Sold Date: February 2, 2024
Start Date: July 2, 2022
Final Price: $15.99 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 1039
Buyer Feedback: 0

Record is EXcellent, close to NM mostly smooth shinny vinyl, minor background ticking may be heard on the song "Whippoorwill" with very careful listening. Sleeve is VG+ has light ring wear on dark front cover. Records are visually graded based on Goldmine standards (see below), some are test played to assure distortion free playback (unless noted otherwise).  Both records and sleeves are thoroughly cleaned if needed.  I am happy to offer combined shipping for LPs paid for in the same order, and shipped to the same address within the US, shipping is $4.50 for the 1st  single LP (doubles are $5), and $1 for each additional (double or single). I will refund over-payment if combining shipping applies.  All records are removed from covers (unless sealed) and shipped in generic sleeve, using sturdy record mailers cardboard box to ensure safe arrival. I invite you to send me any questions you have. Thanks.

RECORD GRADING

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.

NEAR MINT (NM OR M-)

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. 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.

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) or EXCELLENT (EX)

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. 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 VG records 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–)

Good does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping. 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.

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.