📀 Music Media Grading

General Rules

• Our grading is based on the internationally recognized “Gold Standard”, with some small differences.

• We grade visually only and do not take responsibility for hidden sound defects.

• If explicitly requested, we may perform a sound test (if technically possible). After informing the client of the actual condition, the responsibility for sound quality passes to us.

• Older records and CDs must be understood as decades-old products, and cannot be graded as “new.”

• We do not grade new releases.

Important Notes

• Each product’s condition is indicated on its page. If necessary, an additional note is added.

• Sound quality (especially for vinyl) depends on both the medium’s condition and the original recording.

• Old releases from the 1950s–1960s may have artifacts even if they look unplayed, due to recording technology or studio quality.

• We do not play-test the items we sell and cannot guarantee their sound characteristics.

• In 90% of cases, hidden sound issues are caused by deep contamination accumulated with age. Professional cleaning usually solves this.

🟢 Factory Sealed

• We do not grade factory-sealed records or CDs.

• We cannot be held responsible for sound quality, recording quality, or the medium’s condition.

• Factory-sealed old items may still contain defects or sound problems unknown to us.

• The client assumes full responsibility for such purchases.

🟢 M | Mint

Vinyl:

• No signs of use.

• No evidence it has been played, but we cannot guarantee that.

Sleeve/Inserts:

• Look like new, but are not new.

• Very light storage marks may exist.

• In rare cases, slight signs of age (especially in 50–60-year-old editions).

CD:

• No signs of play.

• Case shows no scratches. Disc may be sealed, but factory sealing cannot be guaranteed.

• Inserts are clean, though old editions may show light age marks inside.

🟢 NM | Near Mint

Vinyl:

• Almost perfect, very light traces only.

• If played, it has been played very little.

• No signs of heavy use around the center hole.

• Light marks may exist from handling, not from actual play.

• Any flaw likely occurred during packing or removal from the inner sleeve.

Sleeve:

• Almost perfect, minimal signs of wear or age.

CD:

• No visible problems, scratches, or scuffs.

• Plays perfectly, with possible very light handling marks.

Sleeve:

• Almost perfect, minimal signs of wear or aging.

🟡 VG+

Vinyl:

• Excellent condition, with light surface scratches.

• These should not affect playback.

Sleeve:

• Looks almost perfect.

• May have bent corners, light edge wear, or a sticker.

• Excessive wear or torn edges are not acceptable.

CD:

• May have light scratches or handling traces.

• Playback should not be affected.

🟡 VG | Very Good

Vinyl:

• May have light crackle or noise, but never louder than the music.

• Shows heavier scratches from extended use.

Sleeve:

• Normal signs of wear (ring wear, splits).

• Edges may be partially torn or repaired with tape.

• Unusual damages are described in the notes.

CD:

• Visible deeper scratches from long-term use or improper handling.

🟠 G | Good

Vinyl:

• Constant, low-level noise.

• Still enjoyable to listen to.

Sleeve:

• Heavily worn, but not torn apart.

CD:

• May skip one track.

🔴 F | Fair

Vinyl:

• Noticeable noise throughout.

• Heavy scratches, possible skipping.

Sleeve:

• May be torn, taped, or written on.

🔴 P | Poor

Vinyl:

• Only one or two songs play correctly.

Sleeve:

• Badly damaged – torn, taped, or written on.

CD:

• Several songs may skip.