This guide explains our vinyl record grading system, covering both the condition of the vinyl and the cover/sleeve. If you’re dissatisfied with a grading, feel free to contact us for a return, refund, or discount.
Quick Reference Comparison Table
| Grade | Media Condition | Sleeve Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint (M) | Unplayed, sealed | Completely sealed | Perfect condition, extremely rare |
| Near Mint (NM) | Visually flawless, played a few times | Nearly brand new | Top grade for used records |
| Very Good Plus (VG+) | Minor signs of use, light scuffs | Light wear like corner dings | Great for collectors |
| Very Good (VG) | Visible wear, surface noise | Creases, seam splits possible | Good for casual listening |
| Good (G) | Heavy wear, may skip | Heavily worn, writing, tape | Playable but rough condition |
| Fair / Poor | Severely damaged, unplayable | Completely worn out | Only for collectible value |
Mint (M)
As new, factory-sealed, and perfect.
Disc: Absolutely perfect, unplayed, sealed, with no signs of handling.
Sleeve: Completely sealed, no defects like seam splits, creases, or corner dings.
Notes: Mint is extremely rare and mostly used for sealed, unopened records.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
The highest grade for unsealed, second-hand records.
Disc: Visually perfect, with no visible scratches or handling marks. The record plays flawlessly.
Sleeve: Nearly brand new with no creases, bends, marks, or fading. Sharp corners.
Notes: Near Mint is the highest grade most used records can achieve.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
Well cared for, with minor visible flaws.
Disc: Minor wear such as light scuffs or hairline scratches. These flaws won’t cause significant playback issues.
Sleeve: May show light signs of age, such as minor corner wear, light ring wear, or small creases. Minor sticker residue is acceptable.
Notes: VG+ records are a great balance between condition and price for collectors.
Very Good (VG)
Shows visible signs of age and use.
Disc: Visible wear such as scuffs and groove wear. Some surface noise may be audible during playback, especially in quieter sections.
Sleeve: More noticeable signs of handling such as seam splits, writing, sticker residue, or creases.
Notes: A good option for casual listening with some cosmetic flaws.
Good Plus (G+) / Good (G)
Heavy signs of use and visible damage.
Disc: Significant wear such as deep scratches, spindle marks, and groove wear. Surface noise will be present throughout playback, but the record should still play through.
Sleeve: Heavily worn with possible seam splits, large creases, and heavy fading or discoloration. Writing and tape repairs are common.
Notes: Good records are primarily for those who prioritize having a playable copy over cosmetic condition.
Fair (F) / Poor (P)
Rarely listed, usually reserved for collectibles.
Disc: Severely damaged, with cracks, warps, or deep scratches. These records may not be playable or will skip and produce significant noise.
Sleeve: The cover will be in terrible condition, with water damage, large tears, or completely worn out.
Notes: Fair and Poor records are generally only sold for historical or collectible value.
Please note:
A ‘Generic’ Sleeve refers to a plain, non-original sleeve used to house the record, often without any artwork or branding specific to the release. It is typically a replacement for the original sleeve and may vary in color or style.
Label and Sleeve Condition Notes:
This refers to any handwriting, marks, or annotations found on the record label or sleeve. Marks on the disc label may include pen, marker, or pencil writings, and similarly, the sleeve may display handwriting or markings. These imperfections, while cosmetic, do not typically affect the playability of the record but are noted to ensure transparency regarding the overall condition of both the label and the sleeve for collectors and buyers.
The label is the circular sticker located in the center of the record, containing important information such as the artist name, album title, track listing, and sometimes other details like the record company logo. The sleeve is the outer protective cover that houses the record, often featuring artwork, liner notes, and other relevant information.