RE: Record Grading

Posted by cactuscowboy@bresnan.net (A) on October 21, 2013 at 12:23:28

In Reply to: Record Grading posted by middleground on October 21, 2013 at 08:21:45:

I think it's fair to say that the great majority of record stores and Ebay sellers who grade records are doing so on a visual basis. It's simply not feasible to "play grade" common records that would sell for ten bucks or less. A rarity that might sell for $100 or more? That's another story.

When I buy used vinyl, I'm in essence 'grading' on a visual basis, closely inspecting the records for signs of wear, pressing flaws, scratches, and abuse. When I buy LPs that I judge to be "Near Mint", they're invariably very clean and quiet without audible defect. Yes, there are a few with problems like non-fill, punched off-center, or a warp that I didn't notice, but that's very rare.

I was in a record store in Portland, Oregon a few years ago. I was the only customer and while I browsed, the owner was busy 'cleaning' records. He had a handkerchief and would dampen it with rubbing alcohol and wipe the dust off a record. I can only imagine his efforts were in reality pushing dust and gunk into the grooves rather than making a real improvement.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Record Grading - middleground 08:21:45 10/21/13 (21)

Lawrence Jones gets it right every time - Bill Way 20:01:49 10/21/13 (0)

RE: Record Grading - Fred J 17:10:47 10/21/13 (0)

A danger in visual grading - M3 lover 17:05:02 10/21/13 (2)

RE: A danger in visual grading - Dogface1956 17:00:46 10/26/13 (0)

vinyl quality - samstone 17:19:22 10/21/13 (0)

Good lighting in the store can make a huge difference. - alaskahiatt 15:23:38 10/21/13 (3)

Point-source halogen light highlights the fine scratches as well. - Bry 08:14:18 10/22/13 (1)

That's like High Definition Video. Maybe some things I don't want to see. - alaskahiatt 10:21:47 10/22/13 (0)

The local big record show wouls have the lighting dimmed.. And I mean WAY down too. Sucked - Elizabeth 16:27:50 10/21/13 (0)

Quick visual inspection is 99% of record grading. The other 1% is 'play graded' ( means all scratched up, but) - Elizabeth 13:08:51 10/21/13 (0)

RE: Record Grading - cactuscowboy@bresnan.net 12:23:28 10/21/13 (0)

RE: Record Grading - Goober58 12:15:57 10/21/13 (0)

Play graded by Marlie Matlin or visually graded by Stevie Wonder. nt - viridian 11:06:24 10/21/13 (1)

RE: Watch it, Buster! - amioutaline? 12:14:20 10/21/13 (0)

For some - mt10425 10:15:41 10/21/13 (0)

RE: Record Grading - volunteer 08:48:07 10/21/13 (5)

RE: Record Grading - middleground 09:23:24 10/21/13 (4)

I think new vinyl only is not the most rewarding way to buy vinyl - Goober58 12:24:17 10/21/13 (0)

Hard to tell - richardl 10:28:44 10/21/13 (0)

RE: Record Grading - Grbluen 10:09:37 10/21/13 (1)

RE: Record Grading - middleground 10:45:08 10/21/13 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: Record Grading - cactuscowboy@bresnan.net 12:23:28 10/21/13 (0)

RE: Record Grading

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