Time To Impose Minimum Standards for LP's

Make no mistake, finding good playable vinyl today is a daunting task to say the least. Some of you know me as a reseller of vinyl here on Audiogon. Been doing so for many years now. I am one of the few if not the only one that test plays each album that comes in and base my grading of it quite simply. If I would keep it for my own library or not, based upon its playback condition. If it passes my standard then it is offered for auction or classified resale. All my auctions are $1.00 no reserve. To my mind this is the fairest was of marketing to the Audiogon membership. And yes on a occassion some LPs have sold just for a $1.00. But, hey its an auction, so no complaints on my end.

I deal first and foremost with jazz Lps from the 50,s to current day. But mostly 50,s , 60,s , and 70,s. Most of those in that period of time were small independent labels, such as Riverside, Prestige, Emarcy, Blue Note, Jazzland, etc. None of the companies had the resources to press huge quantities. A pressing of say 50,000 would have bankrupt many of them. Fast foward to today some 40 to 50 years down the road original issues of these in playable condition dwindle each year. Great vintage vinyl is finite and only so much of it remains. The day of good used cheap vinyl is long gone.

I do not visual grade any vinyl LP. For instance I have a Dave Brubeck LP Red,Hot and Cool. Mono pressing from 1955 I think. Visually the LP looks just terrible and something that should be thrown on the scrap heap. However to my surprise, it plays without flaw, surface noise is damn near zero. But I dare not resale the LP, because the end users would crucify me for what I sent him.

Grading systems are subjective at best, based upon the sellers integrity. I buy as well and it becomes more difficult each day to find great vintage vinyl. However on my end I try as much as possible to take the guess work out of the equation.

Ratings are mostly subjective.

My "7" is your "9".

Your "Near Mint and no surface noise" is my "Unplayable and belongs in the frisbee pile".

These are exaggerations of course but if you're diligent and careful, you'll find sellers in whom you can place complete confidence.

Recordron and Ferrari are 2 good examples.

Hello,

I have just started selling records and have written and plagiarized at rating scale, I will be using with my ads.

Should I not be able in your opinion to sell a album with the following description:

For background enjoyment, to bring back fond memories, or for “the collection”, NOT for a serious audiophile listening session. It has noticeable wear and sounds like it's been played often. It will have marks and scuffs. However, not in such poor condition as to worry about your cartridge. The cover may be slightly worn and abused. However, this will most likely be collectible; otherwise I would not bother to list and sell.

That description is at the bottom of my scale.

I have numerous albums in the above condition in which I drop my $15,000 Koetsu Coralstone on with out fear.

David

collectors guides(goldmine, etc)rate 'visually', so the 'playable' factor is all over the place.

Ferrari, great commercial lol but I highly doubt a itelligent man such as yourself would assume you may be the only one here who plays a album for quality, that complete BS.