We've used the Goldmine Grading Guide in grading the collection. If you're a collector, you're already familiar with the reference. Otherwise, take a couple of minutes to read through the remainder of this page. Most of the catalog is graded VG or slightly higher. To us that reflects an LP that's been played, but with care and attention. Neither the cover nor the vinyl are pristine, but the cover will be intact without substantial flaw and the vinyl will play without substantial hiss and without skips. Exceptions are noted for each offering.
Mint (M) -~ The fact of the matter is we won't grade an album mint unless it's still factory sealed. The problem here is how do you ensure it's not a re-seal. If you want to buy a mint item from us, call and we'll discuss the best way to handle the transaction.~~Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly still even sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.
Near Mint (NM) - A nearly perfect record. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. An LP jacket should have no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes either. And of course, the same should be true for 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. Near mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides. Anything that exceeds this grade, in the opinion of both buyer and seller, is worth substantially more than the highest Goldmine book value.
Very Good Plus (VG+) - Generally worth 50% of the NM value. 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 slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. The label may have some ring wear and 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 slight seam split. An LP jacket may have slight signs of wear also and ay 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 of minor 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) - Generally worth 25% of the Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially the soft passages and during a song's intro and face, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratching (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape of 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. Goldmine price guides with more than one prince will list Very Good as the lowest price. This, not the Near Mint price, should be your guide when determining how much a record if worth, as that is the price a dealer will normally pay you for a Near Mint record.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+) - Generally worth 10-15% of the Near Mint value. Good does not mean bad. A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put on 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 start to turn white). A jacket or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing or ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's 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 for an upgrade.
Poor (P), Fair (F) - With the exception of albums that are rare or unique, you won't find fair or poor items for sale. Generally worth 0-5% of the Near Mint price. 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 jacket 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 and sold for no more than a few cents each.
If the above policy leaves any doubts, please refer to GEMM's generally accepted Grading Standard
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