Making the grade: How do I grade my 78 RPM Records? Free Grading Guide.

The 78 RPM Record Collecting Hobby uses a grading system known as the VJM Grading System. The VJM Record Grading System is an internationally-used and recognized system for grading both 78s and LPs. It is used by virtually all jazz, blues, personality and most pre-war record dealers and collectors alike, with an easily understood sequence of letters to show grades and a system of abbreviations to show faults and damage. The first grading system to be adopted by jazz record collectors was devised by the publishers of Record Changer magazine in the 1940s, and the system now known as the VJM Grading System is a refined version of the former, introduced in the early 1950s.

The VJM System has never been, however, aligned with a 10-point system. We have attempted with this guide to match the VJM system to a 10-point system, because, in our opinion, new collectors feel more secure with "sight unseen" Internet buying when they are familiar with a 10-point grading system. New collectors in any hobby become advanced collectors through knowledge, including knowledge of terminology. Without such a set of grading terms and definitions, buyers may feel confused and uncertain about the quality of items they are buying over the internet or through the mail. Confusion and uncertainty are not good for the growth of any hobby.

This VJM/10-point scale for grading  is similar to systems already adopted in other markets. By using a set of standardized grading terms, we can ensure the growth of the hobby now and in the future.

C10 = N : Store Stock New

As new and unplayed.

---

C9 = N-

Nearly New, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.

---

C8 = E+

Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of sleeves.

---

C7 = E : Excellent

Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.

---

C6 = E-

Still shiny but without the luster of a new record, few light scratches.

---

C5 = V+

V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced.

---

C4 = V : Very Good

Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.

---

C3 = V-

Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level.

---

C2 = G+

Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.

---

C1 = G : Good

Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is stillhigher than surface noise.

---

G- ; F ; and P

The VJM system has these designations for records in extremely poor condition. We do not place these on the 10-point scale because records in this condition have little or no value. In cases where the record is extremely rare, it would be worth the C1 price.

---

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

sfc = surface
lbl = label
nap = not affecting play
scr/scrs = scratch/scratches
lc or lam  = lamination crack
cr = crack
gv/gvs= groove/grooves
hlc/hc = hairline crack
wol = writing on label
sol = sticker on label
fade = faded label
eb = edge bite
ec = edge chip
ef =edge flake
cvr = cover
s = stereo
rc= rim chip
rf = rough;
aud/inaud = audible/inaudible
lt = light

---