LP Records - Goldmine Grading & More!

When you go looking for some Vinyl, you will notice the seller will grade them. Now alot of sellers have come up with their own system, but the only true standard is Goldmine. Also most sellers Grade VISUALLY...ie what the record LOOKS like. I grade all my LPs not only Visually, but they are PLAY GRADED! We listen to EVERYONE of them completely..... I place more importance on the SOUND of the vinyl than the looks! Isn't that what LPs are all about?
The goldmine Standard is as followed:

Mint (M)

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, If at all.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly)that no record is ever truly perfect.

The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like.

Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.

Near Mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides. Anything that exceeds this grade, in the opinion of both buyer and seller, is worth significantly more than the highest Goldmine book value.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.

Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play.

Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover 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.

In general, if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good (VG)

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with 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.

Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price. This, not the Near Mint price, should be your guide when determining how much a record is worth, as that is the price a dealer will normally pay you for a Near Mint record.

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 (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white).

A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.

It is a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But, if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it...but keep looking to upgrade.

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 writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, crinkled, and written upon.

All my LPs again are CLEANED,and both VISUALLY and PLAY GRADED according to goldmine Standard. I grade seperately the cover, the vinyl AND the way it plays! And give an overall grade to the LP also. My shortened version of the Glodmine Standard is as followed:

NM
Top of the line! Any mars are VERY minor

VG+/VG++

Cover may have minor ringwear starting or slight shelfwear or discount hole/notch but colors are still bright
Vinyl may have slight scuffing or light scratches that do NOT affect sound.

VG

Cover may have writing,some ringwear or shelfwear
Vinyl may have more visable scuffing/scratches and may have occasional minor pop or snap or noise in dead areas of play

G/G+

Cover has definate ringwear/shelfwear or lot of writing
Vinyl....definate surface noise/ major scratches
doubt I will ever list a vinyl that is "G"

We will note EVERY mar that we see or hear!!!

Because we believe that the SOUND is the most important part of an LP some covers may not be perfect...but the sound will always be enjoyable!!!

WILL NEVER LIST ONE THAT SKIPS OR HAS MORE THAN THE OCCASIONAL POP OR SURFACE NOISE!

We take YOUR love of music SERIOUSLY!!

Thanks for reading this and be sure to check me out!

ALL PICTURES USED ARE OF ONES FOR SALE AS OF THE CREATION OF THIS LENS!

Check out my selection at: Renagade's Bonanzle Booth