The standard

A claim says one instrument was used in one role on one record. It is VERIFIED when it rests on one grade A source, or two independent grade B sources. It is POTENTIALLY when it has one accepted source of any grade. A grade C source never verifies a claim on its own.

The grades

The artist, producer or engineer speaking directly. An interview, a sleeve credit, a documented session, their own video.

A reputable publication reporting it. Sound On Sound, MusicRadar, Tape Op, Mix, a published book.

A community database, a forum post, a wiki without its own citation. Worth recording, never enough on its own.

What verifies a claim

A=Verified

B+B=Verifiedindependent

C=Potentiallynever verified alone

The words on a claim

Verified One A source, or two independent B sources.

Potentially, 1 source One accepted source. One more independent A or B verifies it.

Awaiting review A contributor made the claim; its source is in the review queue.

Unverified Inferred from the knowledge base. Nobody has cited a source. Correct it or source it.

Disputed Under review after a complaint.

Wanted No claim yet. Name the instrument if you know it.

Two sources are independent when they come from different publishers and neither repeats the other. Every source is checked by a person before it counts.

Once a claim is verified it is locked: more evidence is welcome, but the claim cannot be replaced.