Grading and Pricing Vinyl Records
Our used records are priced based on the Discogs database (www.discogs.com).
The Grading Process:
Step 1: Determine which run of a particular LP, 10” or 45 rpm by using the *matrix number from the item. This narrows our search to the release of that particular title we are pricing.
Step 2: Clean the album. It’s very important to clean the album thoroughly to determine the grade. We sonically clean approximately 90 percent of the record we sell.
Step 3: Grading process: Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus, Very Good, Good and Fair. See grading descriptions below.
Step 4: Final pricing of the item by narrowing the search of items which are available in the U.S. and are of the same condition we have determined. As a general practice, our final decision on pricing is done by taking the average asking price of those listed under the same grade.
That’s it! This is what it takes for an album to make our shelves. We should add that we do this for all of our used records so that you know what to expect.
Below is the grading guidelines we use:
GRADE
VINYL RECORD
COVER/SLEEVE
MINT = M
Perfect vinyl record album, possibly still sealed
The vinyl shows no signs of being played.
The cover shows no signs of fading, no wrinkling, and definitely no ring wear.
Note: Be very cautious when buying a record that someone rates as a “mint”. The term is overused and is a very subjective area of record collecting.
Near Mint = NM
An almost perfect record!
The record shows no signs of wear; maybe played a couple
of times.
The cover is in nearly pristine condition, with no creases, folds, splits or defects.
Very Good Plus = VG+
The record has the smallest of
visual imperfections that do not
affect its play.
The vinyl may also have a minor scuff or scratch that does not greatly affect the listening enjoyment of the record. The vinyl may also be slightly warped as to which it does not affect the sound quality.
The cover has slight wear, some turned corners, creases, or slight seam split.
Very Good = VG
More pronounced imperfections
The record will show imperfections that are more pronounced (groove wear or minor multiple scratching) and not only can you see the difference, but you can also hear
the difference.
The cover shows signs of human handling, usually ring wear or maybe even signs of getting wet.
Good = G
Plays without skipping
This type of record will show signs
of wear and scratches but play without skipping. A record not taken care of by its owner. A record of this type will generally make our “Rough Cuts” bin.
The covers seams are split, ring wear, tape, writing or other defects will be showing.
Fair = F
The record skips, shows signs of multiple deep scratching or even cracked.
These records, unless they're the rarest of the rare, are usually discarded or are deeply discounted, but generally never found on our racks!
Cover replaced with a generic cover or severely damaged.
* A matrix or stamper number is a code etched inside the end-groove area found on each side of a vinyl LP consisting of numbers and/or letters, the code may indicate recording dates, specific takes, and even the system of recording.