Rockaway Records Grading Guide
OK, Let's Get Serious!
Rockaway Records is committed to grading all our products accurately, honestly and conservatively. We want our customers to be completely chuffed when they receive our products.
We believe that by listing defects and grading honestly, the collector will be able to visualize the condition before buying. By utilising this method, we hope to eliminate any surprises for the buyer.
We visually grade all items carefully under a very bright light. Whether the record is worth $50 or $5000 or whether it was issued in the 1950s or the 1990s, all records receive equal scrutiny. CDs/DVDs are scrutinised similarly.
GRADING VINYL
M (MINT)Perfect, flawless. We rarely (if ever) use this grade
M- or NM(MINT MINUS OR NEAR MINT) Usually our highest grade. Records from the 50s and 60s in this condition are truly rare. The vinyl would need to be virtually perfect. At most perhaps a light scuff appears on the record which in no way would affect sound quality. The record cover should also be near perfect with only very minor signs of wear, if any. There should be absolutely no "ring wear". (Ring wear is the outline of the record inside shows through the cover)
EX or VG++(EXCELLENT OR VERY GOOD ++) Beautiful collectable condition. The vinyl should play with no skips or clicks of any kind. There can be minor scuffs but they should not affect sound quality. The record cover is generally in great shape, it may have minor "ring wear" and minor corner creases, but no seam splits.
VG+(VERY GOOD +) Vinyl will show some wear including scuff marks and some light scratches. If held up to a bright light, tiny lines may be seen on the vinyl. The sound may be affected with some minor clicks and pops but will not skip. The record cover may be slightly more aged, with corners slightly bent but not broken. There may be wear to the seams, but no tears or holes.
VG(VERY GOOD) Vinyl doesn't necessarily look good, but plays well enough. Surface noise will probably be present including pops and clicks, which would be diminished at higher volumes. The record will not skip. The cover will look worn and used with some seam splitting and noticeable ring wear.
VG- or G(VERY GOOD MINUS OR GOOD) Generally not collectable condition, unless its a super rare record. Vinyl looks well played and dull. It should play without skipping but with substantial surface noise. Quieter styles of music will struggle with the grading, whereas louder music may still sound OK at higher volumes. The record cover may have problems such as seam splits, writing or tape etc.
WBR(WRECKED BUT RARE) Otherwise known as a "Starter Copy". Not cracked, but a poor copy. The only reason to have a record/cover in this condition would be if it was extremely rare.
GRADING CDs
The CD case is not graded as we will generally replace all cases before listing so they should be close to new. The only exception is where a CD has a special case or hype stickers attached. These are left as is as it adds to the collectability of the item.
M (MINT)Perfect, flawless. This would only apply to brand new and sealed items with no evidence of any damage to the CD/DVD jewel case.
M- or NM(MINT MINUS OR NEAR MINT) Usually our highest grade. Basically a CD/DVD that has just been taken out of it shrink wrap and never been cleaned/buffed and the slick is perfect. Generally a vast majority of our CD/DVDs fall into this category but we choose to be conservative and generally grade these items in the next category of VG++
EX or VG++(EXCELLENT OR VERY GOOD ++) Beautiful collectable condition. The CD/DVD looks like new. It may have a minor scuff on the surface but it will not affect sound quality. The slick will generally be in great shape, it may have minor "push” marks where the tab on the case closed on it but the slick itself will be crisp and as new.
VG+(VERY GOOD +) The CD/DVD will show some wear including scuff marks and maybe some light scratches. If held up to a bright light, tiny lines may be seen on the surface. The sound, however, will not be affected and it is guaranteed not to skip. The slick may be slightly more aged and not as crisp anymore. The slick will still be complete with no tears, writing or stickers on it.
VG(Very Good) The slick and/or cardboard sleeve will show significant signs of wear, scuffing and may have sticker/s or sticker residue. This grading would only apply to the slick/cardboard sleeve as we do not list discs with a grading less than VG+.
Happy Customers Since 1992