Grading The Condition of Cassettes
The Grading of visual appeal and condition of Blank Cassette Tapes... in progress.
Started December 1st. of 2024. In progress...
We are starting a conversation about creating a set of grading standards for blank sealed cassettes and their overall visual condition. Objectively, this page is meant to be informative and educational to help cassette enthusiasts better assess the grading condition of a sealed blank tape meant for collecting, usage, or re-sale.
It is mainly about the cassette tape's overall visual appeal. The actual cassette tape on the inside is to be assumed to be 100% in perfect condition. Although many of us already grade cassette tapes, no standardized system exists. This may get us to sort of "talk the same language", when it comes to grading.
THE GRADING 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, but may contain a trace of some light scuffing, often originated right at the manufacturing source. This A-Grading is to be assumed and not necessarily mentioned.
Grade B : 100% NOS tape inside, but with one or more blemishes, such as rips, cuts, hairline cracks, cracked cases, and even half or more missing parts of the wrapper. The cassette tape itself though must remain 100% free and clear of any blemish or damage.
Grade C : It has been suggested to leave this grade for "used" tapes. The intention is to keep this grading system as short and user-friendly as possible. Input suggested by UltraFerric.com, thank you!
Sidenotes : All other damages not mentioned here about the overall condition of any NOS cassette tape, should always be clearly stated along with any of the grading choices.
* NOS: Never Opened Sealed or New Old Stock.
* Cassette = Tape = Cassette = Tape
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, cuts, or cracks on the case, it is not a perfect A-Grade cassette. It can still be referred to as an A-Grade tape, but an additional comment about its peculiarity ought to be mentioned when selling it to others.
More to follow... Updated and simplified, January 16th., 2025. Suggestions added from Ultraferric.com and Julian of Trent, ON.
Julian
Might I suggest separate grades for the media and for the packaging? Especially in cases where you can see the tape.
The Wrapper for example in this photo would be C or D, (fair/poor) but the tape could be graded A or A- if it’s not showing any defect.
Someone might just want this tape for example as cheap media for use and not care about collectibility.
I know you’ve mentioned that A to D grades should contain a A grade tape, but the stigma of buying a D grade might be off putting.
Dual grades for media and cover / wrapper is essential in the record / cd / pre recorded cassette world for these reasons. Sometimes people need a cover or insert or J card to replace a damaged copy. Some people only need or want / care about the media.