Since many record collectors do buying through the mail, sometimes by bidding on auctions, they rely on a special language. Using select phases, collectors help fellow enthusiasts envision the condition of a given record. I list here some standard phrases used by record fanatics across the country. This may help readers who are uncertain about the condition of their own 78s. When we have the right words or phrases, we know what to look for.
Some dealers go overboard.
So one can brag about owning a rare jazz title or obscure blues record. Suppose you are determined to own an original Gennett 78 of Louis Armstrong playing with King Oliver's band. You may have to settle for a copy in unplayable condition and expect to pay a high sum to wrestle it from a jazz enthusiast's collection. Some settle for badly worn records because the labels are interesting and nothing cleaner can be found. I never keep 78s if they are in such bad shape.