Grading standards & terms
Greg's Grooves uses a modified version of the Goldmine standard for grading the condition of the records. Records are graded visually under a bright light.
Order of grading is cover, vinyl.
The terms
- SS
- Still sealed, and therefore in mint condition unless noted.
- NM
- Near mint. Close to perfect, with very little, if any, sign of use. A great listening experience.
- VG++
- The vinyl may have one or two visual imperfections that do not affect the sound quality of the record. There may be a paper scuff from sliding the record in and out of the sleeve, or the most minor of surface marks. Covers may have a minor sign of wear (i.e., a hint of ring wear or edge wear).
- VG+
- A record that has been handled and played, but with care. The vinyl may show paper scuffs or have lost a little of its luster. It may have surface scratch(es) that do not affect play or occasional surface noise that does not overwhelm the musical experience. No loud pops or skipping or sticking. Covers on VG+ albums have more visible wear than VG++, perhaps starting to split at a seam or with minor to moderate edge wear or ring wear.
- VG
- Shows more signs of handling/age, which may include loss of vinyl luster and scratches. The cover may be split at a seam or show other signs of wear, or have writing on it. Serious flaws (e.g. loud pops or skipping or sticking) are noted. VG records are usually fine for those who don't mind, or even enjoy, that "old record" sound.
- G
- Good to fill out a collection, but seriously worn or damaged.
RESERVED means that a customer has requested that the album be held pending payment. It may still become available, or we may be able to find another copy for you.
Abbreviations
Abbreviations relating to condition of record:
- bc – back cover
- co – cutout (cut corner, punch hole or sawmark in edge of cover)
- cw – corner wear
- dnap – does not affect play
- ew – edge wear
- fc – front cover
- gf – gatefold cover
- is – in shrink
- promo – promotional release, dj copy etc.
- PD – picture disc (vinyl is imprinted with an image)
- ps – picture sleeve
- re – reissue
- rsoc – rubber stamp on cover
- rsol – rubber stamp on label
- rw – ring wear
- slw – slight warp
- sm – sawmark
- sps – split seam
- tobc – tear on back cover
- toc – tear on front cover
- tol – tear on label
- WLP – White Label Promo
- woc – writing on cover
- wol – writing on label
Country of release
United States unless noted.
Cover images
Images are of the covers of the actual albums offered for sale, unless noted.
What's an obi?
An obi is a paper strip about 2 inches wide that is tied around an LP cover as additional packaging. It is commonly found on vinyl records from Japan. The term comes from the Japanese word for a kimono sash.
Autographed albums
The signatures on signed albums we sell are real to the best of our knowledge, but we are unable to authenticate such autographs unless noted.
For more information or if you have suggestions, please e-mail gregsgrooves@gmail.com.
Questions? Email gregsgrooves@gmail.com