Wonder Wax grades all vinyl and CDs using the standard Goldmine Grading System. Please be aware that our grading only applies to the vinyl or CD itself, not the jacket, sleeve, or case! Many of our items are used, play well, but don’t include a case or jacket. Items without their original covering will always be explained within the item’s detail. Please read below for a more detailed explanation of each grade in the Goldmine System.
Vinyl Grading
MINT (M) – Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Used sparingly.
NEAR MINT (NM) – A nearly perfect record. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. Near Mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides. Anything that exceeds this grade, in the opinion of both buyer and seller, is worth significantly more than the highest Goldmine book value.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) – A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don’t affect one’s listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are “OK”. The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play.
VERY GOOD (VG) – Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
GOOD (G), GOOD PLUS (G+) – Good does not mean Bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white).
FAIR (F), POOR (P) – The record is cracked, badly warped, and won’t play through without skipping or repeating.
CD Grading
MINT (M) – Perfect. No scuffs/scratches, unplayed – possibly still sealed.
NEAR MINT (NM) – Near perfect. No obvious signs of use, it may have been played – but it has been handled very carefully.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) – A few minor scuffs/scratches. This has been played, but handled with good care – and certainly not abused.
VERY GOOD (VG) – Quite a few light scuffs/scratches, or several more-pronounced scratches. This has obviously been played, but not handled as carefully as a VG+.
GOOD (G), GOOD PLUS (G+) – There are a lot of scuffs/scratches. However it will still play through without problems. This has not been handled with much care at all.
FAIR (F), POOR (P) – The CD may or may not play some or all of the tracks. See the item details for explanation.
Again, please be aware that our grading does not apply to covers and cases. However, if you have any questions regarding the condition of an item or cover, please don’t hesitate to message us.
