RECORD GRADING
RECORD GRADING
We sell and buy records. To provide you the most accurate information about the condition of the records and sleeves, we use a very strict and conservative record grading system, which is explained on this page. Please read it carefully.
With every record for sale, you find detailed information to provide you with all the knowledge you need to see if this copy fits into your collection.
We always grade the record first, then the sleeve, and then the inner sleeve and inserts/poster and other additions to the record if they are available.
Important note:
All our rare records for sale are tested on a “Thorens TD124” with a ”SME Modell 3009 Series 2 improved“ tone arm with a ”Ortofon 2M Black” element and Stylus.
All the records for sale will be professionally cleaned and housed in a new polylined inner sleeve and plastic protective outer sleeve. Of course we always keep the original inner sleeve with the record.
VG: Our lowest grading. These records have been played a lot, have many marks like hairlines, dirty surfaces or other issues. We never sell records that do not play through, so you can be sure of no skips or jumps. A lot of spindle marks on the label. This record is not for the mint enthusiasts but still an acceptable piece of rare music. The sleeve shows wear like wrinkles, tears, stains or other issues.
VG+: This record has been played but well taken care off. It may have some marks that can be seen but do not bring big issues while playing the vinyl. Some background noise is possible. The labels are clean but can have some spindle marks. In general a nice record.
The sleeve may show aging or other defaults but the sleeve has no tears or other larger issues.
EX-: The record and sleeve are definitely better than a VG+ grading but still have some minor issues which takes the album away from the higher EX grading. Think about small writing on the sleeve or labels, background noise in the more quiet parts when it’s about the vinyl.
EX: The record and sleeve are in EXCELLENT condition. No writing on the sleeve and labels and the record plays without issues. Minimal background noise could be possible but never overpowering the music. A very nice record and sleeve, which could be very interesting for the more serious collectors.
EX+: The vinyl is near perfect and comes very close to our highest grading of M-. The vinyl has only been played a handful of times max! Just one or two spindle marks. The sleeve is near perfect without any issues.
M-: Our highest grading! The record is like new. Absolutely perfect and the vinyl plays flawless. Unbelievable for a record with the age of nearly 50 years! The sleeve is perfect as if it just came out of the store.
We don’t use the mint grading except for new sealed records! Most of our records are vintage vinyl, which means they are old. Nevertheless, when they are handled by a vinyl lover and still look and play like new, this will give it the M- grading!
How rare is this record?
Besides grading the condition, we also provide a grading system of rarity. It’s just for fun, but it shows you how extremely rare some records from the Golden Era are nowadays!
Rare: You don’t see this record every day. Especially not in this condition or this specific pressing!
Very Rare: Records that are almost never in the regular record shops. Serious stuff, this is.
Mega Rare: Mega Rare records pop up just once or twice a year. We look for these tiny pieces of art all over the world.
Hyper Rare: This is the absolute top and most records with this grade are the private pressings from the late 60’s and early 70’s. Most of them are pressed in very small quantities of less than 100 pieces. These records are extremely hard to find, and even harder to find in M- condition. There are also some hyper rare main label issues. Think for instance of Megaton on Deram or Wil Malone on Fontana.
