Expert: James Michael Anderson - 8/5/2007

Question
Could you please tell me about the general quality and value of Beatles albums.  Particularly the Magical Mystery Tour Album.  The one I have is fairly decent all around except for an inch-long rip on the first page of the booklet inside the album.  The record itself is absolutely scratch-free and mint.  When it comes to a Beatles album I realize that wear is wear and I can't a expect a record to be mint-made new but what average condition or rule of thumb would I look for when choosing a quality-conditioned album, (the jacket or the record?)  When it comes to the Magical Mystery Tour album and White Album are the condition of the pages and pictures really that important when thinking about condition and price.  I fully appreciate any information you could give me in regards to the collectibility of a Beatles album based on condition.  Thank you.

Answer
Beatle record just tend to be a bit MORE collectable but these general guidelines are how most would grade their albums.  Generally speaking, just a record or just a cover are not worth much with the exception of something like The Beatles "Butcher Cover" from Yesterday and Today.
A MMT album with the booklet in-tact with albeit and inch long rip, I would consider EX-.


MINT M The record is as new. The cover and any inserts should be in perfect condition.
Many Dealers do not use this classification as A record is unlikely to arrive through the post in truly mint condition.

 
 

EXCELLENT
PLUS EX+ The record is near-mint, there is no damage or visible surface marking. Under Bright Light you may see fine lines on the record, caused by rubbing on the paper sleeve. Reserve this grade for records where you have difficulty spotting anything wrong.
The Cover and inserts are undamaged.

 
 

EXCELLENT EX The record may show some signs of having been played, possibly with light surface marks or fingerprints but there is no appreciable lessening in sound quality.
The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

 
 

EXCELLENT
MINUS EX- There may be fairly visible surface markings under bright light but the sound quality if the record is not adversely affected.
The Cover and inserts may have noticeable light creasing or "foxing" due to dampness but they are all present and intact.

 
 

VERY GOOD VG The record has obviously been played a lot, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality despite surface marks and some light scratches. Also Use this grading where the record has suffered perhaps one more visible scratch, but is otherwise in EX or better condition.
The cover may be creased a little and/or frayed at the opening. You should itemize any more serious damage such as tears.

 
 

Buying or selling anything in less than VG condition is not recommended, if you sell records in worse condition, expect some to get returned, even if your descriptions were honest.

 
 

GOOD G The record has been played so much that the sound quality has been affected noticeably, perhaps with some distortion and clicks due to scratches. The main place to use this classification is for picture discs, where the sound deteriorates more quickly with use.
The cover and inserts may be folded, have minor tears and/or splits at the edges, they have not been looked after.

 
 

FAIR F The record is still just playable, but has not looked after there is a lot surface noise, it may even jump.
The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced, possibly with chunks missing.

 
 

POOR N/A The record will no longer play properly due to the damage.
The Cover will be folded torn and probably incomplete

 
 

BAD N/A Gee, You gotta be desperate to complete your collection to buy this one! It WILL be unplayable, and if you get the cover, treat it as a bonus!