Please Read to the End

Artist: Lou Donaldson

Title: Gravy Train

Catalog: Blue Note BLP 4079

Record Condition:  VG- 

Cover Condition: weak VG+   

Notes: 1962 US original, New York label, stamped RVG and Plastylite ear in dead wax,  mono, pro-cleaned

Grading (modified Goldmine standard)

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way. To qualify as Mint, a record must never have been played and is possibly still sealed. Mint should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all. Note that an item can be sealed and not Mint. (I do not use this grade. If an item is still sealed, I’ll just say that.)
• Near Mint (NM): Nearly perfect. Near Mint (NM) vinyl has more than likely never been played. By its appearance, one would expect no imperfections during playback. The item should show no obvious signs of wear. The cover can have very minor defects, but it should have no folds, seam splits, scratches, or other noticeable defects. The same should be true of any inserts such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc. Many dealers won’t give a grade higher than NM, implying (perhaps correctly) that no item is ever truly perfect. (NM is my top grade.)
• Very Good Plus (VG+): The item will show some signs that it was played and handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Any defects are of a cosmetic nature and affect playback minimally if at all. Surfaces may show some signs of wear, such as slight scuffs or very light (“hairline”) scratches, and slight warps that do not affect the sound are okay. Paper products like sleeves will have some wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a small seam-split (less than 1/4”). In general, a VG+ record plays (nearly) perfectly and, if not for some minor aesthetic wear, it would be Near Mint. (I may use an additional + (VG++) to indicate a record exceptionally close to Near Mint. A VG+ record will have no feelable marks on it!)
• Very Good (VG): An item’s defects will be more pronounced. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and fade, but will not overpower the music. Wear may start to be noticeable, such as with light scratches on vinyl (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels, covers, and sleeves may be marred by writing or have tape, stickers, and residue attached. However, a VG item will not have all of these problems at the same time. (I may use a - (VG-) to indicate a record very close to G+.)
• Good (G), Good Plus( G+):  An item in Good (G) or Good Plus (G+) condition can be played through without skipping, but it will have significant surface noise, scratches, crackling, or visible wear. Covers or sleeves will have scratches or seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, or other defects will also be present.
• Poor (P), Fair (F): A record in this condition is cracked, badly warped, and won’t play through without skipping or repeating. The cover could be cracked, water-damaged, and heavily marred by wear or writing. Cover and inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.