The following is a guide to the grading system used by JustClassical when judging the condition of second-hand LPs. We realise this system is slightly different from other systems in use on the internet and in the collecting world, but we feel this system is slightly more practical for a collection of this nature.

First, we feel it is important that words mean what they say. Thus, when a record here is marked as Good, it means good, as in "This record is in good condition." It does not mean badly scratched as with some grading systems.

Second, we feel it is very important to remember always that we are talking about second-hand Long Playing records that can be anywhere from twenty to sixty years old. Even in the best condition imaginable, they are still second-hand LPs. They have lived through other collections, other shelves, other turntables. Even well cared for, these LPs are from a different generation, and we always try to remember that when grading their condition. To say a record is Mint is to imply that it is a brand new product, never prevously owned or handled. That is obviously very rarely going to be the case with second hand stock.

Finally, we would like to stress that while we try to be as fastidious as possible in our grading, this is not an exact science. For one thing, when dealing with a sizeable body of stock, it is regrettably impossible to play the records one by one, so the condition is generally judged by visual inspection (which is by no means authoritative). Further, judging the condition of a record is a very subjective process. Different collectors have different tolerance thresholds when it comes to surface noise, for example; thus the point at which a Fairly Good record becomes a Fairly Poor record can be a matter of some debate. For ourselves, we try to err on the side of caution, and grade condition as harshly as possible. If we make errors of judgement, then hopefully we are making them to the benefit of you, the customer.

A record is only Mint if it is still factory sealed, and is therefore guaranteed to be unplayed.

Very Good is our top qualification for second-hand LPs. A record marked Very Good will be visually immaculate; ie. no marks or scratches, little or no dust, and should be, in essence, a new LP. Obviously any pre-owned record will have been handled and played during its lifetime, and different collectors have different ideas about what constitutes acceptable wear and tear. It is for this reason that the most we will ever say about a record is that it is a Very Good second hand LP.

Good is not that different from Very Good in practical terms. A Good LP will be unscratched and clean, but unlike a Very Good copy, there will be visible evidence that it is not new. It may have some slight smudges or fingerprints around the edges, or possibly some marks around the spindle hole. In other words, while it is obviously not a new copy, nothing about it should impede listening pleasure.

A Fairly Good record will not be perfect. It may have dust or fingerprints, or there may be a minor blemish affecting a small portion of the recording. There should still be no scratches in evidence, and the copy should be eminently listenable.

Fair means exactly what the word suggests: although the record is not poor, neither is it all that good. It may need a good clean before it can be properly enjoyed, although there should not be any serious problems. There may be a degree of surface noise; different listeners have higher or lower tolerance thresholds for such things, so buyer discretion is advised.

If the word "Poor" is involved, it is a foregone conclusion the news will not be good. Fairly Poor records will have some scratches which will probably sound when played, although they may not sound for very long. This record has probably been played extensively and enthusiastically during its lifetime, and unfortunately has the marks to show it.

A Poor record will be significantly scratched to the point where it will be a problem during uncritical listening. Purchase of a record in this condition should only be considered if the rarity is such that these problems can be accomodated.

This record is essentially unplayable. I’m not even sure what it’s doing here in our collection, unless it is so rare and so special that not to have it would have been a crime against music. Seriously, a record in this condition will be for display only and will not provide any listening pleasure.