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Northwest Grooves Used Vinyl Process

Here at Northwest Grooves we process and inspect every used record meticulously and with extra care.  We call it the Northwest Grooves 3 step process.
  1. Each used record is inspected for any major scratches and warping then cleaned via the Degritter Ultra-Sonic record cleaning machine.
  2. Next, each vinyl is placed in a poly sleeve for protection from any further scratches.
  3. Then, the vinyl with poly sleeve is placed behind the album jacket to avoid ring wear or seem splits and placed in a resealable outer sleeve to keep the dust out.  

 


    The Vinyl Grading System

    Each album carries an acronym. This acronym displays the record’s overall quality with relevance to industry standards and priced accordingly.  Northwest Grooves displays the grading of the vinyl and sleeve on each used record.
    Mint (M)
    A Mint record is perfect. It’s never been played, and it might’ve never been removed from its package. It’s fully sealed, and it has no blemishes or audio distortions. Mint vinyl is rare, and it’s incredibly valuable.
    Near Mint (NM)
    A Near Mint record is a fantastic investment. It looks glossy, and it’s clearly only been played several times. NM vinyl has little to no markings, and its package is either untouched or nearly untouched. Don’t expect to find any distortions on a NM record. In essence: A NM record is imperfect only in its one-or-two-time use.
    Excellent (E)
    An Excellent record is similar to a VG+ record. Its light marks will be difficult to spot, however, as will be its audio distortions. A lot of E-rated records have been in and out of their sleeve only a few times. Their minute signs of use, generally, reflect high-quality care.
    Very Good Plus (VG+)
    The next step up, a VG+ record has little faults. It doesn’t, however, have compromised audio or visuals. A VG+ record may have several inaudible marks and a little rub. Its audio may have slight background crackle. If you’ve come across a VG+ record, you’ve found a solid investment. As with a VG record, however, close inspection may reveal its age.
    Very Good (VG)
    A VG-rated vinyl has experienced a lot of use. It’s still useable, but it’ll carry a few distortions. Ranked above a G-rated record, a VG-rated record often carries light pops and clicks. It might have light visible scratches, and it may have split edges. You can enjoy listening to a VG-rated record, and you can use it as an artistic display, too. For the most part, a VG-rated record is undamaged. Upon closer inspection, however, its use will be apparent—both visually and audibly.
    Good (G)
    While the term “good” might seem positive, a record carrying a G grade may still be of poor quality. Record enthusiasts often sell records of top quality. If they’ve rated a record as Good, they may be picking up on undesirable condition traits. Frequently, a G-rated record is sold at a bargain price. It’s useable, but it may have several scratches. Its music has light distortions.

    Buy-Sell-Trade. We want your Used Records!

    Sell your used Vinyl Records to us at Northwest Grooves and get cash or store credit!  If your used Vinyl Records are in great shape, and if they are something we can sell, we can buy them. Records and covers must all be in good condition. We buy many types of music on Vinyl, including rock, jazz, pop, alternative, soul, blues, international, reggae, oldies, country, vocals, and more.  

    Contact us at 541-264-8040