLENT (EX)- I do not use "mint" when grading a record. This is the equivalent to near mint. Record looks like new, may have a tiny scuff somewhere, but it is not readily visible. MINIMAL signs of play.
EX MINUS (EX-) - Record still glossy like new, but may have one or two more visible scuffs somewhere. Usually paper scuffs, never deep scratches.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Still a clean record with a few scuffs, maybe very light scratches. Nothing major, and not too many. Either that or it will have a little bit of gray in some grooves. Still perfectly acceptable for the picky collector.
VERY GOOD (VG) - Shows some signs of wear, but they are still light. You can tell the previous owner(s) took care of the record. Should play through with a minimal amount of noise.
VERY GOOD MINUS (VG-) - Starting to show signs of being well liked. Gray grooves and more light surface scratches. Popping noises may be fairly regular when played. But still retains original groove gloss.
GOOD (G) - Average used record. May have gray grooves and surface scuffs. Still should play through. More background noise evident. Some of the original gloss may remain, but not a whole lot.
***Records VG- and below are usually not listed on this site unless they are harder to find, or they are 78rpms that still play fine***
ABBREVIATIONS:
SOL - Sticker on Label
SOC - Sticker on cover
WOL- Writing On Label WOC - Writing On Cover
TOL - Tear on Label TOC - Tear on Cover
PROMO - Promotional copy of a record given to radio stations or to VIPs/artists
Have fun shopping!