Ronnaldo Records uses the Goldmine Record Grading System which is widely considered the standard by most of our industry. Please understand that Record Grading can be very subjective and I tend to be conservative with my personal grading. The points below were provided by Goldmine Magazine and I use these as a guide when grading the records I list online.
Important: Many of the Records I list on Discogs have been Visually Graded. (I wish I could listen to every minute of every record to confirm but that is not possible.)
MINT (M)
These are absolutely perfect in every way. Ronnaldo Records doesn't use this grade.
NEAR MINT (NM)
A good description of a NM record is “It looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time.” Many dealers, including Ronnaldo Records, won’t use a grade higher than this.
NEAR MINT (NM) Records are:
- Shiny, with no visible defects
- If played, it will do so with no surface noise
- Covers are free of creases, ring wear and seam splits of any kind
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+)
A good description of a VG+ record is “Except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint.” Most collectors, especially those who want to play their records, are very happy with a VG+ record.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) Records may show:
- Slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience
- Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK
- Minor signs of handling
- Light ring wear or discoloration
- Covers should have only minor wear
- Minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location
- Cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking
VERY GOOD (VG)
Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ record are more obvious on a VG record. That said, VG records are among the biggest bargains in record collecting, because most of the “big money” goes for more perfect copies. Many collectors who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice.
VERY GOOD (VG) Records may have:
- More obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape
- Evident groove wear
- Light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail
- Surface noise when played, and some scratches may be audible. But the noise will not overpower the music
- Minor writing, tape or a stickers
- Covers that show signs of handling
- Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside
- Some more creases that are visible
- Seam splitting that is more obvious; it may appear on all three sides
- Someone might have written on it (Examples: A person's name or radio station call letters)
GOOD PLUS (G+) and GOOD (G)
Good does not mean bad! The record still plays without multiple skippings, so it can serve as filler until a better rated version comes along.
GOOD PLUS (G+) and GOOD (G) Records may have:
- More Significant surface noise and groove wear
- Scuffed Vinyl but still sounds good
- Labels that are worn
- Significant ring wear
- Heavy writing or marks
- Obvious damage
- Major Seam splits
FAIR (F) and POOR (P)
Ronnaldo Records does NOT sell Records of these grades. They are sadly put in a dumpster after reciting a short prayer. 😞
OTHER NOTES:
Sealed Albums
Still-sealed albums bring even higher prices than listed
However, please be aware:
- The record inside might not be the original pressing or the most desirable pressing because I have no way of confirming
- May be defective directly from the factory
Promotional Copies
A promotional record is any copy of a record not meant for retail sale. Different labels or stamps identify these in different ways:
- Demonstration - Not for Sale
- Audition Record
- For Radio-TV Use Only
- Promotional Copy
Most promotional albums have the same catalog number as the regular release, except for those differences. Exceptions are:
- Colored vinyl promos.
- Promos that are somehow different than the released versions, either because of changes in the cover or changes in the music between the promo LP and the regular-stock LP.
** The majority of the above text was originally written by Goldmine Records Magazine
