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about record grading systems for commercial sound recordings
There are many ways to grade sound recordings in the
music industry and
many grading systems are extant. Why? There are a number of factors
contributing to this situation:
- The Muse knows of no standards association that
has stepped up to the challenge of developing a grading system, nor even
of a de facto standard that has been accepted throughout the record
selling industry and is in widespread use. To fill the vacuum, many record
sellers have developed their own system for grading the records they sell.
Consequently, there are many differences among systems and each has its
particular eccentricities.
- Factors that impact sound quality depend on the recording medium and
recording technology, as well as on the reproduction systems and listening
environment. Sometimes some of these factors are included.
- Nomenclature varies. The same degree of quality or sound
characteristic may go by many names.
- Factors other than sound quality may affect the price of a recording,
for example, playing time, the type of sound reproduction system for which
the recording is made, playing the condition of the label, whether there is a sleeve,
whether original notes are included, and packaging.
coping with diversity—the Muses
In the face of such diversity, The Muses have adopted
a modest albeit realistic set of objectives with regard to grading. The Muse
will be satisfied if, by presenting one simple system, the visitor will:
- Improve his "ear:" sharpen his hearing acuity; better detect flaws and
imperfections.
- Become more objective and accurate when judging the quality of a sound
recording.
- Improve his sense of the relationship between the quality of a sound
recording and the objective factors that affect quality. Use this sense
when making buying decisions.
- Understand what factors may affect cost. Learn about some of the
factors to look for when purchasing a recording.
- More accurately judge the market value of a recording.
- Add to his vocabulary of terms related to recording quality and
pricing.
- Develop his ability to decide when the aesthetic appeal, content, or
historic importance of the sound on a recording is more important than the
quality of the sound it makes.
- Develop his appreciation for the importance of grading when buying
records. Use grading in making choices about his own acquisitions.
- Become familiar with some of the important factors that affect the
quality of recorded sound reproduction.
- Press relevant institutions to develop grading standards that will
advance the art of acquiring fine, historic, or worthwhile recordings of
any kind.
coping with diversity—the visitor
If you are serious about acquiring used recordings for their music and
not for their resale value, The Muses can offer this advice.
If you are determined never to spend more for a record than it's worth:
- Learn as much as possible about grading systems.
- Operate on the principle that you are the best judge of what rating a
record should be assigned.
- Develop a "calibrated ear" by comparing records with their ratings.
- Whenever possible, listen to a record before you buy it.
- Decide for yourself if it's worth the asking price.
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