Sold Date: April 1, 2020
Start Date: March 31, 2020
Final Price: $21.50 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 2155
Buyer Feedback: 14

Item Description Policy:

A word or two about "Item Description" and "Record Grading".  I use a modified version of Goldmine Record Guide's record grade definitions as a starting point, not as the definitive item description of the record because grading records is entirely subjective. So, please let me be clear, the record grade itself IS NOT the sole determining factor when defining my item descriptions. Before purchasing, take everything into account when determining the "item description," including  the record condition check list below, the hi rez photos, and any narrative description I include for certain records. Finally, you can always email me with any questions you have about the condition of the vinyl or covers, etc. 

Record Condition or "Grading": 

Beginning April 1, 2020 I started using this easier (for me) to list and more straightforward checklist to describe the visual condition of each record. If a descriptor below is left blank_____, assume no,  none or not applicable. Furthermore, I will no longer be including narrative descriptions of covers or inserts unless the record is in high demand, expensive or rare. Use the designated EX, VG+, VG, "grades" as indications, not absolutes. I will include as many photos of the cover and inners, etc. as possible until I reach the eBay limit of 12. If you want additional details of the covers or inners please email me before you purchase. Many record sellers only provide a couple of photos for each listing. 

Overall Vinyl Appearance of This Record: 

Glossy with deep grooves?_x___

Shiny with good grooves?_____

Still has some shine with decent grooves?_____

Dull with shallow grooves?_____

Play Tested - Sounds better than it looks?_____

Superficial paper surface swipes?__x___

Surface blemishes or smudges?_____

Non-Penetrating Surface scuffs or skid marks?_____

Pressing surface defects that probably will not effect quality?_____

Fine wispy hairlines?__few___

Minor shallow penetrating scratches?_____

Medium penetrating scratches?__some___

Deep penetrating scratches that may cause skips?_____

Cannot gaurantee it won't have at least one skip?_____

Skips or gets stuck and needs a nudge?_____

Slight warp but no effect on quality?______

Warp that causes distorted playback or a skip?______

Close to NM, but not quite?_____

Close to EX, but not quite?_____

Close to VG+, but not quite?_____

Likely or play-tested sound quality issues:

Very little presence of any audible static, crackle, or ticks?__x___

Only occasional minimal audible static, crackle or ticks?_____

Some degree of audible static, crackle, ticks or pops present?_____

Might be some occasional audible mild static, crackle or ticks during song intros or between tracks?_____ 

Most likely some occasional audible crackle or ticks during quiet passages or when not overpowered by the music?_____

Expect some audible crackle, ticks etc, almost throughout the LP except when overpowered by the music?_____

Cover or "Sleeve" Condition Descriptions when Not Obvious In The Photos:

"Showing only minor flaws/wear all around"__x___

"Showing mild flaws/wear mainly on the edges and spine"_____

"Showing minor to mild surface wear snow and/or ring wear on at least one side & minor to mild overall aging"_____

"Showing mild to moderate surface wear snow and/or ring wear on at least one side & mild to moderate overall aging"_____

"Showing moderate to heavy surface wear snow and/or ring wear on at least one side & moderate to heavy overall aging"_____

"Showing heavy surface wear snow and/or ring wear  and heavy overall aging"_____

Edge or seam splitting?__no____

Moisture, water or mildew damage?______

First Editions, Original, First Pressing, First Issues: 

A word about record release versions, pressings, and identifiers found in the dead wax or runoff area. While I have been a semi-serious collector for about five years, I am not an expert in this area. I get most of my information from Discogs, but I have discovered incorrect or just incomplete information about specific editions or pressings there as well. When I list a record as 1st edition or 1st pressing, I am basing this on the best information I can find. But my source may be wrong or I may just make a mistake. So please, if you have more accurate information for any of my listings by all means email me with the correct information and your source. My goal is not to rip anyone off, but to provide the most accurate information for a record as possible to avoid unhappy customers and returns, which is a hassle for both of us.

Please look at all the high resolution pictures carefully using the magnifying tool to inspect the cover, inner sleeve, and label for visual flaws that I don't necessarily call out. Be sure to read the detailed record grade definitions below if you are unfamiliar with the Goldmine Record Album Price Guide. I use a slightly modified version, adding the EX grade and more details in the VG+, VG, and G grades, as explained below. I also use pluses and minuses for VG and G because sometimes the overall record quality may be a VG, but one or two flaws knock it down a bit, but not down a full grade from VG to G+. For example, a record that overall fits the VG grade but may have just a few too many flaws to make it a solid VG, but don't necitate a complete drop to G or even G+ would then become a VG-. 

Packing & Shipping:

Priority Mail includes insurance up to $100 value. If you do not request Priority Mail or request additional full insurance coverage prior to checking out (request an invoice first) only you are responsible for any damage or loss during shipping. Once I drop it off at USPS and it is scanned into the their system, it is out of my control and no longer my responsibility. Please read my positive feedback and you will see I package every item very securely, but with the USPS, you just never know, so if its an expensive item, you should request more insurance, if you decline, then the responsibility for loss or damage by USPS is on you, not me. By making this purchase you agree to these terms.

All Priority Mail records are double boxed with reinforced corners. Media Mail records are boxed in record album boxes with sufficient extra packing material.  I take every reasonable precaution to securely pack your records. For older sleeves I will pack the vinyl in a separate sleeve to avoid splitting during shipping. Unfortunately though, once it is out of my hands, the USPS is sometimes careless in handling the package. Unless you choose Priority Mail, your package via Media Mail is NOT insured for loss or damage and any such claim would have to be made through the eBay Buyer Protection  Plan with the USPS listed as AT FAULT.

Combined Shipping Discount:

For Media Mail, first record is $4,  then an additional .50 cents for each additional LP (add .25 if it is a double or triple LP).  If you add a listed item that is actually more than one LP, then its still an additional .50 for each LP in that lot.  Keep in mind that shipping fees include packaging materials and handling time. Due to USPS damaging two recent deliveries via Media Mail, even though the records were double boxed with reinforced corners, I have recently changed most records over $25 to Priority Mail instead of Media Mail so that the records are insured up to $100 by the USPS. When shipping Media Mail there is NO insurance coverage for damage or loss even when USPS is at fault. Priority Mail rates are calculated as actual cost based on weight and your address so combined shipping does not apply. If you purchase more than one item always request an invoice before you checkout and make your payment. I will adjust the invoice for combined shipping when applicable. If you prefer cheaper Media Mail, please contact me before completing your transaction and I will make the adjustment.  But be advised, any damage or loss due to USPS mishandling is not covered by USPS Media Mail and you will have to seek a refund from eBay with their Buyer Protection Plan with USPS listed as "At Fault". 

International Shipping:

International buyers take note, please do not email me asking what I charge to ship to your country because I use the eBay Global Shipping Program and they handle the invoicing not me. You will pay the initial shipping to have it shipped to the eBay International Shipping Center in Kentucky, and an additional amount to get it to you over seas. eBay calculates the entire cost and adds it to your purchase before checkout. Be advised, once it arrives at the Shipping Center it is completely OUT OF MY CONTROL and I will not cover any loss or damage after that.

Returns:

I accept returns if you are not satisfied with your record purchase. See the "Returns" conditions on your packaging slip for details. I do NOT refund any portion of the shipping, either direction. You are paying the USPS for this shipping, not me. On some occasions I will not accept returns for a record that is very rare. I cannot take the chance that someone will buy it, swap out the vinyl and then ship it back. Sorry, that happened once and I cannot allow it to happen again. Records listed as "No Returns Accepted" fall into this category. So please look at the pics carefully before you purchase it and contact me if you want me to play test  expensive records before you purchase them.

Record Grading:

In the end, record grading is a subjective process, so please take everything into account: the description, the pictures, and the grade before making your purchase. I make every attempt to grade accurately but one man's VG+ might be another person's VG. Please read the grade definitions carefully below.I use a slightly modified version of the Goldmine Record Albums Price Guide, I added an EX grade between NM and VG+ and I expanded on some of the grade definitions to make them a little clearer. 

All records are cleaned with Disc Doctor Miracle Record Cleaner and inspected and graded for condition using modified Goldmine Record Grading System (see below) before being listed. I do not have the time to test play every record, but if you are seriously interested in a rare or expensive record please contact me and I will play test it for you first. I try to include pictures of potentially penetrating scratches and spot check playing the worse looking ones. I also include pictures of scuffs and light scratches and test play the ones that might cause some noise and I will make a note of it in the description.

I have an excellent feedback rating and many people comment that my record grading is very accurate. If you receive your record and disagree with my description please contact me prior to leaving feedback and we will work out a return or partial refund if you decide to keep it.

Mint (M)   

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, If at all.

Sealed(S) 

Sealed but that does not mean Mint because there may be hidden damage to the vinyl that will only be known if you open it.

Near Mint (NM)   

Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly)that no record is ever truly perfect. In layman's terms, a Near Mint record means it looks like you just bought it at the record store new but it may have one or two very minor flaws. Don't forget the word "near" in "Near Mint." Its not supposed to be 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 almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling. 

An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like. 

Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap. 

Excellent (EX) 

I include an EX rating for records that overall look NM, that is they look like you just bought them new with original sheen and luster but they may have a few minor surface "marks" or surface "scuffs" or even one or two surface lines but DO NOT effect playback. The covers also look new but may have a few very minor flaws such as a ding on a conner, or very very minor ring wear but otherwise looks almost brand new. These records and covers fall in between VG+ and NM.

Very Good Plus (VG+)   

A Very Good Plus 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 signs of wear and will have some slight scuffs or very light "hairline" scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences other than an occasional pop or tick. There may be some crackling especially during quiet passages and in between tracks but generally does not over power the music, it may be reduced after professionally deep cleaned. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". 

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play. 

Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount. 

In general, if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be EX. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good (VG)   

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise and crackling will be evident upon playing and persistent during soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, and will sometimes overpower the music. Groove wear will start to be more noticeable, losing most of the original sheen and luster, and with numerous light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will occasionally affect the sound. There may even be one or two deeper scratches that cause pops and minor skips.

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, showing more pronounced ring, edge, and corner wear and ding, and shelf wear which looks like "snow" on the front and sometimes even the back cover. There may be a seam split as well.  However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)   

Good does not mean Bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without major skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, crackling, and scratches and visible groove wear with most of the original sheen gone and the overall look of the vinyl being flat and dull.

A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Ring wear, shelf wear "snow" and other defects will start to overwhelm the object, its a VG grade but with all flaws that define VG, not just a few of them. 

If it is a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But, if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it...but keep looking to upgrade.

I only list items that have a G or G+ rating for either the cover or the vinyl but not both. It is intended for people who are seeking to replace just one of these, but not both. You have a fine record but you need to replace the cover or vice versa.

Poor (P)  

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 cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, crinkled, and written upon. 

Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each. 

I only list items that have a P rating for either the cover or the vinyl but not both. It is intended for people who are seeking to replace just one of these, but not both. You have a fine record but you need to replace the cover or vice versa.