Buying or selling vinyl records can be a nuanced process, particularly when it comes to determining their condition. Record grading plays a crucial role in assessing the physical state of a record and its cover, and it can significantly impact the record's value. This guide will help you understand the grading system for vinyl condition and how it affects the value of your collection.
1. Mint (M):
A record graded as Mint is in perfect condition. It has never been played and still has its original seal. The album cover, record sleeve, and any additional items such as posters or lyrics sheets are also in perfect condition. Records in Mint condition are extremely rare, particularly for older releases.
2. Near Mint (NM or M-):
Near Mint records appear almost perfect. They've been handled and played very carefully. Any marks on the record should be superficial and not affect the sound quality. The cover and any additional items are also near perfect, with only minor signs of wear.
3. Excellent (EX or VG++):
Records in Excellent condition have been handled and played more often but are still in great condition. There may be light scuffs or marks that don't significantly affect sound quality. The cover and additional items may show signs of minor wear or slight creasing.
4. Very Good Plus (VG+):
A Very Good Plus record shows signs of being played but has been well cared for. There might be noticeable light scratches or scuffs, but they should not significantly affect the sound quality. The cover and additional items might show signs of wear, ring wear, minor creasing, or minor seam splits.
5. Very Good (VG):
Very Good records have been played often and display more obvious signs of wear and tear. There may be light scratches, mild noise or pops, and visible groove wear. The cover and additional items might be marked, slightly torn, creased, or show other signs of wear.
6. Good (G), Good Plus (G+):
A record in Good condition can still be put on a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. The cover and contents might be torn, stained, or defaced, or they may have tape or writing on them.
7. Poor (P), Fair (F):
Records in Poor or Fair condition lack even the most basic collector/fan value. They're heavily damaged, with extreme noise and scratches. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
It's worth noting that record grading is subjective and can vary between sellers. Always check the seller's grading policy, and don't be afraid to ask for additional information or photos to ensure you're getting what you expect.
Understanding the grading system is crucial to building and maintaining a valuable vinyl collection. It guides you in properly caring for your records and helps you make informed decisions when adding to your collection.