Grading vinyl and cds

In order to assist buyers of rare discs a set of standards has been established to state the condition of second hand records and compact discs


vinyl records

Our grading system for vinyl records follows the Record Collector (UK) standard, vinyl first, cover and inserts second, e.g. ex/m
for double albums you will find three figures in this order: first record / second record / cover, e.g. ex/ex/m
triple vinyl etc. correspondingly

SEALED  –  The record is still factory sealed (shrinkwrapped) and has never been opened

UNPLAYED or NEW is pretty much the same category  –  this record is brand new and has never seen a turntable

MINT  –  The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition

EXCELLENT  –  The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing

VERY GOOD  –  The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable

GOOD  –  The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

+ and - are used to differentiate between those categories


compact discs

Our grading system for cds is similar to vinyl grading, the disc is graded first, booklets and inserts second

sealed  –  cd is factory sealed, never opened - brand new

new  –  cd is brand new and unplayed

1  –  cd / inserts in excellent condition, basically like new

1-  –  cd or inserts may show very light blemishes

2+  –  cd or inserts show minor blemishes or light storage wear

2  –  cd or inserts show general wear such as the occasional light mark or normal storage wear,
the typical "second hand" cd (this means "cared for" and not totally scratched!)

2-  –  cd shows noticeable (storage) wear or light scratches, insert shows wear

3  –  cd shows major storage wear (mostly from storing cds away from boxes in plastic bags)
all cds will play perfectly, though - insert worn (bent, light waterdamage) exceptional!