All of our pre-spun vinyl, CDs, and tapes are designated at the end of the item name with {grading information}
{ Media Condition / Sleeve Condition }
Media = actual LP, CD, tape, etc.
Sleeve = jacket, case, other packaging elements
Culture Clash staff uses the Goldmine Standard for grading vinyl, CDs, and tapes. Any item that isn't new/sealed has the following grading information associated with it.
{ Media Condition / Sleeve Condition }
Media = actual LP, CD, tape, etc.
Sleeve = jacket, case, other packaging elements
Mint (M)
- Vinyl: Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, probably even still sealed. We rarely designate this grade, as we do not grade the condition of new vinyl.
- CD: Perfect. No scuffs/scratches. We rarely designate this grade, as we do not grade the condition of new CDs.
- Tape: Insert (J-Card) is crisp, clean and perfect in every way. Likely sealed. Cassette is brand new, and professionally produced. We rarely designate this grade, as we do not grade the condition of new tapes.
- Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Perfect. No wear, marks, or any other imperfections - probably still sealed.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
- Vinyl: A nearly perfect record. A NM or M- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. We typically won't give a grade higher than this, implying that no record is ever truly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover has no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.
- CD: Near perfect. No obvious signs of use; it may have been played, but it has been handled very carefully.
- Tape: J-Card/Sleeve is totally crisp and clean with only the slightest evidence of handling. Tape is likely new, free of any wear or damage.
- Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Near Perfect. No obvious wear, it may have only the slightest of marks from handling.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
- Vinyl: 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. Defects are more cosmetic in nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight warps, slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. The label may have some minor ring wear or discoloration. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.
- CD: A few minor scuffs/scratches. This has been handled with good care, and certainly not abused.
- Tape: Sleeve has slight wear, marks, indentations, and/or may have a cut-out hole (or similar). Tape has been taken very good care of and may have light marks or spindle wear. Should play cleanly with minimal noise or degradation.
- Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Slight wear, marks, indentations, it may possibly have a cut-out hole (or similar).
Very Good (VG)
- Vinyl: 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. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.
- CD: Quite a few light scuffs/scratches, or several more-pronounced scratches. This has obviously been played, but not handled as carefully as a VG+.
- Tape: Sleeve will contain more wear, marks, and/or indentations than a VG+. May have slight fading, a small tear/rip, or some writing. Shell may have heavier marks, wear, or plastic discoloration than a VG shell. Should play with some stronger hiss or degradation, but not enough to overpower music.
- Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: More wear, marks, indentations than a VG+. May have slight fading, a small tear/rip, or some writing.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+)
- Vinyl: A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping, but it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
- CD: There are a lot of scuffs/scratches, but it will still play through without problems. This has not been handled with much care at all.
- Tape: Sleeve will be well worn, marked, and contain obvious indentations, fading, and/or writing, more so than a VG grade - possibly a more significant tear/rip. Tape will have heavy wear on shell. Felt stopper may be missing. Tape may have minor creasing, but not broken. Will play through, but may have heavier degradation that will overpower music.
- Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Well worn, marked, more obvious indentations, fading, writing, than a VG - possibly a more significant tear/rip.
Poor (P), Fair (F)
- Vinyl: The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.
- CD: The CD may or may not play some or all of the tracks.
- Tape: Sleeve will be torn, heavily stained, showing general heavy damage, or will be partially missing. Likewise, tape will be heavily damaged, showing complete fading on the face, crinkled tape, missing screws or teeth, staining, and other heavy wear. Cassette will more than likely not play through.
- Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak: Very worn. It may have obvious writing on it, it may be ripped/torn, or significantly faded, or water damaged.
Standard Jewel Cases: Standard Jewel Cases are not graded as they are replaceable.
Generic: In this context, the term "generic" refers to a type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. A generic sleeve is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve that is graded as "generic" needs no further grading, as a generic sleeve generally adds little value to the item and can be easily replaced.
We offer our lowest possible shipping rates via USPS Media Mail for any purchase of vinyl, CDs, and/or tapes.
USPS Priority Mail + UPS are available at checkout for some regions - typicaly, at a higher rate.
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout and are based on the total order weight. Included in the shipping total is the cost of one cardboard mailer and packaging materials we use to ensure your order arrives in the same condition it was when we carefully packed it up.
