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Vinyl records grading scale

I am sort of new to vinyl and am building up my LP collection. A very prime source for it is the internet used market where appears to be sort of a grading scale system to rate condition of vinyl records on sale (G+-, VG+-, EXC, NM, etc). Is there any place I can refer to for the criteria or guidelines as to what to expect from the different ratings?
Also, what has been your experience buying used, and what is the lowest acceptable rating to get substantially noise free (tic/pops) records? Please let me know, thanks.
jmr

Showing 2 responses by ihcho

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
609 posts
 
From the following grading
Mint, NM, Ex, VG+, VG, Good, Fair, Poor, and Trash

If you have an expensive cartridge (over $300), which would be the least condition that you will be trying with your cartridge? How about for budget level (under $70)?

I have over 500 LPs, and most of them (about 300 that I bought from Garage sale at under $1.00) are Good ~ Trash condition. So far, I have not bothered play them on my Grado Black cartridges and inexpensive Shure cartridges. I recently purchased more expensive ones, and I wonder whether I'd rather be more careful.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
609 posts
 
How would you rate a new album which is not flat?
I bought one sealed. When I opened and played it, the fluctuation (ups and downs of the tone arm) is too much and I can hear the wobble.
If you bought a new album like that, would it be easy to return it for full refund? From ebay, Agon, private seller, or from record store?
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