Record Grading...


There are reasons why to void Goldmine grading:

1. It doesn't assume testing a record by only identifying the visual usage intensity and intensity of scratches. Even noisy records that look great can be graded NM at your dissapointment when you start playing them.
2. Grading Mint sealed records may not be correct because the record could be so warped that it wouldn't play at all or will rumble too much so underneath the sealed jacket there could be the record that cannot even be G rated.
3. Record that clips-pops on one track with short duration should be by goldmine graded G even if the rest of songs are absolutely noiseless while noisy ones throughout all tracks can be graded VG+ if they look pretty. I disagree because the record that only has glitch on one track should be valued way higher vs. one noisy on all tracks.
4. Had received records VG+ where music is distorted due to the usage and large density of scratches(looks pretty though), but in reality it's not even G.
5. Nothing says in Goldmine standards about fingerprints and grease on the playing surface. Stains and fingerprints penatrate playing surface with accumulated dust over them and bring as much unpleasant noise as scratches or damaged grooves with poor and old styli tip.
czarivey
Just curious about this, but I've never seen a LP seller on Agon or Ebay that allows returns. Or, quite frankly, any seller of anything online at all. Everything is always "as-is." Even the one good bricks-and-mortar store anywhere near me (only 250 miles away; The Record Theater in Buffalo NY) doesn't allow returns on vinyl, new or used. Buy it and you own it.

Is there some secret online handshake I'm missing here or is it just a case of "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" when you get less-than-perfect vinyl?
I meant that I'm revealing a hidden treasure. They have everything we've been talking about; selection, accurate grading, and return policy.
Very interesting post and responses. I have over a 1,000 albums and have recently started to buy the audiophile recordings. One just came through slightly less than flat but still a good sound.

I haven't bought through eBay or other sites but would be curious to know those sellers of used albums that you use and believe to be reputable.