Vinyl Grading Guide and Condition

Vinyl Grading Guide and Information

Vinyl Grades / Condition (this accounts for both sides of the vinyl)

MINT – This means the record is brand new or likely unplayed.

NM – Near Mint means the record is in near perfect condition, it can show handling marks maybe a light fingerprint, but no scratches, and definitely nothing that can be heard.

VG+ – Very Good Plus means that the vinyl will have evidence of careful use, it will show some minor light surface marks but nothing deep or affecting the sound.

VG – Very Good means that the record has been well used and not particularly looked after. In fact ‘not very good’ would be a better name? this is the most common grade for most peoples record collection from old. This will display marks and scratches to the vinyl, although it should play without problem but will include some noticeable clicks and noise.

G – Good this grade we do not use as it means it will not play properly.

P – Poor this again is a grade we don’t use as it could only be used as a toy for the dog!

Cover Grades / Condition (this includes any inserts)

MINT – This means the jacket (sleeve) and any other inserts are in New condition. However even brand new sleeves could have the smallest dint or blemish.

NM – Near mint means there may be some very light storage wear or dint, but the cover or contents should not have anything particulary noticeable or off putting to the eye.

VG+ – Very Good plus means the sleeve and contents have been well looked after and stored, only showing minor wear, slight scuffs, slight fading, small tear and or minor creases or bends.

VG – Very Good sleeves and contents will be fairly heavely worn, showing a cover tear, sticker tear, spine split/s, plenty of creases and edge wear.

G – Good covers are only suitable if you don’t care about the sleeve, this will be damaged badly in all manor of abuse, maybe ok for something very rare!

P – Poor covers may not be complete and completely defaced.

There are 2 grading systems used now in the UK and around the world, they are

• Record Collector UK Grading guide
• Goldmine US Grading guide

Although there are some arguments with both guides on the whole they both work well, due to the excess of online sales now the majority go with the Goldmine guide.