We assume that there are different interpretations of the standard grades used for re-sold records, so we will define here the grades we are working with, so you have an idea what we mean when we give the grade for a record.

We have separeted grades for cover and vinyl and there are no grades for CD, DVD or other formats. Please note that we do grade records that are not original pressings but pre-owned. However, please be aware that since the main emphasis of Hum Records is towards the music listener, our main concern is with the vinyl of any used item we sell. Additionally, please note that almost all of our records are graded visually; it is impossible for us to listen to each record. If we spot any significant flaws, we make every attempt to listen through them and note how they play.

Additional Marks & Notes

If something is noteworthy (e.g. cut-outs), we try to note it in the comments -- especially if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record.

Further Explanations

LC: Label Cover
NC: No Cover
PC: Picture Cover
PL: Plain Cover
SC: Sticker Cover

AUT: Austrian Pressing
BEL: Belgian Pressing
CAN: Canadian Pressing
FRA: French Pressing
GER: German Pressing
GBR: Great Britain Pressing
ITA: Italian Pressing
JPN: Japanese Pressing
NED: Dutch Pressing
SUI: Swiss Pressing
SWE: Swedish Pressing
USA: American Pressing

The following grading conditions apply to the vinyl and cover of an album or single:

Sealed (s)
This is what it says, that the record is still held fast in shrink-wrap. We tend to be pretty suspicious about these things, so if the shrink-wrap doesn't look original, or if the record seems to have undergone some damage over time, we'll probably take it out of the wrapper to ensure that it's in good shape.
Cover looks as bought directly off the pressing plant.

Mint (m)
Vinyl with no dirt, no scuffs.
No marks, except for very slight flaws in the vinyl that may have to do with the way the record was pressed. However, this record plays as new.
The shrink-wrap is opened up, but as new.

Excellent (ex)
Vinyl that may show a slight amount of dust or dirt, but no scuffs.
One or two small marks that would make an otherwise near perfect record slightly less so. These marks cannot be too deep, and should only be surface marks that won't affect play, but might detract from the looks.
May have some slight marks from aging of the paper sleeve on the vinyl.
Possible minor surface noise when played.
Cover is excellent for presenting your collection on the wall, still shiny and reflecting, tough the shrink might be missing.

Very Good (vg)
Vinyl should be clean, but can have dust and scuffs.
Can have a few small marks that may show up easily, but which do not affect play at all.
This is the kind of record that will play "excellent", but which will have some signs of use (although not major ones).
May have slight surface noise when played, especially inbetween tracks.
Cover has some slight marks, but still looks very good.

Good (g)
Vinyl may be dirty, and can lack a fair amount of luster.
Vinyl can have a number of marks, either in clusters or smaller amounts, but deeper.
In general, this is a record that was played a fair amount, handled without care, but which is not totally trashed. Still you will be able to notice the loss of quality in listening.
Cover has visible marks.

Poor (p)
A record that you'd buy to play, cheap, but which you wouldn't buy for collecting, because it’s outworn.
Does have marks, scuffs, etc -- but should not be totally trashed.
Cover is in no shape, but not totally trashed.