Most Accurate Vinyl Graders Us Or Uk Sellers?

[slimharpo]

Personally I find US sellers to be far more accurate and consistent regarding the vinyl grading of records when selling. They invariably tend to use the Goldmine grading system and very rarely have I had to return anything that has not matched their grading. This is particularly true of dealers. However, in the UK it seems far more inconsistent to me. Each seller/dealer seems to use their own grading system and there is no independent means of checking their accuracy. Even on Soul Source sellers rarely seem to use the system suggested by SS. In my experience anything graded below EX+ (whatever that is) and even that have significant marks on the vinyl and VG (very good remember) is usually knackered. However to many collectors the state of the vinyl is an important consideration when buying the record. The SS grading system is simple and easy to follow as is the ‘bible’ Record Collector system. A fair number of dealers use systems outside these without providing a matrix to explain what they mean. I have seen gradings on SS Sales that include VG Vg + Vg++ VG+++ E- E E+ E++ M- M sometimes in the same listing. What is the difference between these?!! To my mind it would be helpful if sellers/dealers stated what grading system they were using in their listings. At the very least it would then give buyers some confidence when ordering so that they can refer to the grading system if there is a problem.

 

Anyone have the same issue or am I just being an anal vinyl nerd? OK I am  

[TOAD]

a usa dealer i use grades 1 -10 then a photo and description never been disapioneted but vg + means not much to me

[Gene-r]

I think the main difference between US and UK grading is that, in general, US dealers tend not to use EX, but go from MINT- straight to VG+, which means their VG+ / VG is probably the equivalent of our EX / EX-.  

 

UK grading systems didn't start to use EX until 1980 - before then, our grading was in line with the US grading system, in that a VG+ record would have been near perfect.  Buygone magazine in the UK revised its grading system in 1980 - I can remember it almost word for word.  This is how they put it - has it changed much over 30 years?

 

MINT:  A record which looks (and plays) like brand new

 

MINT-:  Played a few times with the very slightest of marks caused by removing the record from the sleeve, though not audible.

 

VG+:  Some surface marks, with some light surface noise.  The very slightest of surface marks.

 

VG:  Surface marks - played well with some surface noise.

 

VG-:  More surface marks, a little more surface noise, but doesn't jump.

 

GOOD:  A record which has not been well cared for, typically one which has been stored without a cover, with numerous surface marks and some scratches.  Should still be listenable with the music more prominent.

 

FAIR:  Foreign noises about as prominent as the music, not good to listen to.

 

POOR:  All right if you collect the labels and don't listen to the music.

 

Note -  Some people use EX and, if used, goes between MINT- and VG+.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Gene-R

[Pete S]

The leap between VG+ and Mint Minus is massive, I would never not use the grade EX as it's extremely important.

[davidwapples]

but how many people use the price scale in record collector ? nowadays if its vg+ the just knock off a tenner or so or charge more than book price for clean copies

 

still say there are only 3 catagories

 

mint

plays fine but marked  vinyl / damaged label / slight background noise

knackered

[Guest john s]

Completely random, some US dealers must grade in the dark, same with some over here...

[Swifty]

Completely random, some US dealers must grade in the dark, same with some over here...

I agree , had some stuff from the States that was graded VG+ and have looked Minty and had others at VG+ that were shite

 

 

Swifty

[Orotava]

Need to grade both the vinyl AND the label, so that the buyer has the full picture??

[Swifty]

Need to grade both the vinyl AND the label, so that the buyer has the full picture??

I agree , I used to buy anything and now I just want a clean record with decent labels , I dont mind stamps or crosses on demos 'cause that's how they were at radio stations etc. . What does amaze me is the condition of a lot of cheaper stuff and I can't believe people would buy them , eh! but they do !

 

Swifty

[Guest damsko020]

put up a sample when your selling.

easy

[dthedrug]

 Hi All, As a collector of SOUL MUSIC on 1st issue UK & US Original's,  if I have not got a certain record & it needs a new home? I will buy it at a price that I think it's worth,  However, many collectors these days, do not want to achieve a full collection of records, it seams to me that many records are more of an investment for a time when they need some cash, or to settle a devoice, there have been loads off  records mugged of a collector in a spiteful state of revenge,  

Many records today are in decent condition, and hardly these days do I see NOC WOL VG- SKIPS FC TL, Bogy in grooves, were have they are they in 2013? there are to be honest not many mint records in my collection, and I bet there are not many in yours, the word MINT is a salesman speak for I am a greedy C**T so I will charge you more 25% more for calling a ex record a MINT one, to be fair I have only received not many records (under20)

that were not up to scratch (pun intended) most dealers are ok Mick Smith gives a great deal, Butch & BigTim from Soul on Spoon Ranking Johnny Boy is top for real minters,  I just want rare records cheap,  Wavy DAVY K

[Kris Holmes]

In the US I don't buy below VG++

In the UK I don't buy below EX+

I've just been disappointed far too many times receiving scorched & wasted US VG+ & UK E 45s 

So yeah, VG-, VG, VG+, E-, E....... sellers can keep those shitters

[Middleman]

Not a massive contribution to the thread I know but I don't understood Ex- , the minus bit puts me off.

Obviously its as good as Vg+ but I'd rather see it graded as that.

[Kris Holmes]

Obviously its as good as Vg+ but I'd rather see it graded as that.

 nope, it tends to be more in line with VG-/VG for some reason, it's a wildly misused grade IMO.

[slimharpo]

I agree , had some stuff from the States that was graded VG+ and have looked Minty and had others at VG+ that were shite

 

 

Swifty

Hi. But you can follow up if you want to as you have a clear grading system to refer to in the U.S not the apparent plethora of grades you can get in the U.K. And if I might arselick Swifty this does not apply to your listings/gradings.

[Benji]

Sorry to say but some of the worst graders are UK based Soul Source sellers. Never had problems with US sellers.

[Ljblanken]

Sorry to say but some of the worst graders are UK based Soul Source sellers. Never had problems with US sellers.

 

i agree. i guess UK dealers are serious soul folks who are used to seeing rare and good (but trashed records) a bunch. i have bought some records off of big sites in the Uk marked "E" that were played to death. 

 

i am sure a lot of USA dealers are crappy, but i totally trust the big USA dealers on ebay (craigmoerer, spinstop, johntefteller, chriscarnahan, headbonedaddy, web45s, waxman, sprydiddle).

 

just my experience... 

[JIMMY SOUL]

Personally don't think there's much difference - there's great and not so great sellers on both sides of the pond, and elsewhere... over time we find the sellers we can trust and those we cannot wherever they are based.

 

The problem with the standard grading system is that it is open to interpretation, and some people might have lower acceptance thresholds than others, some may not have such great hearing as others, some will undoubtedly be playing the records on inferior equipment to others when determining record grade. There are too many variables for it to be an accurate measurement tool, in my humble opinion.

 

I would hazard a guess that many (or most) of us have received something in the post that's been laughably misrepresented by description/ grade?? I recently had a record arrive (VG+ description I think from memory) that looked like an edgewarp had been flattened with an iron. I kid you not. Grooves literally melted off the b-side. Not fit for sale, never mind a grade!!! I had to laugh... On the other side of the coin I had a record arrive described as G condition... it had a soundclip and was perfectly acceptable to my ears. It looks and sounds like it's never been on a turntable before. For lower value items on Ebay it might not be worth paying all the accumulated listing fees for including sound and multiple photos. But wherever possible, and economically viable, to me an audio sample combined with high res photos is the only true sign of condition and worth infinitely more than an ambiguous grade. 

 

Just my two penneth! 

[JIMMY SOUL]

And I'll just add to that, I'm not referring to large lists of tuppence ha'penny records. Gawd, I couldn't be bothered making all those soundclips lol, but if a record is quite valuable, surely it's worth the 5 mins or less to take photos and record the sound? Works better for both the seller and the buyer.

[Pete S]

Could you have a listen to this clip and tell me what you think the play grade is?

Now I personally can only hear a couple of pops just before the record starts, after that it sounds pretty perfect to me so I graded it visually VG+ and playwise, EX.  This was returned for being 'very noisy'.

If you lot can hear surface noise on that, then it's time for me to get off to the hearing aid specialists sadly.

 

01 percy wiggins.mp3

 

 

 

[JIMMY SOUL]

What a load of cobblers. Sounds great to me, I'd be very happy with that description 

[Swifty]

Could you have a listen to this clip and tell me what you think the play grade is?

Now I personally can only hear a couple of pops just before the record starts, after that it sounds pretty perfect to me so I graded it visually VG+ and playwise, EX.  This was returned for being 'very noisy'.

If you lot can hear surface noise on that, then it's time for me to get off to the hearing aid specialists sadly.

 

01 percy wiggins.mp3

As you say Pete a couple of tiny clicks at the start , then bugger all , nowt wrong with that imho .

 

 

Swifty

[Pete S]

What a load of cobblers. Sounds great to me, I'd be very happy with that description 

 

I'm not naming any names but this is what some of us have to live with.  This happens regularly on ebay, people trying to get part discounts, but it's happening on here now.

 

The actual email:

 

 

Percy is dissapointing and plays with quite a bit of noise and therefore I reckon it VG+ and worth £75. Please let me have the return address or alternatively make a £25 part refund and I'll live with it.

[Pete S]

Enclosed is a copy of Jay & The Americans that I sold to our friend on here Orotava.  I include it as he has alluded to it earlier in this topic.

He demanded money off because apparently the label was terrible. He is referring to the bit at the top where a small part of the label has been pressed underneath at the manufacturing stage.  I hadn't even noticed it.  The vinyl was between EX and mint.  I referred to this as the most pathetic attempt at extortion I'd ever heard of.  Not "can I please return for a refund" but "can I have money knocked off"...how much do we reckon that bit of label 'damage' is worth - 10 pence?  He would have been expecting a £5 refund for that.

 

 

 

 

[Swifty]

Enclosed is a copy of Jay & The Americans that I sold to our friend on here Orotava.  I include it as he has alluded to it earlier in this topic.

He demanded money off because apparently the label was terrible. He is referring to the bit at the top where a small part of the label has been pressed underneath at the manufacturing stage.  I hadn't even noticed it.  The vinyl was between EX and mint.  I referred to this as the most pathetic attempt at extortion I'd ever heard of.  Not "can I please return for a refund" but "can I have money knocked off"...how much do we reckon that bit of label 'damage' is worth - 10 pence?  He would have been expecting a £5 refund for that.

 

jay.jpg

I dont think I would mention something like that , only if there was part of the label missing or had writing on it , I sold a record that I think was mint , I didn't even play it 'cause I listened to it on youtube and thought it was crap but it books at £75 and I won it for $9.99 just to sell on , the guy that won it (for £9.99 lol!) sent me an email complaining that there were a couple of bubbles under the label FFS! and you could see them on the bloody picture .

 

Swifty

[Pete S]

I dont think I would mention something like that , only if there was part of the label missing or had writing on it , I sold a record that I think was mint , I didn't even play it 'cause I listened to it on youtube and thought it was crap but it books at £75 and I won it for $9.99 just to sell on , the guy that won it (for £9.99 lol!) sent me an email complaining that there were a couple of bubbles under the label FFS! and you could see them on the bloody picture .

 

Swifty

 

If you do a close up on this photo, you can see a little bit of the edge of the label has folded underneath.  It's not missing.  I'd be embarrassed to try to get money off for something like that, especially if there was nothing wrong with the vinyl.  If I was unhappy I'd ask for a full refund.  Can you imagine the buyer asking Manship for money off for this?

[NEV]

Personally I find US sellers to be far more accurate and consistent regarding the vinyl grading of records when selling. They invariably tend to use the Goldmine grading system and very rarely have I had to return anything that has not matched their grading. This is particularly true of dealers. However, in the UK it seems far more inconsistent to me. Each seller/dealer seems to use their own grading system and there is no independent means of checking their accuracy. Even on Soul Source sellers rarely seem to use the system suggested by SS. In my experience anything graded below EX+ (whatever that is) and even that have significant marks on the vinyl and VG (very good remember) is usually knackered. However to many collectors the state of the vinyl is an important consideration when buying the record. The SS grading system is simple and easy to follow as is the ‘bible’ Record Collector system. A fair number of dealers use systems outside these without providing a matrix to explain what they mean. I have seen gradings on SS Sales that include VG Vg + Vg++ VG+++ E- E E+ E++ M- M sometimes in the same listing. What is the difference between these?!! To my mind it would be helpful if sellers/dealers stated what grading system they were using in their listings. At the very least it would then give buyers some confidence when ordering so that they can refer to the grading system if there is a problem.

 

Anyone have the same issue or am I just being an anal vinyl nerd? OK I am  

   Reading that lot ,you can see after NM just how many equations are possible to down grade a 45 .

    Vinyl condition ... superficial marks or real scractches that affect play

   Labels ... pen marks or tears

  Drill holes

  Warps ,edge warp ,dish warp etc

 

 Its a  mine field and imho ..most people are experts at grading but not many are actually qualified ,just self taught through our own experiences ( myself most definitely included) .

 Then theres the buyer ..is he/she a collector or a dj ?

 Both are different and  whereas a dj wants a good as possible player ,a collector wants something that just rolled off the press condition !

 

  The grading can be influenced by seller not wanting to lose out on a price .. its EX because VG+ puts people off and is worth less ?

  Too many variables and again imho .. USA or UK  Grader not grade ?

   I see a lot of USA sellers grading a 45 on looks and openly admit they don't play grade cos that haven't even got a turn table

   Or they have a 1000 records to list and can't possibly check every single 45  

 

    Anything less than NM in my book ,has some kind of imperfection ,so instead of just saying its EX or VG++ .. make sure to highlight those things that have made it less than NM and at least then the buyer knows what to expect ..its not hard is it !

 

P.s My personal favourite or pet hate is the WARP ... the amount of 45's i've bought ( quite a few off here ) ,that never get mentioned and then offer a grovelling " i never noticed it myself " when you question it .. the truth is ,it plays great but it should actually have cost less cos it is a fault that down grades a record imho .

  

       My conclusion is that there is no USA or UK grade ..its done and is in the eye of the beholder .

[Swifty]

   Reading that lot ,you can see after NM just how many equations are possible to down grade a 45 .

    Vinyl condition ... superficial marks or real scractches that affect play

   Labels ... pen marks or tears

  Drill holes

  Warps ,edge warp ,dish warp etc

 

 Its a  mine field and imho ..most people are experts at grading but not many are actually qualified ,just self taught through our own experiences ( myself most definitely included) .

 Then theres the buyer ..is he/she a collector or a dj ?

 Both are different and  whereas a dj wants a good as possible player ,a collector wants something that just rolled off the press condition !

 

  The grading can be influenced by seller not wanting to lose out on a price .. its EX because VG+ puts people off and is worth less ?

  Too many variables and again imho .. USA or UK  Grader not grade ?

   I see a lot of USA sellers grading a 45 on looks and openly admit they don't play grade cos that haven't even got a turn table

   Or they have a 1000 records to list and can't possibly check every single 45  

 

    Anything less than NM in my book ,has some kind of imperfection ,so instead of just saying its EX or VG++ .. make sure to highlight those things that have made it less than NM and at least then the buyer knows what to expect ..its not hard is it !

 

P.s My personal favourite or pet hate is the WARP ... the amount of 45's i've bought ( quite a few off here ) ,that never get mentioned and then offer a grovelling " i never noticed it myself " when you question it .. the truth is ,it plays great but it should actually have cost less cos it is a fault that down grades a record imho .

  

       My conclusion is that there is no USA or UK grade ..its done and is in the eye of the beholder .

Nev , I totally agree about the part if you class it as vg+ it would devalue it against it being classed as excellent , I must admit I worry a bit about grading as one mans vg+ is another mans Ex or just vg , I think I tend to undergrade usually. I have only had one complaint on condition , even though I stated that it had a few scuffs and marks but played well , but obviously not on the buyers system (which is plainly better than mine) so I refunded him and told him to keep the record, not a problem.

 

Talking of turntables/Systems , a lot of the high end stereos B&O etc. seem to make old 45's sound worse than say playing it on a 20 year old Technics.

 

Cheers

 

Swifty

[NEV]

Nev , I totally agree about the part if you class it as vg+ it would devalue it against it being classed as excellent , I must admit I worry a bit about grading as one mans vg+ is another mans Ex or just vg , I think I tend to undergrade usually. I have only had one complaint on condition , even though I stated that it had a few scuffs and marks but played well , but obviously not on the buyers system (which is plainly better than mine) so I refunded him and told him to keep the record, not a problem.

 

Talking of turntables/Systems , a lot of the high end stereos B&O etc. seem to make old 45's sound worse than say playing it on a 20 year old Technics.

 

Cheers

 

Swifty

  I just bought off a UK seller on ebay ... grading was fine and very descript .. tear on label one side .. a fair few marks but plays great !

   Amazingly when it arrived it had reversed labels .. so how come he was able to go into so much detail but conveniently forgot such a big fault ?

  Might not bother most people ,but believe me ,when your a bit tipsy and under a dim light ,it's very easy to forget that when your dj'n

[JIMMY SOUL]

I'm not naming any names but this is what some of us have to live with.  This happens regularly on ebay, people trying to get part discounts, but it's happening on here now.

 

The actual email:

 

 

Percy is dissapointing and plays with quite a bit of noise and therefore I reckon it VG+ and worth £75. Please let me have the return address or alternatively make a £25 part refund and I'll live with it.

 

 

If you do a close up on this photo, you can see a little bit of the edge of the label has folded underneath.  It's not missing.  I'd be embarrassed to try to get money off for something like that, especially if there was nothing wrong with the vinyl.  If I was unhappy I'd ask for a full refund.  Can you imagine the buyer asking Manship for money off for this?

Unbelievable really... simply put, some people just have no shame. It's a general mentality imho, some folk just make a habit of complaining. They spend their lives looking for faults.

[Guest Garry Huxley]

a usa dealer i use grades 1 -10 then a photo and description never been disapioneted but vg + means not much to me

 

I totaly agree with this system as when traveling Western USA. Most dealers were antique dealers and allways use 1 - 10

But brit buyers cant get away from record collector guide. On the whole once ive bought of a seller i know if i will return and

buyers usualy return after ive sold them something.

Garry

[Pete S]

Unbelievable really... simply put, some people just have no shame. It's a general mentality imho, some folk just make a habit of complaining. They spend their lives looking for faults.

 

But if I'd have just taken his word that the Percy Wiggins record was noisy, I'd have given a £25 refund and this is after I'd already reduced it by £25...I knew the record wasn't noisy which is why I asked for it back, and lo and behold, it's not noisy.  

[Ljblanken]

i started a thread on this particular point before, but it bears on the discussion here : the BB hole. 

 

i got a great deal from a British guy once. he listed:

 

"Betty Harris "trouble with my lover" (Sansu) it is VG with BB hole" 

 

i paid the guy (8 GBP, i believe), and when it arrived in the mail it was stone mint! ...and then i realized he had graded it all the way down to VG because of the BB hole!

 

bless his heart!

[JIMMY SOUL]

But if I'd have just taken his word that the Percy Wiggins record was noisy, I'd have given a £25 refund and this is after I'd already reduced it by £25...I knew the record wasn't noisy which is why I asked for it back, and lo and behold, it's not noisy.  

It's a good job you asked for it back. Definitely sounds like someone pushing their luck... nowt wrong with that record.

[Orotava]

Enclosed is a copy of Jay & The Americans that I sold to our friend on here Orotava.  I include it as he has alluded to it earlier in this topic.

He demanded money off because apparently the label was terrible. He is referring to the bit at the top where a small part of the label has been pressed underneath at the manufacturing stage.  I hadn't even noticed it.  The vinyl was between EX and mint.  I referred to this as the most pathetic attempt at extortion I'd ever heard of.  Not "can I please return for a refund" but "can I have money knocked off"...how much do we reckon that bit of label 'damage' is worth - 10 pence?  He would have been expecting a £5 refund for that.

 

jay.jpg

 

 

Pete, Before you besmirch my name please stick to the FACTS.

 

1/ I did NOT state that the label was terrible - I have our correspondence still if you`d like to check back on what I actually said.

 

2/ The record was described as Ex NOT between Ex and Mint.

 

3/ As I alluded to earlier, when I buy a record described as Ex then in my book that means the vinyl AND label is just that Ex and not have any blemishes or bits of the label missing.  Call me fussy if you like but that`s my expectation is all.

 

4/ I managed to source another copy with Ex vinyl and label for £10 cheaper so alls well that ends well.

 

5/ I politely wrote thanking you for your understanding in the matter and said I would still potentially buy from you in the future.

 

THOSE are the facts my friend.

 

[Pete S]

Pete, Before you besmirch my name please stick to the FACTS.

 

1/ I did NOT state that the label was terrible - I have our correspondence still if you`d like to check back on what I actually said.

 

2/ The record was described as Ex NOT between Ex and Mint.

 

3/ As I alluded to earlier, when I buy a record described as Ex then in my book that means the vinyl AND label is just that Ex and not have any blemishes or bits of the label missing.  Call me fussy if you like but that`s my expectation is all.

 

4/ I managed to source another copy with Ex vinyl and label for £10 cheaper so alls well that ends well.

 

5/ I politely wrote thanking you for your understanding in the matter and said I would still potentially buy from you in the future.

 

THOSE are the facts my friend.

 

 

Don't call me your friend, friends don't try to rob one another.

Why didn't you just say you weren't happy with it and were going to send it back, not you weren't happy with it and you wanted money off it?  For that.

The record was graded as EX but played better. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

The fact is that you tried to extort money out of me for that tiny little label problem.

Most people would be embarrassed to try and get money off for that.  I know I would.  Especially as the vinyl was spot on.

And you deleted the PM's so that I couldn't access them.

Edited April 6, 2013 by Pete S

[Orotava]

Don't call me your friend, friends don't try to rob one another.

Why didn't you just say you weren't happy with it and were going to send it back, not you weren't happy with it and you wanted money off it?  For that.

The record was graded as EX but played better. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

The fact is that you tried to extort money out of me for that tiny little label problem.

Most people would be embarrassed to try and get money off for that.  I know I would.  Especially as the vinyl was spot on.

And you deleted the PM's so that I couldn't access them.

 

Oh dear, I`ve hit a nerve haven`t I or perhaps you`re feeling guilty??!!!!

 

I was NOT trying to rob you I just suggested a refund on a record that had a label which was not as described in MY book, regardless of the vinyl condition (that was not in dispute). I just thought it would save all the hassle of posting and refunding that`s all - you could have come back with a lesser figure if you`d been minded to.

 

Friends don`t lie to each other either - I repeat I did NOT call the label terrible, that`s an out and out lie and besmirches my name as a good buyer.  And extort is way off the mark, casually suggest is a better fit methinks.

 

To resolve this amicably then, I apologise for not just asking for a full refund as I wasn`t happy with a label that wasn`t excellent in MY book.  So sorry.

 

As I say, I`ve since bought another record with excellent vinyl and label for £10 cheaper, so everything happens for a reason.

 

I hope you`ll agree that all my correspondence was polite and friendly and I that tentatively suggested a refund not demanded one.  Again, I will still look at your sales and would be happy to buy from you again so don`t lose a potential customer over a slight difference in opinion as to what constitutes an excellent label.

 

Please take the olive branch that`s offered, as one Daily Mail reader to another!!!

[Pete S]

Oh dear, I`ve hit a nerve haven`t I or perhaps you`re feeling guilty??!!!!

 

That must be it. 

[Orotava]

That must be it. 

 

So, friends again???

 

[Godzilla]

Please take the olive branch that`s offered, as one Daily Mail reader to another!!!

 

Blimey - get a room!

[Mick Sway]

Received two records from the States today, graded as VG that should have been graded knackered!

My experience is that UK  sellers are much more up front and conservative in their grading.

A lot of amateur ebayers know bugger all about quality and just see $$$$$$ when it comes to Soul.

Records graded Good ish, are virtually worthless to sell on so I find many go for the soft option and grade VG or  above .

After all with postal prices now being what they are, it's easier to take it on the chin, if you bid and your bargain turns out a dud.in.

If you've got the dosh, buy from Anglo, Moerer or Manship go for quality if you can.

Sorry just my experience, buying on a limited budget.

Interesting thread though.

[JOE TORQUAY]

QUITE A FEW US SELLERS/ DEALERS NOW PUT UP A SOUND CLIP AND SAY MAKE YOUR OWN MIND UP ABOUT THE GRADE,

WHICH I FIND IS MOSTLY BETTER THAN SOMEONE'S DESCRIPTION WHICH IS SOMETIMES NOT MINE,

AS EVERYONE HAS DIFFERENT HEARING AND OR SOUND EQUIPMENT WHICH CAN BE DIFFERENT,

THERE'S STILL QUITE A FEW SELLERS DO EYES ONLY GRADING WHICH IS NEXT TO USELESS BUT CAN BE TO MY / YOUR ADVANTAGE AS THEY TEND TO ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION,  HAD A FEW NICE ONES THIS WAY OVERTHE YEARS,

WISH I KNEW HOW THEY GET SO MANY SOUND CLIPS ON EBAY IT TAKE ME AGES TO DO ANY ATALL, JUST ME I GUESS.

JOE.

[Chris L]

I think the main difference between US and UK grading is that, in general, US dealers tend not to use EX, but go from MINT- straight to VG+, which means their VG+ / VG is probably the equivalent of our EX / EX-.  

Very true..............

[Frankie M]

Dont think you will ever see perfection and its one of my bugbears ,have bought all grades and seen M- records

that should have been  VG+ , have had VG  in appalling condition etc etc , Craig and John Manship are the most accurate

in my opinion but then it sometimes goes to the old adage " you pays your money etc etc ",saw an Ann Caudell recently for £350 with

condition marked as EX Minus Minus ,WOL the lot ! ,needless to say i passed on this one

[Guest MissHongkongfuey]

I have found that my biggest disappointments have been when purchasing from a very well known UK dealer.

 

Everything I've purchased seems to be play graded and visual state of items don't get a mention. I brought a Tommy Navarro for my partner for christmas and paid a good £200 of very hard earned. It plays great but visually a VG+. Lots of surface scuffs. This has happened in every case when buying from this guy, so I just don't bother visiting His site now....no matter how desperate.

Yes, I could have asked for a refund and questioned the grading but I'm the rookie and he's a main dealer. So yes, I felt embarrassed to do so. Who am I to question the biggest dealer in the Uk eh!

 

I've sourced my best deals via the good people of this site and find that a few seem to "under grade", so when that package arrives it's....Happy Days!!

[slimharpo]

I have found that my biggest disappointments have been when purchasing from a very well known UK dealer.

 

Everything I've purchased seems to be play graded and visual state of items don't get a mention. I brought a Tommy Navarro for my partner for christmas and paid a good £200 of very hard earned. It plays great but visually a VG+. Lots of surface scuffs. This has happened in every case when buying from this guy, so I just don't bother visiting His site now....no matter how desperate.

Yes, I could have asked for a refund and questioned the grading but I'm the rookie and he's a main dealer. So yes, I felt embarrassed to do so. Who am I to question the biggest dealer in the Uk eh!

 

I've sourced my best deals via the good people of this site and find that a few seem to "under grade", so when that package arrives it's....Happy Days!!

Hi. I have experienced the very same problems which prompted me to start this thread. Since when were records play graded only? Visual grade is important to me too and I think dealers should visually grade and if the play grade is better or worse the should note this in the listing. Not too hard is it?

[Guest MissHongkongfuey]

Hi. I have experienced the very same problems which prompted me to start this thread. Since when were records play graded only? Visual grade is important to me too and I think dealers should visually grade and if the play grade is better or worse the should note this in the listing. Not too hard is it?

 

On christmas day, after He'd opened it, I asked him to grade it in his opinion.... "vg+" all the way!!!

He's since brought another from discogs as a spare. It was graded "vg" but plays excellent. When it arrived, it was visually as good as the first one and played beautifully.

If I'd tried to re-sell the original purchase, I couldn't have graded it as an "ex". I would have graded it with total honesty and made a hefty loss from the original purchase price.

"Looks shite, plays great"..... that grading still appeals to me. Just need folks to be honest!

[Pete S]

Yes, I could have asked for a refund and questioned the grading but I'm the rookie and he's a main dealer. So yes, I felt embarrassed to do so. Who am I to question the biggest dealer in the Uk eh!

 

You're the most important person - the customer - what I mean is, you shouldn't be afraid of WHO you are dealing with.

Edited April 9, 2013 by Pete S

[Modernsoulsucks]

I've just returned a 45 today to a seller on here.

 

My mate bought it. He wasn't happy. Showed it to another member on here and then brought it round to me to have a look as moderator.

 

It was graded EX++ . Am I alone in thinking that should be Mintish ?

 

Instead numerous marks and light scratches, WOL [someone's name albeit small], label not clean IMO, plays with crackles esp b-side.

 

I really can't fathom how it could be graded EX++ when I'd judge it to be VG.

 

It cost £6.95 to return and Im sure he paid the same to receive it. So £13.90 out of pocket if postage costs are not refunded.

 

To be honest Im just speechless.

 

ROD

[Steve L]

The grey area about visual and play grades is a problem.

To me a grading is visual and if it plays any different to the visual grade then it should be stated.

Also one factor that never gets mentioned is the light which you are looking at the record in. The room I use has a light fitting with 3x50 watt bulbs which shows up any flaws, take record with scratches on into another room with ordinary bulbs and it can look mint