The grading scale provided by The Music Room is a standardized system designed to help you evaluate and communicate the condition of your products. With clear and concise grading titles, ranging from “New” to "Mint" to "Shot," this scale provides a common language for assessing product conditions accurately. By using this system, you can easily understand and convey the state of your items, which then gives us the ability to make sure you receive the best value for your gear.
Factory Sealed - New, unopened, still in factory packaging, and no tears in packaging
When labeling an item as 'Brand New,' it's essential that it comes in its untouched, factory-sealed packaging. The vendor must explicitly state the manufacturer's warranty conditions, if any, linked to the product. Bear in mind that some manufacturers only recognize warranties for purchases made via 'endorsed' retailers. Others might restrict the warranty benefits solely to the original purchaser, irrespective of whether the product's packaging was opened or not. Hence, every item tagged 'Brand New' ought to include details regarding the warranty in the product's description. If not, potential buyers should make it a point to inquire about the warranty from the seller—one should only expect the item to be factory sealed, nothing more. In situations where the packaging has been breached, even if it was for inspection, the item cannot and should not be classified as "New."
10/10: Like New - Mint. Factory-fresh appearance and pristine condition.
Factory fresh appearance. The item must be used for less than one year and show no visible scratches, nicks, or blemishes. Speaker grilles and turntables must be in pristine condition.
9/10: Excellent - Excellent physical condition with light use.
Perfect physical condition with light use. The item should appear new, with minimal signs of wear such as dust in crevices and minor scratches on connectors or speakers.
8/10: Very Good - Near-perfect condition with minor imperfections.
A perfect front face with one minor flaw on top or side is allowed. The item has seen some use but still maintains a near-perfect appearance. Minor scratches may be present on electronics, speakers, or turntables.
7/10: Good - Well-maintained with minor flaws.
Shows signs of use but well-maintained. Electronics may have a few minor scratches. Speakers may have minor pulls or scratches. Turntables may have slight hazing on covers and scratches on the headshell.
6/10: Fair - Some minor scratches, visibly used.
Several minor scratches or one major scratch appears to be used. Electronics may have one major scratch or a slight dent on the surfaces. Speakers may have one major scratch that shows through the veneer. Turntables may have scratches or pitting.
5/10: Average - Noticeable scratches and signs of use.
Multiple scratches, including some on the front face. The piece is visibly scratched and noticeably used. Electronics may have several minor nicks or one major scratch on the front. Speakers may have major scratches or numerous minor scratches.
4/10: Mediocre - Rough physical condition, but fully functional.
Rough physical condition, but all functions work perfectly. Electronics may have many small scratches or a broken display face. Speakers may have a dented corner or bent binding posts. Turntables may have missing covers or discoloration on the platter.
3/10: Poor - Beat up, but functions with minor issues.
Rather beat up, but all functions work. Maybe a knob is missing. Electronics have severe pitting and rust on transformer covers. Speakers have major scratches or chunks gouged out. Turntables have visible wear but still function.
2/10: Very Poor - Severely damaged and functional problems.
Beat-up, bent knobs or switch levers, and some functional problems. Electronics have major dents and missing knobs. Speakers have torn drivers or crinkled tweeters. Turntables have warped platters or faulty tonearm bearings.
1/10: Toast - Scrap for parts
The item is severely damaged and no longer functional for regular use. Take for parts or reuse as a nightstand.
