This image is a general representation of the item and the actual product may differ slightly in terms of color shading, logo placement, borders, or other small details. Used items may have various cosmetic differences as well.
We realize that there are many different interpretations of the standard grades used
for pre-owned vinyl record albums & CD, so we thought we'd offer you the ones that we are working with,
so you have an idea what we mean when we give the grade for a non-new item on our pages.
Used Vinyl Grades
Below are stated conditions for a used vinyl records at Dusty Groove. Grading for
the cover should be assumed to be near (within a "+" or "-")
the grading for the vinyl.
If there is significant divergence from the condition of the vinyl, or specific flaws,
these will be noted in the comments section of the item. However, please be aware that
since the emphasis of this site is towards the music listener, our main concern is with
the vinyl of any used item we sell. Additionally, all of our records
are graded visually; considering the volume of used vinyl we handle, 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.
The following grading conditions apply to the vinyl component of an album or single:
Additional Marks & Notes
If something is noteworthy, we try to note it in the comments — especially
if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record.
This might include, but isn't limited to, warped records, tracks that skip,
cover damage or wear as noted above, or strictly cosmetic flaws.
One of Chris Connor's standout albums for Atlantic Records – and a session that actually makes us really appreciate the presence of Maynard Ferguson! The album's got a bit more punch than some of Chris' other records for the label, and is a nice shift in mood after a series of sad, dreamy, ... LP, Vinyl record album
Beautiful later work from Sarah! Although it's easy to think that she "sold out" by making albums like this for Roulette – with a larger backing than before, and more of a pop feel – these albums are also incredible, and feature a sophisticated sense of interpretation we ... LP, Vinyl record album
Dinah follows up her Dinah 62 set with an equally well-done set of tracks for 1963! The album's got that great, late Dinah Washington sound – that boozy style with heavy arrangements that she used often at Roulette, and which really seemed to help ease her vocals into a more modern setting. ... LP, Vinyl record album
Later work by Billy Eckstine – a nice little album from the early 60s, recorded in a dark and somber tone that shows a whole new side to his voice! The album features amazingly restrained arrangements by Billy May – a mix of jazz and strings that has a sadder, deeper style than before ... LP, Vinyl record album
The only album we've ever seen from Cora Lee Day – a singer with a hell of a voice, and who should have reached far greater fame with work like this! At first listen, Cora's got a style that's very much in the Billie Holiday mode – both in terms of phrasing, and her heartbreaking way ... LP, Vinyl record album
Arguably the best Mark Murphy album ever – a stunningly soulful, and slightly spiritual 70s session that features some of his hippest tunes ever – and backings from a Dave Matthews-arranged group that also includes The Brecker Brothers and Don Grolnick on keyboards! Titles include ... LP, Vinyl record album
Genius work from Nancy Wilson – the kind of Capitol Records gem that was partly jazz, partly soul, and very much in that special territory that made Wilson one of the most mature, sophisticated singers of the 60s! The record's got Nancy working through some material with bluer currents, ... LP, Vinyl record album
An excellent set – one of Sinatra's last great albums! Side one features more bossa material – with arrangements by Deodato, and a guest appearance by Jobim. The tracks have the floating easy groove of Sinatra's album with Jobim from earlier years – and there's some great ... LP, Vinyl record album
Swingin is right – as Dinah lets go with Quincy Jones orchestra, singing strong and hard in a set that's one of her best jazz sides from the 50s! Quincy knows how to mix just the right doses of straight jazz and tighter vocal arrangements – and Dinah's very comfortably at home in the ... LP, Vinyl record album
A great set from Ella Fitzgerald – recorded at Carnegie Hall during a stretch when Fitzgerald was hitting new worldwide fame, and singing a lot of groovy contemporary tunes – but done here in a very old school style that hearkens back to Ella's earliest days in the jazz world! The ... LP, Vinyl record album