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Grading / Condition

All grading and condition is based on and taken from the Goldmine Standard Catalog of American Records.

M - mint

Absolutely perfect, never played, possibly still sealed

NM - near mint

A nearly perfect record. Record should show no signs of wear. Near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and remvoed the shrink wrap.

VG+ - very good plus

A very good plus record will show some signs that it was played and handled. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play and the label may have some ring wear or discoloration but it should be bareley noticeable.

Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight ring wear, lightly turned up corners or a slight seam split. Jacket 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.

VG - very good

Many defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in VG. 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 will light scratches that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing or have tape or stickers attached.

G, G+ - good, good +

A good or good plus will  play through without skipping. It will have significant surface noise, visible scratches, and visible groove wear. Jacket or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at bottom or on spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.

F, P - Fair, Poor

Record is cracked , badly warped, and won't play through without repeating or skipping. Picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all 3 seams, and heavily marred by wear and writing. LP jacket barely keeps the record inside it.

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