In our store, every vinyl record is carefully selected and graded using an internationally recognized grading scale. This guide will help you understand the meaning of each abbreviation and make informed choices.

Note on grading:
LPs are often listed with a double grading, for example NM/EX. In these cases, the first abbreviation refers to the condition of the record, while the second indicates the condition of the sleeve.
Example: NM/EX = Near Mint Record / Excellent Sleeve.

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SS – Still Sealed
Record still sealed, never opened or handled. It is in its original factory condition, with a perfectly intact sleeve. Playback has not been tested as the record has never been removed.

M – Mint
Perfect in every respect. The vinyl shows no visual or audible defects, and the sleeve is immaculate. It is like new, both in sound and appearance.

NM – Near Mint
Excellent condition, with minimal surface marks due to very careful use. The record plays perfectly, almost like new (but occasional surface noise is always possible). The sleeve may show slight signs of handling, but no obvious damage.

EX – Excellent
Record and sleeve show some more pronounced signs of use compared to a Near Mint copy, but remain in overall good condition. Small defects (surface noise, pops, and crackles) may be present but do not significantly affect listening quality.

VG – Very Good
The record shows scratches or signs of wear, but remains playable. Frequent surface noise, crackles, or sound imperfections may occur. The sleeve may show discoloration, ring wear, small writings or stickers, slightly worn or unglued edges.

G – Good
Very used vinyl, with evident audible defects such as strong crackles and pops during playback. The overall quality is compromised, but the record does not skip. The sleeve shows marked signs of wear, stains, writing, or tears, while remaining complete.

F – Fair
The record is essentially unplayable or severely damaged. The sleeve is also very worn, with missing parts, significant tears, discoloration, or structural damage.

Why only Japanese vinyls?

Our store deals almost exclusively in Japanese vinyl pressings, a choice that reflects our dedication to quality and conscious collecting.

Japanese vinyl records are globally recognized for their superior sound quality, care in printing materials, and precision in production.

This is also due to the fact that Japan, during the golden age of Hi-Fi, was the world's leading producer of high-quality audio equipment.

At the heart of this excellence is also a deep cultural value: in Japanese philosophy, there is the concept of "mottainai" (もったいない), which expresses respect for objects and encourages their careful preservation to make them last as long as possible, avoiding waste. This is why many Japanese vinyl records reach us in impeccable condition.

Japanese pressings are also distinguished by some unique characteristics:

• The presence of the OBI strip, a printed vertical band that wraps around the sleeve. Aesthetically very pleasing, it contains information in Japanese about the album, artist, record label, and other details intended for the local market.
• Additional inserts such as booklets, stickers, lyric translations, photographs, and biographical notes, often absent in Western editions.

Collecting Japanese vinyl records means not only enjoying superior sound and visual quality but also embracing a way of experiencing music that centers on respect for the object, its history, and its longevity.