How To Grade 78 RPM Records

This is the second article on grading a record. The first was based on the Goldmine Standard, and this is based on VJM’s system of grading.

C10 = N : Store Stock New
As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).

 

C9 : N-
Nearly New, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.

 

C8 = E+
Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of sleeves.

 

C7 = E : Excellent
Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.

 

C6 = E-
Still shiny but without the luster of a new record, few light scratches.

 

C5 = V+
V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced.

 

 

C4 = V : Very Good
Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.

C3 = V-
Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level.

 

C2 = G+
Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.

C1 = G : Good
Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is stillhigher than surface noise.

 

 

G- ; F ; and P
The VJM system has these designations for records in extremely poor condition. We do not place these on the 10-point scale because records in this condition have little or no value. In cases where the record is extremely rare, it would be worth the C1 price.

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 

 

sfc = surface

lbl = label

nap = not affecting play

scr/scrs = scratch/scratches

lc or lam  = lamination crack

cr = crack

gv/gvs= groove/grooves

hlc/hc = hairline crack

wol = writing on label

sol = sticker onlabel

fade = faded label

eb = edge bite

ec = edge chip

ef =edge flake

cvr = cover

s = stereo

rc= rim chip

rf = rough;

aud/inaud = audible/inaudible

lt = light