Grading

The vast majority of our items are pre-owned and we use the Record Collector Grading scale to grade their condition.

All items are visually graded under a halogen light. If the visual appearance gives cause for concern, then the item is tested. Please be aware that items you have purchased may not have been tested if the visual appearance does not offer any apparent concern. Should we miss something, all items are fully covered by our refund policy. Please see 'Refunds'.

Please do examine the photographs as well as reading the condition grades.

The Record Collector Grading System is detailed below. Grades are offered for both Sleeve and Record in our listings. Sometimes a 'best fit' judgement is reached. For example, an otherwise excellent sleeve might have a small split to one edge, so VG is selected to represent the item as a whole.

We always aim to grade conservatively, as seen by our choice to never use 'Mint' or even 'Near Mint' but if we miss something or make an error, we will always be responsive and professional.

The Record Collector Grading system works as follows:

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. (We do not use this grade for our used items)

Excellent: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening of 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.  (We will also use VG- and VG+ to position items within this category)

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, discolouration etc. (We will also use G+ and G- to position items within this category). Please be aware that 'Good' is a relative term here in this system.

There are 3 further categories. We do not sell items that we feel fit in the lowest 2 but may offer very occasional 'FAIR' items if they are rarer or more collectible and/or it is just the cover in this condition accompanying a better condition record.

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 badly damaged or partly missing.

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.