subject: Grading Classical Long Playing Records [print this page] Grading Classical Long Playing Records Grading Classical Long Playing Records
Although Long Playing (LP) records have been overtaken by the digital media age, they remain highly sort after niche items. If you plan to start collecting classical LPs then you must know the key guidelines for determining their condition, especially since they will have been produced decades ago.
The two main for determining the condition is the physical state and the playing quality.
A. Physical Criteria
There are four elements to observe on an LP and its recommended you do so under a strong light.
1. Playing surface
2. Edges
3. Label
4. LP cover
Playing surface
Look out for obvious signs of wear, such as scratches, scuffs and warps. Lightly feel the surface with your finger and also examine the centre hole for signs of wear due to repeated playing.
Edges
The LP edges should ideally be smooth all round, with no nicks, chips or warping.
Label
Watch out for defects such as discolouration, fading, pen marks, tape and/or stickers and their residue gum.
LP Cover
With the cover, keep an eye out for imperfections such as slits, wrinkles, folds, holes or turned-up corners. Check how clean it looks. Also check for writing, stickers or their residue gum. The inserts, sleeves and any posters should also be examined in the same way.
B. Playing quality
Listen out for surface noise, which are sounds that are not part of the musical piece. Surface noise may sound like low static, scratchy noises or sporadic ticks' that interrupt the music. In addition, listen whether the tone and volume resonate normally or fluctuate unusually.
Grading
There are four grades for LP conditions: mint, near mint, very good plus and very good. Their characteristics are as follows:
1. Mint (M)
As perfect as it gets with an LP. Most likely the LP has never been played and may still be sealed inside the original cover. An M-condition LP can be maintained by careful and very minimal playing. Extremely few LPs are graded M because hardly any have never been played or remain in factory perfect.
2. Near Mint (NM)
Usually the highest grade for most LPs. An NM-condition LP shows no signs of wear or playing, looking as though it's just been purchased at the record store. The listening quality is next to perfect.
3. Very Good Plus (VG+)
VG+ LPs have visible but not extensive signs of handling and playing, such as scuffs, scratches, discolouration, warps etc. But the important thing is that the defects do not affect the sound quality. A VG+ LP with good sound quality will still fetch a good price during re-sale.
4. Very Good (VG)
VG-condition LP will show the same defects as a VG+ but to a greater extent, whereby it affects the sound quality. Surface noise will be heard during playing particularly at the beginning, at the end and during low volume passages. The wearing of the grooves is more perceptible even to a light fingernail touch and affects the sound. But the overall listening experience should not be greatly impacted.
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