Author Topic: Record grading  (Read 2390 times)

Offline S Clark

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Record grading
« on: January 21, 2020, 08:24:32 AM »
It seems I've been getting burned by inaccurate/dishonest grading in many of my recent online record purchases.  I just got a jazz lp that was described as VG+++. To me that's an lp that is just off from NM, meaning that it has only the slightest flaws that are just visible and have no impact on playback, and not a half inch scratch that you can break a fingernail on.   :duh
It's getting to the point I'm asking before hand to confirm the condition with a more complete description.  This sure seems to be getting worse at Discogs and Ebay.  Do any record buyers around here find the same thing?
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Offline jimbones

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2020, 10:16:17 AM »
#metoo lol! I just got a Ricki Lee Jones and it sounds horrible
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Offline Folsom

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2020, 11:03:53 AM »
If it's expensive try to buy on eBay because they'll give the seller the shaft if it's not right.

I've had one discogs who sold two garbage "NM" classical LP's... Don't forget to give them horrible rating. That same guy's rating has been tanking. I avoid people with bad ratings but the big issue is you have to fight with paypal to take money back on discogs. That's why unless they're very reputable I won't spend very much money on Discogs typically.

There's a local guy who had a record shop and graded G as VG or maybe VG+ in pricing... and up charged for imports (because he didn't pay shipping? wtf). He did poorly.

Offline rollo

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2020, 08:52:26 AM »
  Certainly a crap shoot out there. We are lucky to have several used LP shops to go to and SEE and demo LPs. Expensive re-issues from Acoustic Sounds and less expensive Speaker Corners works better for me.
  As for new vinyl is not most now recorded in digital than analog ? Jim the Ricki Lee Jones re-issue is worth every nickel spent. I have a used original in G shape and no match for re-issue.


charles
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Offline S Clark

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #4 on: January 22, 2020, 08:56:59 AM »
I've got a couple of NM- copies I never listen to.  $5+  Any takers?
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Offline rollo

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2020, 09:23:17 AM »
I've got a couple of NM- copies I never listen to.  $5+  Any takers?



  If in good shape will take both.

charles
contact me  at rollo14@verizon.net or visit us on Facebook
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Offline S Clark

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #6 on: January 22, 2020, 09:50:09 AM »
I'll pull them out and send a PM
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Offline S Clark

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2020, 09:10:17 AM »
Damn! Dammit! @#&**(#!!! 
Another record, another bad feedback to post!  This time I contacted the seller ahead of time, asked specific questions, got the answers I was looking for.... and the record looks like it sat in acid for a day or two.  No scratches, but so profusely scuffed that it looks etched. 
Fortunately, this was a mono pressing, and I find that mono pressings when played with a mono cartridge can be very forgiving compared to stereo... so I'll just keep it rather than fight the send it back battle. But DAMN, this dishonest grading is getting old. 
Wish my local store would find some more jazz lp's to sell. 
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Offline Folsom

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2020, 11:39:49 AM »
Some stuff from the 50's doesn't look very black.

I just got a NM classical LP but it's an RCA that's FAF (floppy as fuck). I have another copy that's not NM but it isn't floppy. Now I have to ask is your version FAF before I buy...

Offline S Clark

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2020, 12:11:32 PM »
Those FAF RCA's were from around 1970 onward, a period where vinyl got more expensive and the accountants were trying to find ways to save a few pennies per lp.  For the most part, you can avoid them by looking for White dog or Shaded dog labels.  On Victrola, buy only the plum labels and avoid the later pink ones.  Deutsche G and Phillips from the same period were just as bad.  As a rule, outside of London/Decca, I just try to avoid anything pressed in te '70s. 
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Offline Folsom

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2020, 01:56:34 PM »
There is no shaded dog version of the album I was getting (not in stereo anyways, and it sound better than the LPM)

Offline S Clark

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2020, 02:03:50 PM »
Do you have a copy of the Mitchel guide to RCA recordings?  I've worn my to taters.  I've found to be very helpful in finding my way around RCA recordings.
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Offline dBe

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Re: Record grading
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2020, 03:43:42 PM »
Those FAF RCA's were from around 1970 onward, a period where vinyl got more expensive and the accountants were trying to find ways to save a few pennies per lp. 
Enter that nasty re-grind that ruined LP quality. :roll: