VinylSearcher.com Rewrites The Goldmine Standard

found this interesting, but i think there should be one standard that everyone goes by.  i still get confused at eBay when someone rates a record vg++ or m- , just what is the difference?  I like a numbering system myself, any other thoughts?

The goldmine standard, who, why and what are we going to do about it?

Ages ago someone decided to invent a standard for grading records, this was called the goldmine standard. The issue is the standard is quite frankly rubbish, let me explain why. Say for example you want to buy a nice quality vinyl record you might pick “good” as the quality, usually in like if something is good quality then its good, oh no, the goldmine standard decided that Good meant rubbish! look:

"Generally worth 10-15 percent of the Near Mint value. Good does not mean Bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white). A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But, if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it...but keep looking to upgrade. "

Now does that sound good to you ? no. I think not..so lets go up the scale past Good and Very Good to Very Good Plus, surely this must be a nice quality record that you would happily purchase:

"Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. "

Now this sounds a bit better, and yes generally its ok to buy a very good plus. The point is what is a standard if its completely out of date. Why cant people just agree that Good is Rubbish, now VinylSearcher.com has taken a better approach, they have the goldmine standard but they also added there own version so people know what will pop through there mailbox.

So whats does the GoldMine Standard actually mean?

We have written this based on our own vinyl busying experiences, this is only our oppinion. In simple terms if you like records by VG Plus or Mint....then you will be happy!

Mint At VinylSearcher.com we do not classify any 2nd hand records as mint, mint is new, sealed, perfect - Nice if you can find them. -

Near Mint A nearly perfect record. This is the sort of quality we would recommend you buying - "Nice Record". -

Very Good Plus Slight warps, scuffs, sleeve damage, noticeable but only just. Very Good Plus record is highly acceptable - Sounds okayWorth 50% Max of Original value

Very Good Surface noise will be evident upon playing! - If you really want that tune get this one!Worth 25% Max of Original value

Good or Good Plus Significant Surface noise! This is not "good" when buying a tune - Don't Bother!Worth 10% Max of Original value

Poor or Fair "Rubbish record", it's warped, cracked and does'nt play without skipping - Don't Bother unless you need a scratch tool!Worth 5% Max of Original value

At least someone has got it sorted!

www.vinylsearcher.com

i'm still confused!!