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Record Grading Conditions & Codes

Record condition and corresponding price shown on the website refer to the record sampled at the time of the listing. Condition and corresponding price of the specific record purchased may vary.  Kindly let us know if you prefer records only in a certain condition.

Record Grading and Codes

GRADING: When the records are first put on the site, they are graded visually and priced accordingly. However, before we get back to you with the list of available records from your order, we physically examine each selection, wipe it down with an alcohol solution and then sample the sound quality on both sides. This goes a long way to ensure that the sound is, at least, on the same level as the visual grading. This is the main reason why we ask that no money be sent until we confirm availability because any record that fails this inspection is discarded. The stated condition refers to the record only and for the most part refers to the condition of the vinyl. So for example, a record can be listed as NM when there is also (wol) which is Writing On The Label. When a picture sleeve is included (+PS) the sleeve is ungraded. However, we will not include a picture sleeve unless the condition is VG or better. The code "wol", means that the record label has writing or distinct marks on it. The code "sol" means that the label has a sticker or distinct sticker marks on it. The code "tol" means that the label has some kind of tear. Please note that based upon customer feedback, all records graded VG or better have been judged to be acceptable for the listening experience and/or for placing into a jukebox.

  • MINT (M) - Perfect (Very few records are in absolutely perfect condition and this grade is not included on our site)
  • NEAR MINT (NM) - A record that is otherwise mint but has one or two tiny, inconsequential flaws that do not affect play.
  • EXCELLENT (EX) - Record has been handled and played either infrequently or very carefully. Not perfect, but not too far from it.
  • VERY GOOD (VG) The record falls into either one of the following two categories: 1. Record displays visible signs of handling and playing, such as loss of vinyl luster, light surface scratches and groove wear. Has some minor audible surface noise when played but noise does not ruin the listening experience. (Please note that any record that has disturbing noise, has a crack or if we find that it skips, that record will not be included with the final list of available records) or  2. A record which would otherwise qualify as Excellent, as described above, except that the label has been written on, has a sticker, or the label has been torn.
  • FAIR - Substantial wear to either label, vinyl, or both. Usually, the record is considered a Premium item and is generally used only as a filler. Records assigned this condition are not recommended for Juke Box play.

Not For Sale (NFS), Picture Sleeve (PS), Promotion Record (Promo), For Radio Use Only (Radio), For Disc Jockey (DJ), Sticker On Label (SOL), Writing On Label (WOL), Tear On Label (TOL).

Promotional issue (PROMO) may include records marked "Promo" as well as records marked with special promotional "Not For Sale NFS," "Dee Jay Copy DJ" markings. Punch Outs (PO) are small holes in labels that have no affect on how a record plays. Internal Codes For staff only: +, #, ~, !

Please email any questions or problems to: admin@augiesrecords.com