Record grading
At Dandelion records we use a grading system inspired by the ”Record Collector's Price Guide*".
All of our records and sleeves are graded visually.
We consider ourselves very honest when it comes to record grading and we would rather grade a record too low, than the opposite.
The costumer is always welcome to file a complaint if the record doesn't meet the expected standards.
Record Grading:
Mint (M)
A record graded M is brand new and unplayed
Mint Minus (m-)
A record graded M- is as new, but has been played a few times with no loss of sound quality to follow.
Excellent (Ex)
If a record is graded Ex it is a used record in great condition. It has been played but it hasn't lost anything in sound quality. It might have minimal and hardly visible scruffs from gentle use.
Excellent Minus (Ex-)
An Ex- record is almost as terrific as an Ex record, but there is a possibility of light crackling noises at the very beginning and end of the record.
Very Good Plus (Vg+)
If the record is Vg+ it has some surface scruffs from regular use, but there is no drastic loss in sound quality.
Very Good (Vg)
A record in this category has surface scruffs which often result in pops and cracks in between songs and in quiet passages.
Very Good Minus (Vg-)
With a Vg- record there is a risk of the needle skipping and there is a risk of noise in between- and in the middle of songs.
Good (G)
A record in this condition hasn't been taken care of properly. The needle is likely to skip several times during a playback and the surface is dirty and ugly.
Fair (F)
An F graded record will be almost impossible to listen to. There will be a lot of noise caused by deep scratches and a dirty and ugly suface.
Bad (b)
These records may ruin your cartridge.
Cover grading:
Mint (M)
A M cover belongs to a new and unplayed record. Usually the cover is sealed. A M cover can have cut outs, cut corners or drill holes. If it does this will be noted. If a cover is in mint condition, all original inner sleeves and inserts are included.
Mint minus (M-)
If a cover is M- it is as new but it is usually not sealed.
Excellent (Ex)
An Ex cover is almost as new but there can be signs of slight ring wear.
Excellent minus (Ex-)
Ex- means that the cover is close to an Ex cover, but there is a risk of slight wear on corners as well as ring wear.
Very good plus (Vg+)
If a cover is graded Vg+ it has signs of regular use. There may be slightly bend corners and a slightly worn surface due to shelf wear.
Very good (Vg)
A Vg cover is worn from regular use. It could easily have a torn spine or split seams. Maybe both.
Very good minus (Vg-)
If a cover is graded Vg- it is is very worn and / or slightly abused
Fair (F)
An F cover is in a pretty bad shape ether from wear or abuse.
Bad (B)
A B cover is even worse than an F. you probably wont find any covers in this shape in our web shop.
*http://www.topfiverecords.se/grade.html
