Understanding Vinyl, CD, and Cassette Grading

At Calcutta Records, we take pride in offering a wide selection of music formats, including vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes. Each item in our collection undergoes meticulous grading to ensure our customers receive products that meet their expectations. Understanding the grading system is essential for making informed purchasing decisions, so let’s delve into the details:

M - Mint

Mint condition items are in absolutely perfect condition. It is essentially new, having never been played or even removed from its original packaging. There are no blemishes, scratches or audio distortions. The record’s surface is pristine, and the cover is immaculate. Mint condition items are highly sought after by collectors and audiophiles due to its rarity and superior sound quality.

 
 
 

BSTOCK - B Stock

B Stock items have had their seal opened and may have been used for demonstration purposes. While not in mint condition, they are still of high quality and function as intended.

NM - Near Mint

Near Mint items have been played but maintain excellent condition. They play flawlessly, exhibiting no scratches, skips, or noise, and are virtually indistinguishable from new.

VG+ - Very Good Plus

Very Good Plus items play back as good as new despite having one or two visible scratches on the surface. These scratches do not affect playback quality and are considered minor.

VG - Very Good

Very Good items may have two or more visible scratches on the surface but still offer a satisfactory listening experience. They might exhibit occasional pops or skips but are generally in good condition.

VG- Very Good Minus

Very Good Minus items have more than two visible scratches and may experience more frequent pops and skips. However, they remain in playable condition and can still provide enjoyment.

P - Poor

Poor items have significant scratches, pops, and skips, making them less desirable for listening purposes. While they may have historical or collectible value, their playback quality is compromised.
Understanding these grading categories empowers our customers to choose items that best suit their preferences and expectations. At Calcutta Records, we strive to provide a comprehensive selection of music formats, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction.