Sold Date: December 5, 2021
Start Date: November 2, 2021
Final Price: $23.95 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 458
Buyer Feedback: 2

Bing Crosby Merry Christmas Decca Gold Label Series Stereo LP Record 1961

with Original Sleeve

OUR RECORD GUARANTEE

Each record and album cover are individually photographed. We document any flaws in our photos. Please, look closely. If you notice a scratch on your album after you receive it, rest assured we have tested it and have assured that it will play before we list it. We do use a higher-end andover audio Spindeck Belt-Drive Turntable. Unfortunately, not all record players are built of the same. A lesser quality record player and needle may cause skippage on albums that have tested fine for us.

We package and ship our records with the greatest care, using poly bags, bubble wrap (if needed) and corrugated boxes to ensure that your vinyl arrives in perfect condition. We guarantee every item we sell to be AS LISTED. We do everything we can to keep our customers happy and our feedback reflects that. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, please let us know immediately.

RETURN POLICY

We will gladly issue a pre-approved full refund on any item returned to us within 30 days.

All albums are tested for sound quality in accordance with the “Goldmine Standard”, a universally-accepted guideline for representing the condition of physical music. Those standards are:

Mint (M)

The sleeve and cover are absolutely perfect in every way. To qualify as Mint, the record must never have been played and is possibly still sealed. Mint should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all. Note that a record can be sealed and not Mint. There could be sleeve discoloration, ring wear, or a vinyl warp from if guidelines on how to store vinyl were not followed. Being graded as Mint means the record was not play tested.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

A nearly perfect record. A Near Mint record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won’t give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Any defects are of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback. In theory, a VG+ record should sound the same as a Near Mint (NM) one. Vinyl surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don’t affect listening. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are okay.

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a small seam split. An LP cover may have sparse signs of wear and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, it plays perfectly, and if not for some minor aesthetic wear it would be Near Mint.

Very Good (VG)

Many of the defects found in a Very Good Plus record will be more pronounced in a Very Good item. 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 otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with 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 Plus (G, G+)

A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping, but it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and “ticks” will almost certainly accompany the playback.

Generic Sleeve

A type of sleeve that is not specific to the record. A generic sleeve is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve that is graded as “generic” needs no further grading, as a generic sleeve generally adds little value to the item and can be easily replaced.