We have had a number of inquiries (and some rather wonderful feedback) about how we approach grading records for sale.

The widely-used Goldmine/Discogs grading system provides clear, concise descriptions of the condition of second-hand vinyl, detailing the state of both the sleeve and the record itself. It relies on the seller's fair and reasonable judgment.

However, one important question remains unanswered by this system: How does the record actually sound?

 For the OnVinyl team, sound quality is central to our grading philosophy. Over the past few years, we've had many discussions with our record-buying clients, and for many, sound quality is a top priority when assessing an album.

 Our Approach to Grading Used Albums

Our process begins when we purchase records from various sources. Sorting through thousands of albums, David carefully selects those that meet our criteria, aiming for a healthy pile. This process is far more challenging than it may seem.

Here are some of the key factors we consider:

Cover Condition: We assess the cleanliness of the cover and check for any damage, including creases and wear that might not be consistent with the album’s age. A 40-year-old album will naturally have a different patina than a 5-year-old one. We also look for water damage, stickers, pen marks, and glue issues.

Record Condition: We perform a thorough visual inspection to identify common issues like scratches, warping, or label damage. We then evaluate whether the record is still suitable for sale.

Once the records pass this initial evaluation, they move on to our workshop for a more rigorous process. 

 The Workshop Process

Each used album is cleaned using a commercial record cleaner, then re-inspected. At this stage, records either join the "Yes" pile or are rejected.

Next, we audition the records on our Mofi turntable, carefully evaluating the sound quality. We assess factors like clarity, clicks, pops, distortion, and pressing defects, ensuring that the record is free of major flaws like wobbles or skips. We ask ourselves, "Is this a record that someone will enjoy listening to?"

Finally, we write an honest and accurate description of the album’s sound. Our reviews reflect whether the record meets our high standards.

Why We Go the Extra Mile

This process is labour-intensive, and some may wonder why we put in so much effort. The feedback we’ve received from clients suggests we're on the right track, as many appreciate the attention to detail we provide. Record buying can be very hit-and-miss and we hope our approach makes the process more enjoyable.

Love to hear your thoughts. 

All the best, Otis