Can a record still be considered Near Mint if...?

I just bought a little batch of records to flip. Some of them are pretty collectible. They’re all in great shape, but one thing is bugging me:

if a record smells like weed, can you still list it as Near Mint?

(question is mostly for humorous purposes, but I suppose there’s a discussion to be had here...)

 

Have you tried getting the smell out? I didn’t think items could retain weed smell like they do with tobacco - usually weed smell goes away pretty fast.

 

I’m definitely going to air them out. It wasn’t what I was expecting when I went to pick them up....

thanks for the rules reminder, Jerry.

 

This isn’t covered in the Goldmine guide!

 

This raises a larger (serious) question. Goldmine standards don't mention odor of any kind... how do people generally handle that? Can a record be VG+ if it smells musty or smoky but is otherwise in excellent shape?

Also, OP, don't forget to check the creases in the middle of gatefold jackets!

 

The problem with odor is a lot of people don't notice it. I've bought albums before that smell like someone's house but since they live in it, they're not going to notice it when sending it out. Unless it's got a real bad funk of some kind, this kind of thing doesn't bother me.

 

I would hate to get done for sending illicit substances across borders!

 

I’m pretty sure the house of the dude I bought them from (and he was a dude, dude) smells like weed 24/7.

 

If a record has an odor I use slightly damp paper towels and wipe every side of the cover, and the inside pocket carefully. Let each section get some sun for 15-20 minutes. Clean the vinyl too naturally.

 

Sometimes I get a bunch of vintage records that have been undisturbed for over 50 years and the odor is an added attraction that I love. If it is just mild age smell and not weed, tobacco or animal.

 

weed / tobacco = tar residue = bad.

I always used to (when I collected) pass on anything with the slightest odor of either. No matter how collectible or rare, or otherwise immaculately kept. Just another one of the myriad reasons I stopped collecting vinyl and switched to a CD-only/factory-sealed ONLY buying policy. Smoking stinks in more ways than one.

Tarred-to-death is the way of the smoker.

 

Yeah, either the dude was smoking all the time or at least did it while packing the records. Either way without ventilation.

 

If you own a record (i.e. you paid for it, or someone gave it to you), it is part of your personal collection. Is that even debatable?

 

I would argue a more appropriate response would be 'Yes, BUT you MUST disclose that if you list it'.

Let's be honest, there are no real guidelines for a smelly record, this is very subjective territory. If the record is in 'near-mint' condition (by definition), then the grade deserves to be 'near-mint' as long as the 'obvious smell' is clearly stated in the description.

I don't understand how you can tell him it cannot be listed as near-mint??

 

Fine, but what grade would you deem to be acceptable in that case? And if we asked 5 other 'vinyl experts' would they be able to agree? No!
My point is that there are no guidelines specified in the Goldmine (Discogs) grading system regarding a 'smelly cover', therefore you cannot objectively let it affect the grade of the Lp. It should, however, be disclosed by the seller assuming it's obvious.

 

Is it weird that I would pay extra for this?

 

I've been having really bad luck lately with LPs that I've ordered reeking of mildew. That's a bigger deal breaker to me than a slightly over-graded LP.

 

If there is any doubt then it can't be NM. NM should be like it was freshly opened and have no signs of use. Smell is a sign of use and age.

 

Yes lol...

 

Smell

That is simply your opinion, although smell is certainly NOT a sign of 'use'. I would argue if it's flawless vinyl in a pristine cover, with an obvious smell, it can still be a 'NM' grade as long as the smell is clearly stated in the description. There is no subjective way to 'grade' a 'smell', that is my whole point. I'm sure the selling price would also reflect the smell.

You *should* be able to get rid of most smells with a combo of fresh air/sunshine/ventilation/Lysol, a then store it with some baking soda for a while.

 

Only if you try to smoke it.