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Vinyl record grading guide

This is our guide to grading vinyl records and explains how we grade the records listed on our online record store. Our grading system separately clarifies how we grade the vinyl record and how we grade the record cover/sleeve.

Please note that most of our records are visually graded. If you are ever unhappy with a grading please contact us so we can sort out a return, refund or discount.

Mint – M

A record in mint condition is basically as new - absolutely perfect and will be factory sealed.

Disc

The disc will be as new and unplayed. This vinyl record shows no signs of wear or use of any kind, and will still be factory sealed.

LP Cover

The cover will be as new, completely unmarked in any way - absolutely perfect. The cover will be factory sealed.

Near Mint – NM

The highest grade for a second hand non factory sealed record.

Disc

The disc will have no visible signs of being played, no defects, writing or spindle marks on the label.

LP Cover

A cover that is Near Mint looks close to brand new. It has no bends, creases, marks or price stickers or their residue on it and it is bright and colourful.

Excellent – E

Second hand records that are close to Near Mint.

Disc

The disc may have very light marks where the vinyl has been in and out of the inner sleeve a few times, or tiny signs of use generally.

LP Cover

A cover that is graded Excellent may show light use, with no bends, creases, marks or price stickers or their residue on it.

Very Good Plus – VG+

Well looked after and may have light visible flaws that will not affect the sound.

Disc

The record may show minor visible signs of wear and use - small hairline scratches that do not affect the sound, light scuffs or a few small spindle marks.

LP Cover

The cover may show some signs of age and wear. Small corner dings or creases, light colour fading, ring wear or edge wear and small seam splits may be present. The cover may have a cut-out or small hole punched in it or some sticker residue.

Very Good – VG

Records graded VG will show visible signs of age, use and wear.

Disc

Audible scratches, scuffs and marks may be present on the disc, and spindle marks or writing may appear on the label. Groove wear may be evident and it will likely play with audible noise.

LP Cover

A cover in VG condition may have tearing, creases, ring wear, edge wear or larger seam splits. In addition, it may also have foxing/discolouration marks, hand writing on it, tape on the edges, rubbing or marks from sticker residue or tears from past removal of stickers.

Good+ - G+ / Good – G

Records graded as either Good+ or Good will show heavy and obvious signs of use with visible damage.

Disc

Discs may have considerable wear, heat marks and disc fogging (discolouration).

LP Cover

A Good cover may be damaged from sticker removal, be marred by tape, writing or ring wear, have large creases or tears, or have large seam splits, or be discoloured and faded.

Fair - F / Poor - P

It is very rare that we add records graded as either Fair or Poor, they will generally be "collectible" in nature. Records graded as Fair or Poor will show heavy and obvious signs of use and/or damage.

Disc

The disc will be heavily scratched, cracked, badly warped and/or discoloured (major fogging). The disc will not play through without skipping, repeating and/or major noise.

LP Cover

A Fair or Poor cover will be dirty, torn, water-damaged, stained, and heavily marred by wear or writing.