Record Grading
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MINT (M) These are absolutely perfect in every way. This grading is generally reserved for sealed records |
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NEAR MINT (NM OR M-) Looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time.” In other words, it’s nearly perfect. Records are shiny, with no visible defects. Writing, stickers or other markings cannot appear on the label, nor can any “spindle marks” from someone trying to blindly put the record on the turntable. Covers are free of creases, ring wear and seam splits of any kind. |
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VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) or EXCELLENT (E) VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound and minor signs of handling. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Covers should have only minor wear. A cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG+ cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking. |
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Very Good (VG) Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ record are more obvious on a VG record. Records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. When played, a VG record has surface noise and crackles may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and ending. But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise. Covers will have visible signs of handling and ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, it's obvious, though not overwhelming. |
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Good (G), Record plays through without skipping but it has significant surface noise and groove wear, label is worn, with significant ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage. Cover has ring wear to the point of distraction, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even heavy writing. |
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POOR (P) and Fair (F) Poor (P) and Fair (F) records are generally warped, or skip and/or repeat when an attempt is made to play them. Covers are heavily damaged. |