All records that are listed on our website are acceptable to most collectors. We grade not only the record but also the cover. We realize that people want quality at a fair price.

To give you more of an idea on the condition grades for vinyl records, we have put together this rating system below, which are our definitions for grading. For CD's, see below records.

Records :

SEALED
Sealed means that the record is sealed in a factory plastic shrink wrap. This record could be a promo or factory second that has never been opened. But, due to the fact that Solsound Music is not able to view the disc inside, we cannot give a grade or guarantee that the disc inside is what is listed on the cover. Therefore, we do not accept returns on sealed records. These are sold as-is.

MINT
Mint means that the record appears as new or unplayed. This record should appear perfect like it just left the press. The cover and any inserts should be in perfect condition. No scuffs, no bends, nothing.

NEAR MINT
Near Mint means the record appears new at first glace, but a closer look may reveal that it could have been played. It may show very minimal wear, if any. The cover graded NM should be in near perfect condition, but may show some very light storage wear. Any inserts should be in near perfect condition as well.

M-
Mint Minus means there may be slight visible surface markings under bright light, usually caused by dust "etching", but the sound quality of the record is not adversely affected. The cover graded M- may show some very slight edge/ring wear. Any inserts should still be in perfect shape.

VG+
Very Good plus means the surface of the record may have slight signs of wear or light scratches that don't effect listening quality. The record has been handled or played either infrequently or very carefully. The cover graded VG+ may show some minor edge/ring wear or slight fraying to the corners. Any inserts may show some very slight wear.

VG
Very Good means the surface of the record may have some noticeable marks or scuffs, but the record should play very well. Possibly some pops or slight noise may be heard. Even at this grade, the record may play perfectly with no noise and/ or pops. The cover graded VG may show some of the following: minor edge/ring wear, fraying to the corners, slight seam splits, demo cuts or writing. Any inserts may show some wear.

VG-
Very Good Minus means that the record is just short of being Very Good. There will be visible marks. There is a greater chance that the record will have pops and noise. Again, even at this grade, there will be no skips, and possibly, little or no distracting noise. The cover graded VG- may show some of the following: edge/ring wear, fraying to the corners, seam splits, demo cuts, writing, possible watermark or stain. Any inserts should show some wear.

G
Good means the record has been played so much that the sound quality has been affected noticeably, perhaps with some distortion and clicks due to scratches. The main place to use this classification is for picture discs, where the sound deteriorates more quickly with use. The cover graded G will show some of the following: edge/ring wear, fraying to the corners, seam splits, demo cuts, writing, minor tears, possible watermark or stain. Any inserts should show some wear or may be folded, have minor tears and/or writing.

CD's:

CD's are harder to grade, sometimes CD's that appear mint will not play, other CD's that look wrecked may play fine! To further complicate the issue damaged CD's may play fine on one player and not on another! For this reason WE DO NOT mail CD's that have scratches on them.

SEALED
Sealed means that the case is sealed in a factory plastic shrink wrap. This could be a promo or factory second that has never been opened. But, due to the fact that Solsound Music is not able to view the disc inside, we cannot give a grade or guarantee that the disc inside is what is listed on the cover. Therefore, we do not accept returns on sealed CD's. These are sold as-is.

MINT
Mint means that the CD appears as new or unplayed. This CD should appear perfect and still have it's virgin "shine" or gloss. The case graded M and any inserts should be in perfect condition.

NEAR MINT
Near Mint means the CD appears new at first glace, but a closer look may reveal that it could have been played. It may show very minimal wear, if any. The case graded NM and inserts should be in near perfect condition, but may show some very light storage wear.

M-
Mint Minus means there may be slight visible surface markings under bright light, usually caused by dust "etching", but the sound quality of the CD is not adversely affected. The case may show some very slight wear. Inserts should still be in perfect shape.

VG+
Very Good plus means the surface of the CD may have slight signs of wear or very light scratches that don't effect listening quality. The CD has been handled or played either infrequently or very carefully. The cover may show some minor wear. Inserts may show some very slight wear.

VG
Very Good means the surface of the record may have some noticeable marks or scuffs, but it has been tested to play very well with no digital skipping. The case may show some scratches and use. Inserts may show some wear.

VG-
Very Good Minus will only be used to describe a CD case. We will not sell a CD below the grade of VG.

Glossary :

Abbreviations (for records)

For reference purposes, the following list contains an explanation of some commonly used terms in record collecting:

box set = multi-LP or CD set in presentation

box catalog number = identifying number on sleeve/disc company

sleeve = record sleeve featuring record company logo

compilation = collection of songs from various sources

cue sheet = printed supplement included with radio/interview albums

deleted = no longer commercially available, ie out-of-print

demo = demonstration disc pressed for reviewers/radio stations etc

die-cut sleeve = sleeve with pattern or circular hole cut on one or both sides

double-pack = two records packaged together as one release envelope

sleeve/ps = thick card sleeve with envelope-style flap opening

flexidisc = soft plastic (flexible) record

gatefold sleeve = record cover that opens out like a book

inner sleeve = printed protective sleeve for disc inside main cover

insert = bonus item of packaging, eg postcard, info sheet

laminated sleeve = sleeve with high gloss, shiny finish

limited edition = a release pressed in a set, limited quantity

lyric sheet = paper or card insert featuring words to songs

matrix number = unique number/letter code etched into record run-out groove

memorabilia = collectors items such as clothing, printed matter, backstage passes, etc

mispress(ing) = disc pressed with incorrect music, label info or design

mono/stereo/quadraphonic = music recorded for playback through one/two/four channels

one-sided = record with music on one side only

picture disc = record with a picture/design sealed within playable clear vinyl

picture sleeve = sleeve with a printed picture/design

poster sleeve = sleeve that folds out into a poster

promo = promotional release used by DJs, journalists, etc

reissue = re-release of a recording

run-out groove = continuous groove at end of record

sampler = compilation release showcasing an artist, label, genre etc

sealed = shrink wrapped in cellophane (unopened)

shaped disc = non-circular release, normally shaped picture disc

test pressing = non-commercial pressing made by manufacture for quality control

vinyl = material from which records are made (also 'plastic', 'wax' etc)

warped = record misshapen by heat

white label = type of demo, promo or test pressing with plain white labels

withdrawn = release removed from sale by record company