All titles are U.S. pressing unless otherwise noted. The condition of all items is graded (for all vinyl grading is jacket/disc) and strictly in accordance with our grading standards. Within our listings, we employ a consistent set of abbreviations for grading and country of release.

We have included as much information as possible, in the space we have. If you have any further questions please contact us.

Still Sealed (ss)
Self-explanatory. A record which is still shrink-wrapped but not currently available new. Unless flaws are noted, records and covers are assumed to be near mint

Near Mint (NM)
This is the highest grade used by B-Bop Records for an unsealed item. "Mint" is not used as a grade because, without a microscope and 40 minutes of inspection per record, perfection cannot be verified to everyone's satisfaction (see explanation at bottom). Near Mint ranges from a record appearing unused, to an item that may have been used, but is without a notable cosmetic defect as evidence of that use.

For jackets, this means that the beginnings of some light yellowing of the paper, and perhaps a lightly bumped corner. Minor color flaking at the bottom or top seam may be allowed, but no splits, tape, ring wear, creases, tears, water staining, writing, or image defacement (such as blemishes from removed price stickers, etc.)

For discs, this means that faint impressions/patterns in the wax from sleeving in paper or plastic, or inconsequential pressing variations (i.e. small dips, bumps, or discolorations in the vinyl that do not affect play) are acceptible. However, multiple rubs around the spindle hole; loss of luster or wear to the wax; and certainly any scrape, scuff, or scratch in the grooves are unacceptible for NM (no matter how pristine the rest of the surface).

Basically, a NM/NM record should be a reasonable simile to a fresh, unused copy.

Very Good Plus Plus (VG++)
This grade refers to an attractive, fresh-in-appearance item that, upon closer inspection, has been disqualified from the NM category due to (usually) one flaw that could not be overlooked.

For jackets, this includes: a small split of the seam; faint beginnings of minor ring wear; some clear tape on one corner; damage or illegibility of the spine. Basically, and this includes discs as well, a VG++ item is qualified by having a noticeable, yet functionally insignificant defect that verifies that the item has been used. A VG++ item appears neither blatantly second-hand, nor does it have the sparkle of "brand-new".

Very Good Plus (VG+)
This is the broadest grade serving as a catch-all for any decent, presentable, usable (not marred or defective) item. People ordering VG+ items usually are prepared to accept an imperfect item representing the artifact that it is, and are going to enjoy it without being excessively preoccupied with cosmetic details. VG+ is a fine copy that is indisputably "used", being a "decent used record" for utilitarian purposes. this is the same rating as some other dealers term "excellent".

Jackets will have some combination of one to a few of the following defects: partial seam split (with or without clear tape repairs), minor ring wear, minor dirt ring, a creased corner, faded spine. The jacket must be free of major defacements, and will certainly not have ALL of the preceding minor ones on the same piece!

Discs may have a series of light abrasions which catch light, but no dramatic defects that would hazard the stylus, or offend the ear. In other words, the disc will be free of any marks that can be detected by touch or which are likely to be an audible distraction when played..

Very Good (VG)
This is the beginning of "rough" for collector's purposes. A VG record is usually one that a collector will buy to fill a "hole" in his/her library until a better copy comes along. We usually don't advertise items with either VG covers or discs unless they are deemed scarce enough to attract a collector for this purpose.

A VG jacket is one that is beginning to look tattered and worn, while retaining a complete and sound construction (i.e. no chewed edges, no front-cover scarring larger than a price tag-removal blemish, no more than two seams splitting). A VG cover is adequate, but not fetching.

The disc is usable, and could be tossed onto any turntable for some sound entertainment, but visually won't impress the esthete, and definitely not the investor. Note: Understandably, in any other application, the word "good" supported by "very" is quite affirmative, but as it is used in record collecting, this is just not so. The above describes how most dealers utilize this grade, despite the optimistic Webster definitions of these terms.

Good Plus (G+)
Averaged between VG and G,

Good (G)
Items graded "good" are very used and only presentable to the least discriminating record hunter. This classification is usually employed for jackets when it's the disc that's worth collecting, and vice-versa; or when the component in question is so very rare that its existence in any condition is regarded as manna from heaven. "Good" indicates "sound", really meaning that the record is useful for sound and will "soundly" serve that purpose. It should not be confused as referring to "Good" COLLECTIBLE condition.

A G Jacket must be able to enclose the record entirely, protecting it from the elements, dust, other frictive surfaces, and especially from other records, which have been left out of their covers by the same careless owner. Artwork and information must be legible and splits are OK, even expected.

All a G disc must do is play from start to finish, and provide source music which is just any louder than the background noise.

Why B-Bop Records does not use the grade "MINT" when evaluating records

The verb MINT traces its origin from the making of coins in Rome. A mint is the place where metal coins are cast, stamped, issued or made. Mint as a condition then can be applied to a coin (a metal element that can withstand this kind of handling) and be termed in mint condition.

In contrast, the manufacturing process for records made of vinyl and paper, places stress that compromises the integrity of said materials. The cutting, folding, gluing and manipulation of the paper and board; the stacking and spindling of the still warm, highly fragile freshly pressed discs; the sleeving and boxing of the records, etc. can result in all new records exhibiting some evidence of stress due to this process. Any collector can recount the experience of opening up a factory sealed record or CD only to find that, even though never used, they do not appear to be "mint" and sometimes even had a bent corner or creased CD inlay booklet. What's more is that even a mint looking vinyl record can be play poorly due to poor pressing.

In addition a record is far too complex of an object to assess thoroughly within a practical timeframe. The physical object is the subject of the collecting, but the music it makes (usually about 40 minutes worth) when the stylus is inserted into the grooves is the verification of the true "condition" of arguably its most important element. Unlike coins, stamps, posters, and other collectibles, a record has countless minute surfaces which are significant to the true appraisal of its condition, and consequently, the aspiration to verify the absolute grading of "mint" for a record is simply impractical and implausible.

ABBREVIATIONS

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RECORD CARE TIPS

PRESERVATION OF SOUND RECORDINGS

A good definition of preservation is all actions taken to retard deterioration of, or to prevent damage to, cultural artifacts. Preservation involves controlling the environment and conditions of use, and may include treatment in order to maintain as nearly as possible, an unchanging state.

There are essentially only three concerns to consider when handling and storing sound recordings:

1. that they be kept free of any foreign matter deposits;
2. that they be kept free of any pressure that might cause deformations; and
3. that they be stored in a stable, controlled environment.

To minimize foreign matter deposits:
General:

• Never touch the surface of a recording. Use clean hands and handle by the edges.
• Recordings should not, unnecessarily, be left exposed to open air. Return items to their containers when not in use and never leave storage containers open.
• Do not place recordings near sources of dust including paper or cardboard dust.
• Keep the surrounding area clean. Do not consume food or beverages in the area in which recordings are handled.
• Keep storage facilities as clean and dust-free as possible.
• The air conditioning system should be equipped with dust filtering equipment.
• Keep labeling to a minimum, but limit the placement of labels, especially pressure sensitive labels, to the container using conservation ink.
• Keep equipment clean, well adjusted and in good working condition.

Grooved discs

• Do not use paper or cardboard inner sleeves and do not store records without inner sleeves.
• Use soft polyethylene inner sleeves. Do not use record sleeves made of PVC.
• Remove grooved discs from the jacket (with the inner sleeve) by bowing the jacket open by holding it against the body and applying a slight pressure with a hand. Pull the disc out by holding a corner of the inner sleeve. Avoid pressing down onto the disc with the fingers as any dust caught between the sleeve and the disc will be pressed into the grooves.
• Remove grooved discs from the inner sleeve by bowing the inner sleeve and letting it slip gradually into an open hand so that the edge falls on the inside of the thumb knuckle. The middle finger should reach for the center label. Never reach into the sleeve.
• To hold a disc, place the thumb on the edge of the disc, and the rest of the fingers of the same hand on the center of the label for balance. Use both hands on the edge to place disc on turntable. Make sure hands are free of oily deposits by washing them thoroughly and drying them with a clean lint free towel.

Cleaning

Since dust is usually held in place by electrostatic attraction, dry wiping on its own does not work effectively. The added friction created by the duster will cause the dust to jump back to the charged surface.

Distilled water is used for cleaning records and CDs for many reasons. Its precise chemical makeup is known, it will not leave any residue behind, is safe to use, and is inexpensive. Water disperses static charges and counteracts the increase in conductivity from the pick-up of salt deposits from finger prints. However, water alone cannot dissolve grease, thus surfactants are used as additives to enable water to be a grease solvent. Surfactants break grease surface bonds and allow water to penetrate grease solids, causing swelling and then random dispersion.

Grooved discs

• Grooved discs are best cleaned using a record cleaning machine such as the Keith Monks, VPI, Nitty Gritty. These machines allow for an even dispersion of fluid and can then vacuum the liquid leaving a clean, dry surface. These machines are very expensive and normally available to the most discriminating audiophile. If like most people you can not afford one of these machine ($300 - 3000) use a combination of distilled water (90%), a high concentrate Isopropyl alcohol (10%) and about 5 drops of Kodak Photo Flo or any other non-abrasive surfactant along with a soft, clean & dry lint free cloth. Mix the cleaning fluid in a six ounce container. Records should be cleaned before each playback by applying the liquid liberally and wiping in a circular one way fashion and then drying with a similar cloth.

CDs

• An air gun should be used to blow off any light surface dust.
• If fingerprints or other stains must be removed, the same formula above can be utilized safely. Carefully blot the area of the disc needing washing with a soft cloth (preferably a soft cotton that has been washed several times) imbued with the concentration. Do not clean in a circular motion, but from the inside to the outside in a straight motion.
• Avoid rubbing in any direction.

2. SURFACE DEFORMATIONS

Since the surface of a sound recording is the information carrier, it is critical that the surface be well cared for. Physical deformations such as warping of discs, stretching of tape or shock from dropping them, will directly affect sound information integrity. One must develop a respect for the integrity of the artifact.

To minimize deformations

• Never leave recordings near sources of heat or light (especially ultraviolet light) as plastics are adversely affected by both.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of recordings. Recordings should never be placed on top of each other.
• Shelve recordings vertically; do not stack "off vertical" or horizontally.
• Do not use shelving units where supports put more pressure on one area of the recording or where supports are more than four to six inches apart.
• Do not interfile recordings of different sizes as smaller items may get lost or damaged, while larger items may be subjected to uneven pressure.
• Remove shrink-wrap on LPs completely. Shrink-wrap can continue to shrink, thus warping the disc.

3. ENVIRONMENT

A proper environment for the storage of sound recording is essential to retard degradation mechanisms. Elevated temperature and humidity can affect certain chemical properties of the plastics that make up recording media and can also create an environment that encourages the growth of fungus. Wide or rapid fluctuations of the environment are equally detrimental to the long term preservation of sound artifacts.