Mint (M)
The record is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality.
Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, and most of the time still sealed.
The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in new condition.
Should be used sparingly as a grade, only really for new and unused items.
Near Mint (NM)
A nearly perfect record. A Near Mint record has more than likely hardly been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback.
Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect.
The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more
than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling.
An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences.
Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discolouration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present.
Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner.
In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG record.
Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise.
Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers.
However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.
Good Plus (G+) Good (G)
A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear.
A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
Poor (P). Fair (F)
The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through
without skipping or repeating.
The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing.
The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.
Grading FAQs
Grading
How do I know if the grading is for the record or the sleeve?
How do I know if the grading is for the record or the sleeve?
The record grading abbreviation is first. An item with a 'Very Good Plus' Record and a 'Very Good' cover would be written as: VG+ / VG.
I'm looking at buying a double or triple LP, why is there only one record grading?
I'm looking at buying a double or triple LP, why is there only one record grading?
We have tried to make the grading process as easy and simple for the end user. We will list one grading for the record but in the description we will add more information about the second or third record in the album. For example, if record two had a scratch on side 2 we would note that in the decription.
Do you play test the records?
Do you play test the records?
Yes, after cleaning the record, we will play it through so we can hear any imperfections in the sound. We look for things like crackling, popping and skipping and any other detail that might cause listening issues.
Record Care
Do you clean the records?
Do you clean the records?
All of our used records are personally cleaned by us. We clean by hand first with a high quality record cleaner and special brush.
We then ultrasonically clean the record and use an anti static brush on it.