Goldmine Record Grading (Vinyl and CD)

 

Goldmine Record Grading

At Vinylom marketplace we use the goldmine record grading system. 

Goldmine record grading is a widely accepted system for grading the condition of vinyl records and their covers. The grading system ranges from a numerical scale of 0 to 10, with each number representing a different level of quality.

The Goldmine Record Grading system was originally created by Tim Neely in the 1970s. Neely was a record collector and dealer who found that there was a need for a standardized system to grade the condition of vinyl records. He began using the system in his own business and eventually published a guidebook called "Goldmine Record Album Price Guide" that included the grading system and other useful information for record collectors.

The Goldmine system quickly became popular among collectors and dealers and is still widely used today. The system has undergone some revisions and refinements over the years, but the basic structure has remained the same.

The Goldmine Record Grading system has become the standard for grading vinyl records and is used by many record stores, online sellers, and collectors. It has helped to establish a common language for describing the condition of records, which makes it easier for buyers and sellers to communicate and avoid misunderstandings.

 

 

VINYL RECORDS GRADING

 

MINT

Vinyl: A record that is in perfect condition and has never been played.

Cover: A cover that is in perfect condition and has no signs of wear or damage.

 

Near Mint (NM or M-)

Vinyl: A record that appears to have never been played or has been played very few times. There should be no visible signs of wear or damage on the vinyl.

Cover: A cover that shows minimal signs of wear and is almost perfect. There may be slight creases or dings, but they should be barely noticeable.

 

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Vinyl:A record that has been played but is still in excellent condition. There may be some light surface marks or signs of handling, but they should not affect the sound quality.

Cover: Cover may be marred by a cut-out hole. Sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split.

 

Very Good (VG)

Vinyl: This has obviously been played. A record with light scratches that will affect the sound. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, but will not overpower the music otherwise.

Cover: 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.: 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.

 

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)

Vinyl:A record that has been heavily played and may skip or repeat. There may be noticeable noise or distortion on the recording.

Cover: 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.

 

Poor (P), Fair (F)

Vinyl: The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating.

Vinyl: A cover that is barely holding together and may be completely torn or missing pieces.

 

CD GRADING

MINT

CD: Perfect.  Never been played. No scratches

Cover: Insert,Inlay,Booklet,Sleeve,Digipak,Digibook in Perfect ConditionNo wear, marks, no other imperfections - possibly still sealed.

 

Near Mint (NM or M-)

CD: Near Perfect - It may have been played but no  signs of wear, no promo holes.

Cover:  Near Perfect - No  signs of wear

 

Very Good Plus (VG+)

CD: Has been played. A few minor scuffs/scratches.

Cover:  Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Slight wear, marks, indentations, it may possibly have a cut-out hole (or similar).

 

Very Good (VG)

CD: Quite a few light scuffs/scratches, or several more-pronounced scratches. This has obviously been played, but not handled ascarefully as a VG+.

Cover:  Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: More wear, marks, indentations than a VG+. May have slight fading, a small tear/rip, or some writing.

 

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)

CD: There are a lot of scuffs/scratches. However it will still play through without problems. This has not been handled with much care at all.

Cover:  Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Well worn, marked, more obvious indentations, fading, writing, than a VG - possibly a more significant tear/rip

 

Poor (P), Fair (F)

CD: Lot of scuffs/scratches The CD may or may not play some or all of the tracks.

Cover:  Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Very worn. It may have obvious writing on it, it may be ripped/torn, or significantly faded, or water damaged.

 

Goldmine Record Grading system is the best grading system for vinyl records and CDs. We hope this list helped you.

 

At our Vinyl Marketplace we have plenty of Vinyl records for sale and they are all graded with the goldmine grading system. Everything  we have for sale  at Vinylom marketplace are graded with the goldmine record grading system. 

 

Vinyl grading is the process of evaluating the condition of a vinyl record and assigning a grade or rating to it. This grading system is important for record collectors and sellers as it helps to determine the value of a record and whether or not it is worth buying or selling.

The Goldmine Record Grading system, is the most commonly used grading system for vinyl records. However, there are other grading systems that have been developed over the years, including the Record Collector's Grading System, which is used primarily in the UK.

Generally speaking, vinyl grading takes into account the condition of both the record and the cover. For the record itself, the grading system evaluates the condition of the vinyl surface, as well as any visible scratches, scuffs, or other blemishes. The system also takes into account the sound quality of the record, including any skips, pops, or other audio issues that may affect the listening experience.

The grading system for the cover evaluates the condition of the cardboard or paper sleeve that houses the vinyl record. This includes any visible wear and tear, such as creases, ring wear, or seam splits. The grading system may also take into account the condition of any inserts or other materials that are included with the record.

Overall, vinyl grading is an important tool for anyone who is interested in collecting or selling vinyl records. By using a standardized grading system, collectors and sellers can communicate more effectively and ensure that they are getting a fair price for their records.

 

 

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How to grow your vinyl record collection with less money!

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