What do all the letters in parenthesis (M, NM, etc) mean??

Since I also carry used records, it is important to know what you are buying. Records are graded using the Goldmine Grading Guide. 

Basically, it looks like this (pulled from Discogs.com since I grade and sell there as well).

You'll notice I often included "Comments" on more specific conditions, such as "surface noise, but plays fine."  Again, just trying to level set with as much info as possible. 

Mint (M)

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.  

Near Mint (NM or M-)

A nearly perfect record. A NM or M- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.   

Very Good Plus (VG+) 

Generally worth 50% of the Near Mint value. A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.   

Very Good (VG) 

Generally worth 25% of Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. 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 otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time. Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price.  

Good (G), Good Plus (G+) 

Generally worth 10-15% of the Near Mint value. A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.   

Poor (P), Fair (F)

Generally worth 0-5% of the Near Mint price. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.   

Generic

Within the context of grading items in the Discogs Marketplace, the term "generic" refers to a type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. A generic sleeve is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve that is graded as "generic" needs no further grading, as a generic sleeve generally adds little value to the item and can be easily replaced. Sellers can further specify a generic sleeve's condition in the “Item condition comment” field if needed. A seller can also note if the sleeve is a company sleeve in the “Item condition comment” field.

What does Vinyl Only / First mean?

Do you ship to my country? 

If you live in the US, then yes.

If you are outside of the US, then okay fine, but there are probably a lot cheaper ways to get these records, since many of them are coming from UK or Europe to me. Doesn't make a lot of sense to send them back across the pond again, does it? 

Where is my order? 

If you have ordered from us, whether through Discogs or the website, we are typically quick to respond and provide updates. The website generates auto-emails and texts for status.

If you have not seen anything within 24-48 hrs, please check spam filters or unknown text senders, and add us to your contacts.

Also, do not hesitate to reach out to info (at) undergroundvinylsource.com or our WhatsApp: Underground Vinyl Source to let us know. 

Also, check our shipping and handling policies here. 

What is your return policy? 

See our shipping & return policy here.
Note: Used records are not returnable, but if you have a problem with your order, disagree with my grading or representation of the record or sleeve condition, or are unsatisfied, then please contact me. 

Why can't I find / play a sample?

A lot of the used record samples come directly from Discogs / YouTube / Soundcloud. If someone's video gets taken down or is set to private, we can't control that, but are trying to fix those where we can.

Sometimes the tracks are so new, there aren't public samples out there, so we have to create one (and that takes time). 

Occasionally, clips are tucked away in the image carousel, so be sure to look there too.

 

 

How often do you get new stuff?

Currently, we're updating new releases about 2x month. As we ramp up, this may change. However, we're constantly updating the used section, which may contain barely used new releases, as well as decades worth of house, progressive house & trance, and more. 

Interested in distributing your label or releases through our site? 

We would love to talk. Please, contact me.

Can I come visit your shop? 

We are an online shop only at this point. However, I can offer limited, appointment-only digs to existing customers and VIPs. This works best when I know your style and what you buy and are looking for so that I can curate the experience as best as possible. Contact me to schedule.