Conditions and Grading

LPs and 45s visually graded by Goldmine standards (M, NM, VG+, VG, VG-, G+, G, G-, F, P). 78s visually graded by VJM standards (M, NM, E+, E, E-, V+, V, V-, G+, G, G-, F, P).
Records are visually graded.
LP & 45 RECORD GRADING
Goldmine Grading Guide © Goldmine Magazine.
Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way -- certainly never played, possibly even still sealed.
Near Mint (NM or M-): A nearly perfect record, showing no obvious sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling. An LP jacket has no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes, either. The same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, and the like. Basically, Near Mint looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.
Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP 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.
Very Good (VG): Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+): Good does not mean bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A jacket or sleeve has seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.
Poor (P), Fair (F): The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, and written upon.
--------------------------
[+ and – denote in-between grades. Grades with a slash in between indicate the condition of Side A/Side B.]
Other grading codes (from VJM and other sources):
LIB = Library copy. These albums have been reassembled in library binding format: the jackets have been taped around the edges, and the records are in a separate inner sleeve. Records and printed inserts are placed inside a stiff plastic Gaylord record holder. Library stamps and markings have been applied.
LIB, NOC = Library copy as above but with no original cover; only the record remains in the plastic record holder.
aud = audible
bb = bb hole in cover
boot = bootleg
cc = cut corner
co = cut-out
coh = cut-out hole punched in cover or label
cr = crack
cvr = cover
DJ = DJ or promotional copy
eb = edge bite
ec = edge chip
ef = edge flake
ep = extended play
fade = faded label
gr = groove [10g = 10 grooves]
hc/hlc = hairline crack
inaud = inaudible
lbl = label
lc = lamination crack
ld = label damage
m = mono
nap = not affecting play
non-lp = not on full-length LP or CD
oc = original cast recording
ost = original soundtrack
po = punch out
promo = promotional copy
ps = picture sleeve (45s)
re (also ri) = reissue
rf = rough
rw = ring wear
s = stereo
sc = scratched cover
scfs = scuffs
scr = scratch
sfc = surface
sl = slight
slt wrp = slight warp
sm = saw mark (cut-out mark)
sm splt = seam split
soc = sticker on cover
sol = sticker on label
sr = slight ring wear on cover
ss = still sealed
t = tear on cover
toc = tape on cover
tol = tape on label
va = various artists
wlp = white label promo
woc = writing on cover
wol = writing on label
xoc = “X” written on cover
xol = “X” written on label
78 RPM RECORD GRADING
Records are visually graded by VJM CONDITION CODES per VJM’s Jazz & Blues Mart:
N (new) or M (mint): New and unplayed. NM or N- (near mint): Nearly same as N/M but played a few times. E+: plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets. E: excellent (still very shiny, near new looking with no visible signs of [groove] wear but with a few inaudible scuffs and scratches). E-: still shiny, but without the luster of a new record. Very little wear, plays distortion-free. V+ or VG+: An “average” looking 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free of distortion. Surface noise still not pronounced. V or VG: very good (moderate, even wear throughout but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.) V- or VG- = quite playable; some distortion in louder passages but music remains loud in most places. Surface noise from wear and scratches well below music level. G+: gray throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. G (good): quite worn/damaged, but surface noise still below music level. Listenable. G-: Music muffled from wear but still exceeds surface noise. F+: most of record remains audible over surface noise but listening uncomfortable. F (fair): further deterioration but still generally audible. P (poor): unplayable.

Conditions and Grading

LPs and 45s visually graded by Goldmine standards (M, NM, VG+, VG, VG-, G+, G, G-, F, P). 78s visually graded by VJM standards (M, NM, E+, E, E-, V+, V, V-, G+, G, G-, F, P).
Records are visually graded.
LP & 45 RECORD GRADING
Goldmine Grading Guide © Goldmine Magazine.
Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way -- certainly never played, possibly even still sealed.
Near Mint (NM or M-): A nearly perfect record, showing no obvious sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling. An LP jacket has no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes, either. The same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, and the like. Basically, Near Mint looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.
Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP 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.
Very Good (VG): Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+): Good does not mean bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A jacket or sleeve has seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.
Poor (P), Fair (F): The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, and written upon.
--------------------------
[+ and – denote in-between grades. Grades with a slash in between indicate the condition of Side A/Side B.]
Other grading codes (from VJM and other sources):
LIB = Library copy. These albums have been reassembled in library binding format: the jackets have been taped around the edges, and the records are in a separate inner sleeve. Records and printed inserts are placed inside a stiff plastic Gaylord record holder. Library stamps and markings have been applied.
LIB, NOC = Library copy as above but with no original cover; only the record remains in the plastic record holder.
aud = audible
bb = bb hole in cover
boot = bootleg
cc = cut corner
co = cut-out
coh = cut-out hole punched in cover or label
cr = crack
cvr = cover
DJ = DJ or promotional copy
eb = edge bite
ec = edge chip
ef = edge flake
ep = extended play
fade = faded label
gr = groove [10g = 10 grooves]
hc/hlc = hairline crack
inaud = inaudible
lbl = label
lc = lamination crack
ld = label damage
m = mono
nap = not affecting play
non-lp = not on full-length LP or CD
oc = original cast recording
ost = original soundtrack
po = punch out
promo = promotional copy
ps = picture sleeve (45s)
re (also ri) = reissue
rf = rough
rw = ring wear
s = stereo
sc = scratched cover
scfs = scuffs
scr = scratch
sfc = surface
sl = slight
slt wrp = slight warp
sm = saw mark (cut-out mark)
sm splt = seam split
soc = sticker on cover
sol = sticker on label
sr = slight ring wear on cover
ss = still sealed
t = tear on cover
toc = tape on cover
tol = tape on label
va = various artists
wlp = white label promo
woc = writing on cover
wol = writing on label
xoc = “X” written on cover
xol = “X” written on label
78 RPM RECORD GRADING
Records are visually graded by VJM CONDITION CODES per VJM’s Jazz & Blues Mart:
N (new) or M (mint): New and unplayed. NM or N- (near mint): Nearly same as N/M but played a few times. E+: plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets. E: excellent (still very shiny, near new looking with no visible signs of [groove] wear but with a few inaudible scuffs and scratches). E-: still shiny, but without the luster of a new record. Very little wear, plays distortion-free. V+ or VG+: An “average” looking 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free of distortion. Surface noise still not pronounced. V or VG: very good (moderate, even wear throughout but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.) V- or VG- = quite playable; some distortion in louder passages but music remains loud in most places. Surface noise from wear and scratches well below music level. G+: gray throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. G (good): quite worn/damaged, but surface noise still below music level. Listenable. G-: Music muffled from wear but still exceeds surface noise. F+: most of record remains audible over surface noise but listening uncomfortable. F (fair): further deterioration but still generally audible. P (poor): unplayable.

Payment Methods Accepted

PayPal, Cash (U.S. dollars by registered mail), Personal Check (U.S. dollars), Certified Check (U.S. dollars), Postal (U.S. dollars)

Shipping Methods and Costs

1 CD or 45 shipped first class to USA destination - $4.50
each additional CD or 45 - $1.00
1 LP, book, or magazine shipped media mail to USA destination - $4.50
each additional LP or magazine - $1.00
each additional book - $3.00
1 78 shipped media mail to USA destination - $7.95
each additional 78 - $2.00
1 CD or 45 shipped air mail to Europe - $14.00 + $2.00 each additional
1 CD or 45 shipped air mail to Australia - $14.00 $2.00 each additional
1 CD or 45 shipped air mail to Asia - $14.00 $2.00 each additional
1 CD or 45 shipped air mail to South America - $14.00 $2.00 each additional
1 CD or 45 shipped air mail to Canada - $10.00 $2.00 each additional
1 CD or 45 shipped air mail to Mexico - $10.00 $2.00 each additional
1 LP or magazine shipped air mail to Europe - $18.00 + $7.00 each additional
1 LP or magazine shipped air mail to Australia - $18.00 + $7.00 each additional
1 LP or magazine shipped air mail to Asia - $18.00 + $7.00 each additional
1 LP or magazine shipped air mail to South America - $18.00 + $7.00 each additional
1 LP or magazine shipped air mail to Canada - $12.00 + $5.00 each additional
1 LP or magazine shipped air mail to Mexico - $12.00 + $5.00 each additional
1 78 or book shipped air mail to Europe - $27.00 + $9.00 each additional
1 78 or book shipped air mail to Australia - $27.00 + $9.00 each additional
1 78 or book shipped air mail to Asia - $27.00 + $9.00 each additional
1 78 or book shipped air mail to South America - $27.00 + $9.00 each additional
1 78 or book shipped air mail to Canada - $21.00 + $7.00 each additional
1 78 or book shipped air mail to Mexico - $21.00 + $7.00 each additional
See full description of rates under General Policies.

Return Policy

Money refunded if item is defective, broken, or not as described.

Seller Information

MAIL ORDER shipping rates as of May 7, 2007:
Postage & handling (USA) for one 45, EP, LP, CD, cassette, book, photo, or magazine: $4.50; each additional record, cassette or magazine $0.50; each additional book $3.00. 78 rpm records: $7.95 for one 78, $0.50 each additional. Books, LPs, 78s, and magazines sent by media mail unless first class/priority is requested at a higher rate. Single copies of cassettes, CDs, and 45s sent by first class mail, multiple copies by media mail. Priority mail rates upon request. Double albums and albums in library folder bindings count as 2 LPs for postage calculations.
Insurance (optional): USA: $2.05 for $100.00 insurance; $2,45 for $100.01 to $200.00 insurance.
Air mail postage & handling for foreign buyers for one 78: $18 Canada, $24 all other countries. Each additional 78: $3.00 Canada; $5.00 all other countries.
Air mail postage & handling for foreign buyers for one LP or magazine: $7.95 Canada, $14.00 all other countrues. Books: $18 Canada, $24 all other countries. Each additional LP, book or magazine: $3.00 Canada; $5.00 all other countries. Double albums and albums in library folder bindings count as 2 LPs for postage calculations.
Air mail postage & handling for foreign buyers for one 45, cassette, photo, or CD: $7.95 (all countries). Each additional 45: $1.50 to all countries.
Delta Blues Map Kit: postage & packing same as 45/cassette/CD.
Posters and large prints (USA): $7.95 postage & packing, for shipping in mailing tubes. $0.50 per each additional poster or print.
Posters and large prints (Foreign): postage & packing same as 78s, for shipping in mailing tubes.
Payment: Checks or money orders in U.S. dollars; PayPal, Western Union, or MoneyGram; cash by registered mail. PayPal (Credit card customers please use PayPal).