You'll find that most record stores and dealers will use the grading system shown below. If you encounter a dealer or
store that doesn't use this system, avoid them completely. They likely don't know what they're doing or they're out
to
take advantage of potential customers. We hope this will be helpful.
M = Mint
or
SS = Still Sealed |
Anything with this grade will be factory-sealed from the manufacturer. Perfect cover, perfect record. These are a rarity for the classic Tempts records but they can be found. You are quite likely to find quite a few late '70's/'80's albums in this condition. However, beware the "reseal". These are records that were opened at one time or another but resealed later to get a better price for them. |
NM = Near Mint
or
VG++ |
Anything you find in this condition will be nearly pristine. The cover will be nice without visible defect on the face or sides. The record will be nice and shiny with no surface scratches. The sound will be perfect. The only difference between a record in this condition and on that's "SS" or "M" is that a NM or VG++ record lacks the factory shrink wrap. Other than sealed records, this grade is your very best bet. |
VG+ = Very Good Plus |
Anything you find in this condition is probably a pretty economical bet. The cover will probably look pretty good with minor corner curls or surface wear. The record may have a few very minor surface scuffs on it that won't affect play in the least. Records with this grade will make a little noise but you'll probably be able to live with it. You're likely to see this grade most often. You can be quite content with a record that has been given this grade. If you see a really old record in this condition, get it. You won't be sorry and it'll likely be the best you can do. |
VG = Very Good |
Anything you find in this condition will satisfy if you're having a hard time finding anything else. The condition of the cover is probably questionable (scuffed corners, minor wear, etc.) and the record is likely to have surface scratches that make a little noise. Records with this grade are unlikely to skip but they will be somewhat noisy. The really old and esoteric stuff can usually be found with this grade. Try to do better but, if you can't, this will do. |
G = Good |
Anything you find in this condition is likely to be quite unsatisfactory. "Good" is actually NOT good at all where record grading is concerned. The cover probably has water damage, the record will have surface scratches, and it might even skip. Having a record in this condition is only slightly better than not having it at all. Only get it if you can find nothing else and you just have to have it. |
Helpful Hints
We've been burned in the past. If you pay attention to these little hints below, you'll find record shopping to be a lot
more pleasurable and less risky:
1. If it's old (1980 or older) and it's still sealed, it's immediately suspect. Look for factory stickers or places on the cellophane where old price stickers might have been affixed. If you don't see any, you're likely holding a reseal. Another tell-tale sign is to look to see if the corner has been cut or if the top left-hand corner has been "hole-punched". If it has and the cellophane is covering it, it's a "reseal" and should be left in the rack.
2. The thicker the jacket, the better condition the record is likely to be in. Many later-period records were housed in extremely thin jackets (especially European imports). The records inside of them are often warped and, in some cases, unplayable.
3. If at all possible, avoid the internet when buying records. All dealers grade records differently. One may grade a record "VG+" while another one would only give it a "VG". The grades are often open to the grader's interpretation - an interpretation you have no choice but to trust if you aren't at the store. Also, many stores merely use a "visual grade" method. They'll just look at the record without actually listening to it. Just because a record may look pristine doesn't mean it'll play that way. Your best bet is always to physically go to the store yourself. | 
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