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To keep the grading process objective, we've developed a standardized system for grading our drums - a "grading key". It lets you know what our grading criteria are... so that the grade we see and the grade you get, are one and the same thing. To keep the grading process objective we put ourselves in your shoes and grade each item as if we were the customer.

Every drum we purchase is carefully inspected and evaluated for cosmetic, acoustical and structural/functional quality as well as for originality (see "How to Inspect a Vintage Drum"). We then file this information and later use it to give you, by phone, a more detailed and comprehensive picture of the drum(s) you are purchasing.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can provide any additional information on anything you see listed in our catalog.

Mint -- Looks Like brand new, no evidence of any wear.

Exc/Mint -- Excellent to Mint condition. Looks almost new, shows only slight evidence of usage.

Exc -- Excellent Condition. Shows light wear but taken very good care of.

VG/Exc -- Very Good to Excellent condition. Shows less than normal wear.

VG -- Very Good condition. Shows normal amount of wear for its age.

Gd/VG -- Good to Very Good condition. Shows a little more wear than usual.

Good -- Still in decent condition but shows more than normal amount of wear.

Fair -- Rough condition, but useable.