Record Condition & Grading
At 4Eyed Records, we want you to understand the condition of the record you’re buying. Each listing separates the record itself—the media—from its sleeve or jacket, and states how it was inspected.
New and factory-sealed records
A factory seal means the record remains unopened. It does not guarantee a flawless record or jacket.
For records that remain sealed, our listings show:
- Item condition: New, when applicable
- Sealed status: Factory sealed
- Media: Not inspected
- Inspection: Not tested
We leave sealed records unopened. We assess the visible jacket separately and describe any observed corner wear, creases, seam splits, or other damage.
“New” and “sealed” are separate descriptions: some new records are supplied without shrink wrap.
Understanding our grades
We use the Goldmine grade names followed by Discogs. Media and jacket receive separate grades.
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mint (M) | Perfect and unplayed. Used sparingly; a seal alone does not establish Mint condition. |
| Near Mint (NM) | Nearly perfect, with no obvious wear. |
| Very Good Plus (VG+) | Light signs of handling or cosmetic wear, without significant impact on listening. |
| Very Good (VG) | Noticeable wear. Records may have audible surface noise; jackets may show more pronounced wear. |
| Good Plus / Good (G+ / G) | Considerable wear and noise, but the record should play through without skipping. |
| Fair / Poor (F / P) | Serious wear, damage, or playback limitations. Read the individual condition notes carefully. |
The grade is a summary. The inspection method and condition notes provide the details about your copy.
What was checked?
Not tested: No playback test was performed.
Visually inspected: The record was examined but not played. A visual inspection cannot confirm how every passage will sound.
Spot-play tested: Selected passages were played. This does not mean every track or side was checked; the notes explain the scope.
Fully play tested: Every side was played through. Any observed noise or playback issues are described in the notes.
Not inspected means the relevant part has not been examined. Not graded means no condition grade has been assigned. Neither should be read as a particular quality rating.
Photos and condition notes
Listings may use reference artwork or photographs of the actual item. Reference artwork identifies the release; it does not show the condition of your particular copy.
Read the condition notes for visible wear, missing inserts, or other differences. “Generic sleeve” means a sleeve that is not specific to that release. “No Cover” means the cover is absent.
Questions about a record?
Please contact us before ordering if you would like clarification about a pressing, grade, photograph, or inspection. Include the product title or SKU so we can identify the right copy.
We’re happy to help you make an informed choice.