A deletion cut (also called a cut-out) is a small, intentional physical alteration made to the packaging of a vinyl record, usually to indicate that it has been removed from a record label's active inventory and sold at a discount.
This alteration can take several forms, such as:
- A notch cut into the edge of the outer sleeve.
- A hole punch in a corner or near the edge of the cover.
- A cut corner, where a small triangle is clipped off one corner of the sleeve.
- A drill hole through the label, usually on 7” singles.
Deletion cuts are often found on records sold as overstock, returns, or discounted items. While they don’t affect the vinyl itself or its playability, they reduce the item's value to collectors since the packaging is no longer in mint condition.
How Do We Deal With Deletion Cuts at Atlas Records?
When we are grading a record with a deletion cut, it usually means that we drop the grade by one. For example, if the rest of the wear on the sleeves means we’d have given it an EX (Excellent), if a deletion cut is present, we grade it VG+ (Very Good Plus) and add a comment mentioning the cut.
Are Deletion Cut/Cut-Out Records Worth Anything?
Records with deletion cuts are generally worth less than copies in undamaged condition, especially to collectors. Despite having been done intentionally and by the label or retailer, the cut or hole does change the appearance and therefore condition of the record or sleeve.
Also, due to the association of deletion cuts with the item having originally been discounted, that impression might remain, even if the record is now quite sought after.
Were Deletion Cuts More Common in the USA?
In the US, deletion cuts became almost a standard practice for overstock, while in the UK, such measures were less necessary due to differences in distribution and resale practices. As a result, deletion cuts are more frequently associated with American releases and are often a clear sign of a record’s origin or handling history.
Deletion Cut Vinyl at Atlas Records
