Odeon - 78RPM - 10"
Ethel Smith
A-Side: 299032 A
- Tico Tico No Fubá
B-Side: 299032 B
- Acuarela Del Brasil
The
seller uses the Goldmine Grading Guide to grade the condition of this item:
MINT (M)
These are absolutely perfect in every way. Often rumored but rarely seen, Mint
should never be used as a grade unless more than one person agrees that the
record or sleeve truly is in this condition. There is no set percentage of the
Near Mint value these can bring; it is best negotiated between buyer and
seller.
NEAR MINT (NM OR M-)
A good description of a NM record is “it looks like it just came from a retail
store and it was opened for the first time.” In other words, it’s nearly
perfect. Many dealers won’t use a grade higher than this, implying (perhaps
correctly) that no record or sleeve is ever truly perfect.
NM records are shiny, with no visible defects. Writing, stickers or other
markings cannot appear on the label, nor can any “spindle marks” from someone
trying to blindly put the record on the turntable. Major factory defects also
must be absent; a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near
Mint. If played, it will do so with no surface noise. (NM records don’t have to
be “never played”; a record used on an excellent turntable can remain NM after
many plays if the disc is properly cared for.)
NM covers are free of creases, ring wear and seam splits of any kind.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) or EXCELLENT (E)
A good description of a VG+ record is “except for a couple minor things,
this would be Near Mint.” Most collectors, especially those who want to play
their records, will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if it toward the
high end of the grade (sometimes called VG++ or E+).
VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or
very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps
that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such
as telltale marks around the center hole, but repeated playing has not
misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration,
but it should be barely noticeable.
VG+ covers should have only minor wear. A VG+ cover might have some very
minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most
vulnerable location. Also, a VG+ cover may have some defacing, such as a
cut-out marking. Covers with cut-out markings can never be considered Near
Mint.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ record are more obvious on a VG
record. That said, VG records — which usually sell for no more than 25 percent
of a NM record — are among the biggest bargains in record collecting, because
most of the “big money” goes for more perfect copies. For many listeners, a VG
record or sleeve will be worth the money.
VG records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape.
They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove
wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a
fingernail. When played, a VG record has surface noise, and some scratches may
be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and ending.
But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise.
Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. Many collectors
who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice. They remain
a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.
VG covers will have many signs of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or
along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, is
obvious, though not overwhelming. Some more creases might be visible. Seam
splitting will be more obvious; it may appear on all three sides, though it
won’t be obvious upon looking. Someone might have written or it or stamped a
price tag on it, too.
Good (G),
Good Plus (G+)
or Very Good Minus (VG–)
These records go for 10 to 15 percent of the Near Mint value, if you are lucky.
Good does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, so
it can serve as filler until something better comes along. But it has
significant surface noise and groove wear, and the label is worn, with significant
ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage caused by someone trying to remove
tape or stickers and failing miserably. A Good to VG– cover has ring wear to
the point of distraction, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even
heavier writing, such as, for example, huge radio station letters written
across the front to deter theft.
If the item is common, it’s probably better to pass it up. But if you’ve
been seeking it for a long time, get it cheap and look to upgrade.
POOR (P)
and Fair (F)
Poor (P) and Fair (F) records go for 0 to 5 percent of the Near Mint value, if
they go at all. More likely, they end up going in the trash. Records are
cracked, impossibly warped, or skip and/or repeat when an attempt is made to
play them. Covers are so heavily damaged that you almost want to cry.