Grading

Our CDs are either graded M if brand new and unused, or EX if used but unmarked. Cassettes are either EX (if hardly played) or VG if older. For vinyl, we use the UK Record Collector grading system, with M for new and unused items, EX for items which have been played but which are unmarked, VG for older items which are marked but which offer no significant deterioration in sound quality, G for vinyl with mild surface noise and F (rarely found) for vinyl with more noticeable surface noise but no 'jumps'. We play as many of the records we sell as time allows, but in order to avoid buyer disappointment, we are noticeably cautious in our gradings: many of our vinyl LPs graded as VG would be graded EX by others. This is because we prefer listeners to be pleasantly surprised rather than mildly aggrieved! Commonly, a rare album listed at 12 UKpounds as mint by Record Collector might be graded by FM247 as VG and priced at 3, 4 or 5 UKpounds, whereas other sellers might grade at EX and price at 50-100% more than us. Great music at bargain prices: that is always the aim. If we haven't played the record, we will rarely grade it above VG unless very close inspection shows the record to be completely unmarked.

Breakdown by condition

EX (4658) F (44) G (834) M (316) VG (6513)