Nirvana - Nevermind, (2001) LP Vinyl in Shrink, DGC – 424 425-1, German Import

$

100

GRADE & DESCRIPTION (RECORD):  VG Play tested, and the sound is incredible. Disclaimer, I am not and have never proclaimed to be an audiophile, so let me just get that out there first and foremost.  I do however hear some differences between certain pressings, that I can't quantify and cannot prove, but I could with out a doubt here a difference between an RL pressing of Zep II, an Albert pressing of Let There be Rock, or a UK 1st of Wish You Were Here. To my ears this album has that. And when the dial is cranked, it's the best I've ever heard this album.  2nd Note, based on the run outs, it's nearly impossible to tell the difference between this cut and several others on discogs, so I cannot definitively say this is a 2001 pressing than say a 2015 - except that with the shrink wrap intact it does not have a Back to Black hype sticker. So all of that said, I cannot guarantee it to be a 2001 pressing, but in my heart of hearts, I believe it is. And lastly and this anecdotal but the person with whom I bought this from and the rest of their collection had quite a bit of 2000-2010 pressed vinyl, that pushes me further in that direction. 

Now aside from that bit of speculation, the vinyl itself plays beautiful, it does however have a couple of blemishes, really the only one of true note that is audible is the squiggly hairline at A3, perhaps they really wanted to hear Come as You Are and got a bit heavy handed. The mark(s) are light in nature, but audible, not jarring but a bit present just at the quieter intro, it's fairly brief and fades with the music. Aside from that there is some occasional light surface noise between tracks, a couple small random touches, never anything to disrupted my listening. By and large the music is loud, aggressive and fully in your face. It's priced high, and I understand questioning it based on the grade. The truth is that if it sells cool, you'll love it, I'm fairly certain - and if it doesn't sell, I know I will love it, and will continue to enjoy it. I have 3 other pressings, all pristine, and none of them will ever be played over this version. It feels like  Middle School me with the cd cranked on my Aiwa cd player.

GRADE & DESCRIPTION (COVER): VG  you're still reading? Right on. Jacket is in very good shape, it shows some wear, most notable on the corners, top and bottom right side, light wear on the opening, seams and spine look awesome, a couple very faint hairline creases.  Honestly it's probably VG+, but it has that EU flimsiness to it.

All Records individually listed for sale have been cleaned by an ultrasonic cleaner and then rinsed with distilled water afterwards.

 Grading is visually, unless otherwise mentioned on the specific item. I grade visually under a 2,300 lumen LED bulb, I see everything, I may miss something, but if it's there - then I should see it and try to grade accordingly. I also like to use a pretty high grade camera for photos, so I try to give a nice visual of what I can see, which can be difficult with photography. But I'd rather show you as much of the "wear" as possible to avoid surprises when they are unpacked. If I ever miss the mark please let me know!

Grading break down, on a side note grading is obviously the most important, and hardest part of the job. It's also the most subjective.  I do use Goldmine Grading as a standard, or as close as I can interpret it. The gap from NM to VG+ seems miniscule, while the distance from VG+ to VG feels oceanic.  A VG+ record to me, like nearly all vinyl in existence will probably at some point present some form of surface noise. Whether that happens to be a bit of static build up, some particle of dust that just dropped from the curtains, or a few faint sleeve scuffs that crackle during the lead in, or for a brief quiet stretch.  I do not present VG+ records as pin drop silent, they may be on your setup when played, but I will never advertise that it will be. To me a VG+ record should be an absolutely rock solid piece of vinyl, NOT perfect, but darn near.  If you want Mint vinyl, buy brand new and hope that you dodge the dozens of landmines that current pressing plants have to offer, with quality control, non-fill, warpage, etc..  I buy used vinyl on eBay as well, and more often than not when I buy something NM/NM-/EX/VG+ I'm left feeling dissatisfied after I've opened that package. I know a lot of buyers feel the same way. If you ever buy from me, and feel that way, please reach out - let me know about it, I never want someone left feeling disappointed with their purchase.  If I have a VG album and it's priced higher than most VG, or some VG+ (or my VG+ to there EX/NM) it's because I feel strongly about my grade and pricing that reflects it.  I feel pretty confident my VG+ is often times stricter than the majority of peoples EX/NM, just based on the items I've purchased in the past. On a side note, the amount of 40-50+ year vinyl being advertised as EX/Near Mint is astounding to me, I must not have luck when buying record collections, because the amount of truly EX/NM vinyl from the 70's I ever come across feel likes a pin drop, no matter how wide eyed I'd like to view my inventory.

                                                              Vinyl Grading

Mint (M)                       -  Still in original sealed shrink wrap. Period. Nothing opened is Mint. (no returns on sealed items, if opened)

Near Mint                     - I do not grade anything NM or NM- (with the exception being that I myself opened the vinyl to verify the pressing color), its been my experience that next to nearly no vinyl is ever truly NM, or NM sounding, even on brand new albums I myself purchase and clean prior to playing. It's so rare, I'm not going to bother anyone with that. Furthermore what plays perfectly on my system, may not on yours. So if you only buy albums graded NM, I'm sorry we can't work together.

Excellent  (EX)            -      I'll next to never use this, possibly newer pressings from the last 10 years that have seen a few plays, or vintage stuff that shows visually nearly no visible flaws. Not quite Mint but would be if only for the faintest of sleeve scuffs that should have zero impact on playback. I really try to avoid this grade. It will look nearly new. Should not disappoint.

Very Good+ (VG+)      -       This is a record I would be totally content not searching for an upgrade for within my own personal collection. Records in this grade will have light sleeve marks, a very few/if any - very light "hairline" scratches, certainly nothing that can be felt. Very minimal surface noise, nothing that takes away from the music. Usually only noticeable at the lead in or run out, between tracks or quieter passages, if at all. When I see an album like this I think "I can't wait to play this", as opposed to say "Hopefully this plays nicely".

Very Good    (VG)       -       I often consider these "Casual Player Copies", Records in this grade were well loved and well played - but not abused, usually when I play grade, I'm working while listening, something that is VG should not distract my ears, I can enjoy the music thoroughly, and sometimes forget about it because nothing is catching my attention, but some surface noise is expected, though again should not ruin the listening the experience. If I'm going to have a dedicated critical "listening session" perhaps with a glass of wine or something rolled up, I'd want VG+, but anything else where listening is not my sole focus, VG is Very Good to me.  Vinyl will have more obvious marks, possibly some that can be felt, though typically will be noted on the description. Will have some light surface noise, nothing too distracting. Not a perfect record, but should still be a Very Good, enjoyable copy.

Very Good- (VG-)        -       Records in this grade will have many more marks, scratches, will have background noise/ticks/pops, but not completely distracting, again as a casual copy for the background and I don't feel like spending up a nicer copy. It should be decent copy at a decent price.

Good/Good+  (G/G+)  -      Let's be honest, Good in the world of vinyl is really not good at all.  These records will definitely show wear and tear, ticks and pops will be present, and quite possibly skips, I usually try to play test anything in this area to see how it sounds, but every turntable will have different playback, mine from yours.  This is not a final copy, but perhaps a decent place holder. Typically only will sell on harder to find albums due to scarcity. Or for a cheap substitute. Not for the faint of heart.

                                                              Jacket Grading

Near Mint - Again, no use here, I deal mostly in vintage vinyl, if you see a truly NM 1960's jacket, take a photo and send it to me, I'd love to see what that looks like.

Excellent- I'll nearly never use this one, the exception being records usually pressed in the last 20 years or so. Jacket shows really nicely, should have the very faintest signs of wear, be it on the corners, seams, spine.  Like new or close to it.

VG+                 - Should look very nice, perhaps some faint seam/spine/ring/corner wear, sticker residue, writing.  It won't look perfect, but it should still look darn good.

VG                 - Should still look pretty nice as well, but will have slightly more pronounced seam/spine/ring wear, and possibly some splits on the seams/spine - which will be notated in the description.  Might have light water damage, which would be listed in the description. This is a jacket that shouldn't be an eye sore, but what looks like Mom or Dad used to enjoy listening to often, 30-60 years ago.

Fair/Good/Poor   - These are all varying degrees of beat up.  Extensive splits, wear, water damage, the damage that's been done to it though will be noted in the description. 

I typically do not factor in stickers/writing on labels or jacket, more often than not they should be visible on the pictures of the actual item for sale.  I do not grade inner sleeves either, if an original custom inner sleeve is present - I usually try to notate if it.  If you have a question whether the original is with the album, and it's condition, please ask. If you have any questions you can always reach out.

Records are shipped in LP Mailers specifically designed for shipping records, with the record outside the jacket in a new plastic outer sleeve, and the vinyl in a new plastic inner sleeve, to try and avoid damage to spine/seams. Records are shipped with Pad Inserts between the records. New sealed records are shipped still sealed, with pads on either side.

Free Shipping via USPS Media Mail,

 if you'd like to upgrade to Priority please reach out and I can get a quote.

 I usually ship within 24-48 hours, sometimes that same day.  Local post office is closed on Saturdays, so if you order Friday depending on the timing, or Sat-Sun they will ship on Monday.

Free Return Shipping if you are not happy with my grading of a record.  I always try my best, but from time to time I may miss something, I will always try to make things right.  So please don't hesitate to reach out if you feel I wronged you.  I'm here for the long haul, so you're satisfaction goes a long way towards my happiness, please let me know good, bad, or otherwise, I'm always trying to improve