Grading Records

  Visual or Play Grading?

In an ideal world, every record would be played before it is graded. But the time involved makes it impractical, and anyway, it's rare that you get a chance to hear a record before you buy through the mail. Besides, many people will have a differing opinion as to exactly how much noise they hear on a record, and everyone will have a different sound system to ours too which will may or may not pick up certain noises from a record.

So unless otherwise noted, our records are visually graded.

  How we Grade our Records

We look at everything about a record. It's playing surface, it's label, it's edges...under a strong light. With 100 years combined record-collecting experience between us here at Jazzman, we give our records a grade based on the following criteria. See also the appendix at the bottom for commonly used abbreviations:

• Mint (M)    Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. We only use this grade if it is 100% factory fresh and ‘As New' condition. Age is immaterial, if it's mint it's mint!
• Near Mint (NM)    A nearly perfect record. The record shows no obvious signs of wear. LP sleeves will have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling. An LP cover will have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out or drill holes either.
• Very Good Plus Plus (VG++)    A VG++ record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took very good care of it. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a VG++ record perfectly acceptable.
  Record surfaces may show some minimal signs of wear and may have slight scuffs (but no scratches) that don't affect one's listening experiences. Possibly slight warps that do not affect the sound.
  LP covers may have slight signs of wear and may have a cut-out hole, indentation or corner cut. (Cut outs indicate a record that was taken out of print and sold at a discount).
  In general, if not for a few things wrong with it, a VG++ record would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a VG++ record perfectly acceptable.
• Very Good Plus (VG+)    Many of the defects found in a VG++ record will be more pronounced in a VG+ disc. It is possible that 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, and occasional light scratches might affect the sound.
  LP covers may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.
• Very Good (VG) A record in VG condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have some surface noise and clicks and visible groove wear. An LP cover will have seam splits, usually at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will be very noticable.
  But, if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, my advice is get it... but keep looking to upgrade. Should be OK for filing, or for club DJ play.

ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations apply in our listings:

bc = back cover
blc = bottom left corner
brc = bottom right corner
cat = catalogue number
cc = cut corner
CD = compact disc
coh = cut out hole
cvr = cover
cw = cover wear
dbl = double
dj = disc jockey or promotional copy
feat = featuring
gf = gatefold
incl = including
inner = printed inner sleeve
ltd.edn = limited edition
nap = not affecting play
#ol = number on label
obc = on back cover
ss = still sealed
re = reissue
rw = ring wear
sl cw = slight cover wear
slv = sleeve
stkr = sticker
tlc = top left corner
toc = tape on cover
tol = tape on label
trc = top right corner
troc = tear on cover
ts = tape on seam
w/ = with
wlp = white label promo
woc = writing on cover
wol = writing on label

GLOSSARY

box set = multi-LP or CD set in presentation box
catalog number = identifying number on sleeve/disc
company sleeve = record sleeve featuring record company logo
compilation = collection of songs from various sources
deleted = no longer commercially available, ie out-of-print
die-cut sleeve = sleeve with pattern or circular hole cut on one or both sides
gatefold sleeve = record cover that opens out like a book
inner sleeve = printed protective sleeve for disc inside main cover
insert = bonus item of packaging, eg postcard, info sheet
laminated sleeve = sleeve with high gloss, shiny finish
limited edition = a release pressed in a set, limited quantity
matrix number = unique number/letter code etched into record run-out groove
mispress(ing) = disc pressed with incorrect music, label info or design
picture sleeve = sleeve with a printed picture/design
promo = promotional release used by DJs, journalists, etc
reissue = re-release of a recording
run-out groove = continuous groove at end of record
sampler = compilation release showcasing an artist, label, genre etc
sealed = shrinkwrapped in cellophane (unopened)
test pressing = non-commercial pressing made by manufacture for quality control
warped = record misshapen by heat
white label = type of demo, promo or test pressing with plain white labels
withdrawn = release removed from sale by record company