Grading The Condition of Cassettes
The Blank Cassette Grading System... suggesting to have it referred as the CCGS (why not?)
Started December 1st. of 2024. In progress...
We are starting a conversation about creating a set of grading standards for blank sealed cassettes. Objectively, this page is meant to be informative and educational in order to help cassette enthusiasts better assess the condition of a sealed blank tape meant for collecting, usage, or re-sale.
Primarily this grading system is to help grade the condition of the plastic wrapper of the cassette. The actual cassette tape on the inside is to be assumed to be 100% in perfect condition. Why grade the outside appearance? Well, it is already done by everyone, but no standard system exists. It will helps all of us sort of "talk the same language".
The CCGS CHART:
Proposed descriptions for each grading level.
Grade A+ : 100% NOS cassette, 100% clean and free of any rips, cuts, and virtually scratch free. These have to be box-fresh like cassettes, which may contain a trace of super light scratches.
Grade A : This can be the only Grade that needs not to be mentioned, but assumed instead. It is all of what Grade A+ is, with the exception that the wrapper may contain visible scratches.
Grade B : 100% NOS tape with minor wrapper issues such as 1-3 very small rips, one minor cut, and 1-2 visible hairline crack on the case that would not render the case useless, but rather a visual annoyance.
Grade C : Still a NOS cassette. Heavy damaged wrapper with multiple rips, 2+ cuts, and the case has 2+ hairline cracks. Case is still very much usable.
Grade D : Still a NOS cassette. The wrapper is up to 50% gone, the case will have sustained heavy damage and replacing it is suggested. The case will have 1+ completely smashed places, however the cassette must not have any damage.
Grade E : A tape that looks good on pictures but has sustained water damage. A tape that has mold, due to water damaged, or because it was exposed to high levels of humidity. Other obvious damages whether or not it still is a sealed tape. It is recommendable not try and re-sell such cassettes, unless all damages are clearly stated. Best not to re-sell, period.
* NOS: Never Opened Sealed or New Old Stock.
* Cassette = Tape = Cassette = Tape
Other considerations:
1. Examples of the above suggested grades may be shown here in pictures... hopefully soon.
2. Send us your views by using the site's email page.
3. If the grading system can be reduced to fewer grades, the better.
4. Additional comments can and should always accompany the grading of your tapes. Example: Tape can be A-Graded but the wrapper has multiple splits due to the quality of the plastic used. Maxell and TDK has these plastic wrapper issues during the late 70's. They can be Graded A+ but pictures will clearly show this defect and it should be mentioned in your description.
EXAMPLES:
NOTE: The C60 BASF Tape shown here is almost a A-Grade Tape, but the front of the wrapper has several pin size punctures on it. The back is perfect. In this case, even though there are no rips or cuts, it has to take the B-Grade level.
More to follow...
Started December 1st. of 2024. In progress...
We are starting a conversation about creating a set of grading standards for blank sealed cassettes. Objectively, this page is meant to be informative and educational in order to help cassette enthusiasts better assess the condition of a sealed blank tape meant for collecting, usage, or re-sale.
Primarily this grading system is to help grade the condition of the plastic wrapper of the cassette. The actual cassette tape on the inside is to be assumed to be 100% in perfect condition. Why grade the outside appearance? Well, it is already done by everyone, but no standard system exists. It will helps all of us sort of "talk the same language".
The CCGS CHART:
Proposed descriptions for each grading level.
Grade A+ : 100% NOS cassette, 100% clean and free of any rips, cuts, and virtually scratch free. These have to be box-fresh like cassettes, which may contain a trace of super light scratches.
Grade A : This can be the only Grade that needs not to be mentioned, but assumed instead. It is all of what Grade A+ is, with the exception that the wrapper may contain visible scratches.
Grade B : 100% NOS tape with minor wrapper issues such as 1-3 very small rips, one minor cut, and 1-2 visible hairline crack on the case that would not render the case useless, but rather a visual annoyance.
Grade C : Still a NOS cassette. Heavy damaged wrapper with multiple rips, 2+ cuts, and the case has 2+ hairline cracks. Case is still very much usable.
Grade D : Still a NOS cassette. The wrapper is up to 50% gone, the case will have sustained heavy damage and replacing it is suggested. The case will have 1+ completely smashed places, however the cassette must not have any damage.
Grade E : A tape that looks good on pictures but has sustained water damage. A tape that has mold, due to water damaged, or because it was exposed to high levels of humidity. Other obvious damages whether or not it still is a sealed tape. It is recommendable not try and re-sell such cassettes, unless all damages are clearly stated. Best not to re-sell, period.
* NOS: Never Opened Sealed or New Old Stock.
* Cassette = Tape = Cassette = Tape
Other considerations:
1. Examples of the above suggested grades may be shown here in pictures... hopefully soon.
2. Send us your views by using the site's email page.
3. If the grading system can be reduced to fewer grades, the better.
4. Additional comments can and should always accompany the grading of your tapes. Example: Tape can be A-Graded but the wrapper has multiple splits due to the quality of the plastic used. Maxell and TDK has these plastic wrapper issues during the late 70's. They can be Graded A+ but pictures will clearly show this defect and it should be mentioned in your description.
EXAMPLES:
NOTE: The C60 BASF Tape shown here is almost a A-Grade Tape, but the front of the wrapper has several pin size punctures on it. The back is perfect. In this case, even though there are no rips or cuts, it has to take the B-Grade level.
More to follow...