Guide to Record Grading - LP Grading 101

Here’s how to grade a vinyl lp record like many of the online sellers.

M (Mint) When a record is truly Perfect and flawless. Might be brand new and sealed. Rarely awarded.

M- or NRMT or NM (Mint Minus or Near Mint)

Near perfection.  Usually the highest grade. The album should have no signs of wear, Record sleeves of this grade should have only the most minor barely noticeable wear from slight handling. Often the highest rating given by dealers.

VG++ (Very Good Plus Plus)

Superb care has been taken. In collectible condition. Only the slightest of wear that can only be noticed with scrutiny. If not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. This rating is highly acceptable.

VG+ (Very Good Plus)

Great condition and well cared for. May have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect sound quality. Very minor warps that do not affect the sound are accepted at this grade. Label could have some ring wear or discoloration, but hardly noticeable. The center hole should be close to perfect. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, light corner curl, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount. Most collectors want this rating or higher.

 

VG (Very Good)

Obviously previously enjoyed. Will have surface noise. Labels, sleeves and covers may be have some writing, or have tape, stickers or residue. VG cannot have all of these flaws, two or three of them max. Very Good is often the lowest that a collector will accept, but only if hard to find anything better..  

VG- (Very Good Minus) or G+ (Good Plus)

Generally not in any sort of collectible condition, unless it’s a super rare record. Most dealers and collectors avoid records in this shape or below. Will have more defined problems of VG but not too the degree of G.

G (Good)

Lots of wear, but still playable. The most confusing grade! Good really does
not mean good. It is actually quite poor condition. Shouldn’t skip, but will have noise, scratches and visible 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 start to overwhelm the object.
It is a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But, if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it...but keep looking to upgrade.

P (Poor) or F (Fair)

Might be cracked, badly warped, doesn’t play through without skips or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, torn, soiled, split on all three seams and heavily marred by other wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, crinkled, and written upon.
Except for ultra rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be ignored and are practically worthless.

 

WBR (Wrecked But Rare) – Otherwise known as a Starter Copy. Not cracked, but a
starter copy.

You may see the above record ratings applied separately to the record, sleeve and cover.

This LP rating guide is based on Goldmine Guide.

 

If you are buying records online be sure to read the sellers description as they may use a different type of grading system.

 

 

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