Keep in mind that these different gradings are based upon our knowledge - we have tried our best to apply those gradings to all the different releases.

If you have anything to add, or you may be able to help us grade an item more correctly, please email us.

We use "rarity" in terms of the number of printed copies, but it's also used to describe how often a release is for sale, on for example ebay, amazon or an internet record dealer, or perhaps a good old fashioned second-hand CD/Vinyl shop. So remember: an item may be printed in 25 or 5000 copies, and still have the same grading.

Below are the different gradings. We've added the A+ grading here with explanations and examples. You will find items on dmbreleases.com that may be graded with a B+ a C+ etc. but we haven't taken our time to elaborate on those.

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A+ This applies to that extremely rare, very hyped and sometimes very expensive release. You may be able to find this release once a year/year and a half. You know the ones we are talking about here: The Tune Up In-Store Promo #29, Recently Bama002, Typical Situation US Promo and The Gorge In-Store Sampler.


A This applies to that extremely rare and often very expensive release. You may be able to find this release once a year, perhaps twice a year. This could be Tripping Billies and Jimi Thing. If it pops up often, on for example ebay, it is because it is hyped and people know they can make good money from selling it, just like the BTCS Vinyl. Ants Marching US Promo is also becoming one of those very rare releases.


B This applies to that very rare, very interesting release. You may be able to find this release a good number of times a year, but it could cost you a lot of cash. What Would You Say US promo, and Two Step US promo are two good examples that fit into this category.


C This applies to that somewhat rare release that people often like to hold on to for different reasons. You could get lucky, and find it for cheap money. But it is more likely that you have to pay quite a large sum for it. Radio Broadcasts and hyped singles/Warehouse releases fit into this category.


D This applies to that "often available" release that pops up every now and then, but everybody wants to own. It may cost you quite a lot of money. A good example might be Warehouse releases or many of the US promos from UTTAD, Crash and BTCS.


E This applies to that single or promo which frequently pops up on ebay or maybe an internet record store. A good example is European/Australian singles/promos from Everyday or BTCS.


F This applies to that release that can be found both on ebay and internet record stores quite often. It does not have to be very expensive, but sometimes it is (falsely) very pricey, so you should look elsewhere if you think it is too expensive. Don't worry: you will find it soon enough. European/Australian singles often fit into this category.


G This applies to studio albums that were printed in large numbers, but are now out of print. It also applies to singles, and promos that just pops up everywhere on the internet or second-hand record shops.


H This applies to studio albums still in print. It also applies to available webreleases, and digital downloads.