Grading Question?
the3rdstream
1,980 Posts
When a seller uses N- or V+ am I to assume that N means new and V means very good?
the3rdstream
1,980 Posts
Comments
N 100% like new, no apparent play
N- appears to have been played only a few times
E+ very clean, shiny, minute groove wear or very light scuffs or scratches
E 95% very clean, shiny, very slight groovewear, scuffs or scratches
E- some light groovewear scuffs or scratches obvious
E-- still excellent but more wear
V++ luster begins to diminish, some scratches and/or scuffs abound
V+ still some shine, moderate groovewear, scuffs and/or scratches
VV+ in between V and V+, couldn't decide
V 75% dulled finish, noticeable groovewear, scuffs and/or scratches
VV- between V and V-, couldn't decide or surface varies
V- substantial groovewear and'or scuffs, scratches, noisy but listenable
G+ noise, distortion, groovewear, scuffs and/or scratches abound
G 50% noise, distortion abound, possible deeper scratches
G- music quite muffled from wear
F unauctionable unless very rare
P proves the existance of the record
i mean, ++, --, vv, vv++, wtf? ''between v and v-, couldn't decide[/b]''
..so yes, basically.
yet another, VJM grading system, uses different codes for LPs and 78s (N and V being codes for 78s).. to quote some more:
The VJM Record Grading System is an internationally-used and recognised system for grading both 78s and LPs. It is used by virtually all record dealers and collectors alike, with an easily understood sequence of letters to show grades and a system of abbreviations to show faults and damage. The first grading system to be adopted by jazz record collectors was devised by the publishers of Record Changer magazine in the 1940s, and the system now known as the VJM Grading System is a refined version of the former, introduced in the early 1950s. There are other systems, notably the one devised by the sound restorer John R. T. Davies in the 1960s, known as the Davies Grading System. This utilises two numbers, one for wear and one for scratches and surface damage, and whilst it is generally more accurate than other systems, its unwieldiness has prevented it from being universally adopted.
The VJM Grading System
N (78) M (LP). As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).
N- (78) M- (LP). Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.
E+ (78) VG+ (LP). Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.
E (89) VG (LP). Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.
E- (78) VG- (LP). Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches. LP: Some wear, scratches and scuffs, but no skipped or repeat grooves.
V+ (78) G+ LP. V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and genral use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced. LP: Below average with scuffs and scratches on fewer than half the tracks. No skips or repeat grooves.
V (78) G (LP). Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.
V- (78) G- (LP). Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level. LP: Lowest Grade. Audible scratches, etc. on more than half the tracks. Listening uncomfortable.
G+ (78). Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.
G (78). Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.
G- (78). Music still prominent, but wear and scatch damage extensive.
F (78). Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.
P (78). Unplayable.
god why, this stuff should be so simple..
Be very very carefull with people using these systems. I once bought a record graded NM- only to find out the dealer uses 6 grades above NM-; N+, N, N-, NM+, NM. By the time these guys are down to E you can bet the record is unplayable. Also avoid any dealer using mint of new plus. There should be no room for a + above a perfect grade. Most of these dealers come from 78 collecting and are willing to put up with a lot of noise you would find unacceptable.