Sold Date: December 15, 2015
Start Date: December 15, 2015
Final Price: $89.99 $60.00 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 244
Buyer Feedback: 34

For your consideration a copy of The Soul Messengers self titled Album. The vinyl is VG+. The cover is graded VG because there is some light staining and just a touch of ring wear on the front. This is an Israeli import on CBS Records Tel Aviv.
Please be aware that I use the Goldmine Magazine grading scale and try to always grade exactly or one grade down. Also remember that grading vinyl is subjective. It is not an exact science as many things can contribute to grading. Differences in lighting can alter the look of vinyl. Seen in direct sunlight most vinyl looks at least VG+ when in reality it may be P. The use of different turntables can affect the sound. At the time of this listing I am using a Marantz model 6170 with a Stanton Cartridge 681EEE and a Stanton EEE needle. Only listings that state they have been tested have been played. All others have been visually graded. Please see the information below if you are not familiar with the Goldmine grading scale.
MINT (M) These are absolutely perfect in every way. Often rumored but rarely seen, Mint should never be used as a grade unless more than one person agrees that the record or sleeve truly is in this condition. There is no set percentage of the Near Mint value these can bring; it is best negotiated between buyer and seller. I never use this category as even a sealed album may have defects.
NEAR MINT (NM OR M-) A good description of a NM record is “it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time.”  NM records are shiny, with no visible defects. Writing, stickers or other markings cannot appear on the label, nor can any “spindle marks” from someone trying to blindly put the record on the turntable. Major factory defects also must be absent; a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near Mint. If played, it will do so with no surface noise. (NM records don’t have to be “never played”; a record used on an excellent turntable can remain NM after many plays if the disc is properly cared for. NM covers are free of creases, ring wear and seam splits of any kind. I use this category for sealed records and rarely any others.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) or EXCELLENT (E) A good description of a VG+ record is “except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint". VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, but repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.VG+ covers should have only minor wear. A VG+ cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG+ cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking. Covers with cut-out markings can never be considered Near Mint.
Very Good (VG) Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ record are more obvious on a VG record. That said, VG records are among the biggest bargains in record collecting. For many listeners, a VG record or sleeve will be worth the money.VG records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. When played, a VG record has surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and ending. But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise. Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. Many collectors who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice. They remain a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.VG covers will have many signs of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, is obvious, though not overwhelming. Some more creases might be visible. Seam splitting will be more obvious; it may appear on all three sides, though it won’t be obvious upon looking. Someone might have written or it or stamped a price tag on it, too.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+) or Very Good Minus (VG–) if you are lucky. Good does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, so it can serve as filler until something better comes along. But it has significant surface noise and groove wear, and the label is worn, with significant ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage caused by someone trying to remove tape or stickers and failing miserably. A Good to VG– cover has ring wear to the point of distraction, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even heavier writing, such as, for example, huge radio station letters written across the front to deter theft. If you’ve been seeking it for a long time, get it cheap and look to upgrade.
POOR (P) and Fair (F) Poor (P) and Fair (F) records are cracked, impossibly warped, or skip and/or repeat when an attempt is made to play them. Covers are so heavily damaged that you almost want to cry. Unless the album is incredibly rare I do not sell albums in this condition.
If upon receiving your purchase if you do not agree with my grading please notify me FIRST by email so that we may attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
Please see all pictures and ask any and all questions prior to purchase.
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Thank you for looking and Good Luck!!
Please note that if you chose Media Mail as your shipping option that it can sometimes take 10+ days for the package to arrive. I ship all packages next business day or before so please do not leave negative feedback about something that is beyond my control. Thank you in advance for your understanding.