NOTE: Grading & Shipping

            I use the Goldmine Grading Guidelines (see below).

I visually inspect each album for defects and play only areas where I think there may be an issue. I use a Sansui 9090DB (Dolby) stereo from the late 1970's and a Sanyo turntable with a new stylus. ( yes, I kept them, thank goodness )  I also use a carbon fiber brush to clean them of dust and static. I try to grade a little below to give you more confidence in your purchase. However, no vinyl record is perfect and if you have a question about something in particular or would like to see more photos, then please contact me first before bidding or buying. 

Note also, that these records are from another time and place. Many, especially from the 1960's and 70's, were played by folks that were ( let’s be gentle here ) under the influence of certain chemicals and were not handled in a manner to protect them for future generations. That being said;  they are still here as a testament to their durability. And lets’ face it; even a good album sounds a whole lot better than a new CD.

 

            Goldmine Grading Guidelines

 
 Mint (M)-Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, and unopened.


Near Mint (NM or M-)   A nearly perfect record. 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) - (This is not a Goldmine grade, but is a selection on eBay) This is an album that comes close to NM but not quite. It looks great and plays great, but just doesn’t merit the NM label. 


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 show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. 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 Near Mint. 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 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, only two or three of them.



Good (G), Good Plus (G+) -  A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white). A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.

                                                                                                                                  

Shipping:

I ship very carefully ( see my Feedback )

 I only accept Paypal for payment

USPS Media Mail

I only ship to the 48 continental states.

Shipping prices are for continental US only.

 

Please make a payment within 3 days of winning the auction.

I will ship within 3 days of payment received except weekends and holidays.

If you are bidding on one and have purchased another let me know and I'll wait till your purchases are complete so that I can combine the shipping for you.

 

Here's what you get from Jfoxtrot:

Albums shipped in a record shipping white cardboard shipper with cardboard insert pads.

 Entire inner package has a new plastic bag enclosure surrounding the shipment to protect against the weather. Outside edges of white cardboard shipper are taped.

Fragile label is placed on all shipments.

 

 If you have any questions about condition please ask before you bid. 

 

FEEDBACK

 

Please leave positive 5 star feedback upon receipt, and then I will know you are satisfied with your purchase and I will return the favor by leaving you excellent feedback.  If you have a reason to not leave me 5 stars and positive feedback, please contact me and I will do my best to work out a solution for both of us! 

Thanks,

Jfoxtrot