VinylSearch.com Grading
Most items are visually graded, but I play-grade if in doubt. Grading is conservative and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Cover and disc are in the same grade unless otherwise specified. CDs that are not specified as Still Sealed are open, but like new. If you have any questions, please email matt@vinylsearch.com. Disc Condition
SS Still Sealed.
M Unplayed, brand new. The condition of a sealed LP with the wrapper removed.
M- Been played a few times, but no signs of any wear. Absolutely like new.
VG++ Slightly below M-. May have extremely minor surface noise, or may play M-, but have a visual scuff.
VG+ Shows light wear, or has surface scuffs not affecting play. Plays very well, with only very minor surface noise or a faint click or two, nothing that interferes with the enjoyment of listening.
VG Has more noticeable visual wear or a few marks. Still plays well, with some surface noise, or minor clicks.
VG- Plays through, can still be listened to, but definite surface noise and clicks. No skips.
G Plays, but with definite clicks or hiss. No skips.
P Looks and plays bad, possibly skips. Plenty of hiss, clicks, or pops.
Cover Condition
M New, the condition of a sealed copy with the shrink-wrap removed.
M- No visible wear. No creases, cut-out hole, tears, or seam splits.
VG+ Slight wear, with a minor flaw or two possible. These flaws include: cut-out hole or saw mark, minor crease or small seam split. Any such flaws will be noted in the comments.
VG Some ring wear, plus any combination of the flaws listed above. Writing on the cover, a sticker on the cover, and longer seam splits are also possible.
VG- Definite ring wear, plus any combination of the flaws listed above.
G Pronounced wear, plus seam splits, stickers or writing.
P Poor - the cover is a mess.
Some ABBREVIATIONS used in the Vinylsearch.com listings:
cc cut corner corner is cut off of an LP cover
dh drill hole small "cut-out" hole drilled through the cover or label
ES Electronic Stereo
exc. excellent
i or I import
issue not a promo copy
lbl label
NAP Not Affecting Play
orig original
pr promo
pre pressing
prod. produced by
ps picture sleeve
rec. recorded
ri reissue
saw mark or saw cut - an approx. 1 inch cut on an LP cover
sm small
soc sticker on cover
sol sticker on label
SS Still Sealed
stock not a promo copy
toc tape on cover
t/s timimg strip
wlp white label promo
woc writing on cover
wol writing on label
wos writing on sleeve
wr. written by
xol "x" on label
If the above policy leaves any doubts, please refer to GEMM's generally accepted Grading Standard
