78 RPM Grading

Record grading is not an exact science. Every record dealer and collector has his own grading perspective, which will certainly vary between one person and another. Hence, we've prepared this table in order to help our customers to realize as accurately as possible the condition of the record/s we're offering here.
We always try to be as conservative as possible in our grading as our many past customers know.
Please note that MOST records are visually graded; as we don't certainly have the time to listen to each one. Then there's also the fact that not every label sound the same in any given similar condition. For instance, a Fonotipia record in grade "8" will sound less brilliant and will have more back natural noise than a G&T in the same grading scale.
If you were to need additional information on any given record as per condition, we strongly suggest you to e-Mail us BEFORE ordering or bidding.

Grade 10: Mint condition record, as new.

Grade 9: Superb condition record, outstanding copy with no noticeable wear whatsoever.

Grade 8: Excellent condition record, almost no trace of groove wear, with just very minor rubs or marks, non-sounding flaws.

Grade 7: Very Fine condition record, with slightly heavier marks or rubs, there might be some slight groove wear present but NOT greying. Sound quality not seriously detracted.

Grade 6: Fine condition record, light sound wear present (greying), rubs, marks. Moderate overall wear present.

Grade 5: Very Good condition record, rubs, marks, noticeable greying, moderate sound wear: noticeably played but still enjoyable at a reasonable degree.

Grade 4: Good condition record, noticeable sounding wear, heavy rubs and marks, noticeable greying present. Still enjoyable at a certain degree.

Grade 3: Fair condition record, heavy rubs and marks, heavy wear on grooves, obviously well played, expect the surface noise to be quite significant.

Grade 2: Bad condition record, all faults present other than large cracks or chunks out. We only list records in this condition IF rare and desirable enough as to be used just as a fill-in copy for those interested in filling gaps in their collections.

Grade 1: Completely destroyed condition record. Again, only offered at auction if it's an extremely rare record worthly to be at least used as a fill-in. It might be broken, with chunk/s out, etc.