Here’s a brief explanation of the Recordsbymail.com grading system, followed by an overview of abbreviations you will encounter...

SS Still Sealed - in factory-fresh condition

M Mint - I don't use this grade.

M- Mint Minus - a near perfect, probably unplayed record

VG+ Very Good Plus – close to like new with only superficial signs of use that don’t affect play. Only well cared for records will grade out to VG+. Will satisfy all but the most demanding collector.

VG Very Good - a used, reasonable copy. There will be obvious signs of wear and the possibility of light surface noise between tracks or during quiet passages, but still quite nice.

VG- Very Good Minus - significant wear and marks and usually quite noticeable surface noise.

G+ Good Plus. In the record world, 'Good' is not good! From here on down (Fair, Poor), we're talking about beat-up records.

COMMENTS:

co = drill hole in label or jacket (or saw mark/cut corner on cover)

cw = cover wear

dj = promotional issue 45

djt = dj timing strip (12" x 4" white sticker on cover detailing titles and playing time)

es = electric stereo (the record industry’s sorry attempt at giving stereo-like sound characteristics to mono recordings)

lbl = label

ps = picture sleeve (for 45's)

pc = picture cover (hard cover – usually 45rpm Eps)

re = reissue

sl = slight

sm= small

tobc = tag on back cover

tol = tag on label

wlp = white label promo

woc = writing on cover

wol = writing on label

#ol = number on label

oc = on cover

obc = on back cover

promo stamp=usually gold embossed notice on jacket indicating that item intended for promotional use

split seams, 4" split, 8" taped seam, etc... = all refer to cover damage

All these comments have no bearing on the disc itself, but only refer to the cover or label.

If you do not see an answer to your questions please contact us at cmoerer@recordsbymail.com with your question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

For those of you with questions regarding a title, it would be best if you could tell us of your specific needs, e.g. if you want to know whether an album has a specific track on it, it would be best to ask us if the album has the particular title rather than asking us to list all the titles. The more succinct and specific the question, the quicker it will be for us to get back to you.