📀 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 imperfections 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.