>User Profile > DougsVinyl > All-About-Me

HI. Having just left e-Bay after 8 years as a 100% private seller, Ive been looking at viable alternatives. And here I am. I have a great interest in music of the 1950s and 1960s particulary. I used to work in a record store in London as my first job in the mid to late sixties where I was a buyer of vinyl. This isn't so much a make money thing these days, but stems from the love of music, the vinyl revival and is a great diversion from the trials of modern life!

When you buy a vinyl record you are buying a physicalobject that you can see and touch, a piece of history in many ways. It's not a faceless download that's been "digitalised" and often doesn't sound the same does it? It's not just the music, but also the sleeve, some of which are pieces of art. Then you own it, play it and treasure it. No pop ups, no cookies, no viruses onyour computer!

I  specialise mainly in pop and rock singles and EPs, plus a few albums as well. Most of my records are very good or excellent and many I have owned since new. Importantly they are all cleand and tested before dispatch.I pride myself in good customer service where people return for more. If you ever have a problem (rare) with one of my items I will sort it out amicably with you.

Take a look. You won't be dissapointed.I will be adding items regulary.

MY RECORD CONDITION GUIDELINES

I have developed this easy to use system over the last 8 years. Hardly ever let me down. Feel free to use it.

IMPORTANT. I do not grade anyting plus or minus . For example you can't have mint minus. It's either mint or it isn't. Equally you can't have good plus or good minus. If it's minus it's fair, if it's plus it's very good. Keep it simple!

1. MINT

The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster inserts are in perfect condition. Records advertised as sealed or unplayed must be mint.

N.B.There are very few records over 40 years old now that could be mint in my opinion. If it's not sealed as in the USA, how do you know it's not been removed from it's cover? You don't, therefore you cannot fairly grade it mint.

2. EXCELLENT

A nearly perfect record. The record may show some minor signs of having been played, but there is no lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or slight creasing.

3. VERY GOOD

The record has obviously been played many tims, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite some surface marks, the odd light scratch and maybe a few mild crackles. Normal wear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable. In my experience most well looked after vinyl falls into this category.

4. GOOD

A record in good condition should play without skipping. The record will have been played many times so that in some cases the sound quality may have deteriorated to some degree, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents may suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration etc.

5. FAIR

The record is stillplayable but has not been cared for properly and may display considerable surface noise and may even jump or skip. Has hissing and crackling sounds. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and in bad condition.

6. POOR

The record is probably unplayable and in very bad condition. The original sleeve or cover is probably missing. Collectors value only. If you have not got a copy, a poor rare record is better than none.

7. REMEMBER: 1950s/60s vinyl is up to 65 years old and you need to bear this mind when reading the above.

8. AUTHENTICITY

All my records are researched and many have been owned since new. To the best of my knowledge thay are authentic. 

Any questions please ask.