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Grading
System- We use the Record Collector Grading system-
In
order to assist everyone who buys and sells rare discs, Record
Collector magazine has originated a set of standards for the condition
of second-hand records, cassettes and CDs. Anyone buying or selling
records through the magazine must use our conditions to state what
amount of wear and tear the disc, its sleeve and/or contents have been
subject to. The seven standard condition categories, and a description
of what each one means, are listed below:
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. Records
advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.
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.
FAIR:
The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly
and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump.
The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
POOR:
The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise,
etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
BAD:
The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as
a collection-filler.
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