E/ E Some very minor scuffing. Plays well and quietly. From 1920. For many fans of ragtime and early 20th-century popular music, the name Paul Biese conjures up an image of a couple of his rags in particular, but little more. For fans of hardcore early jazz, however, it is hard to separate Biese from the term "moaning saxophone," and he even left us with a song that became a Country Western classic. Paul remains different things to different fans, but very little has been written on Biese outside of his recordings for Columbia, Victor, and other labels. Trying to piece together the story of his life, cut short near the height of his career, was a challenge at the very least. Hopefully this will fill in a void that has existed for all too long. The above is from Bill Edwards extensive bio of Biese.
We Use The VJM Record Grading System
NB 45s use the LP system as below.
N (78) M (LP). As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).
N- (78) M- (LP). Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.
E+ (78) VG+ (LP). Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.
E (78) VG (LP). Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.
E- (78) VG- (LP). Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches. LP: Some wear, scratches and scuffs, but no skipped or repeat grooves.
V+ (78) G+ (LP) V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced. LP: Below average with scuffs and scratches on fewer than half the tracks. No skips or repeat grooves.
V (78) G (LP). Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.
V- (78) G- (LP). Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level. LP: Lowest Grade. Audible scratches, etc. on more than half the tracks. Listening uncomfortable.
G+ (78). Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.
G (78). Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.
G- (78). Music still prominent, but wear and scratch damage extensive.
F (78). Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.
P (78). Unplayable.
NB: Damage to labels and jackets (LP) should be noted whenever present.
Abbreviations: sfc = surface; lbl = label; nap = not affecting play; scr/scrs = scratch/scratches; lc = lamination crack; cr = crack; hlc/hc = hairline crack; wol = writing on label; sol = sticker on label; fade = faded label; gr/grs = groove/grooves; eb = edge bite; ec = edge chip; ef = edge flake; rc = rim chip.