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Record Grading

Every second-hand record we sell is graded on the Discogs scale, the standard most collectors already know. We grade the vinyl and the sleeve separately, so you know exactly what you're getting before it arrives.

M NM VG+ VG G+ G F P
As newHeavily worn

The short version

Most collectors buy at VG+ or above. That's where a record plays cleanly and looks cared for. VG is a good-value player copy with some noise. Anything below that is priced for the music or the rarity, not the condition.

Grades are conservative by design. If we're unsure between two, we pick the lower one. Anything specific, like a seam split, a writing mark or a light skip, goes in the listing notes.

The grades

M

Mint (M)

VinylPerfect. Usually still sealed and never played.
SleeveFlawless, as it left the pressing plant.

Expect: we rarely use this grade. Sealed stock is usually listed as new.

NM

Near Mint (NM or M−)

VinylLooks unplayed or nearly so. Glossy surface, no marks you'd notice under normal light.
SleeveClean and sharp. No ring wear, splits, stickers or writing.

Expect: plays like new.

VG+

Very Good Plus (VG+)

VinylPlayed and looked after. Maybe a few faint marks or light scuffs that don't affect the sound.
SleeveLight wear only: slight edge or corner wear, a little ring wear at most.

Expect: clean playback. Perhaps a touch of surface noise in quiet passages.

VG

Very Good (VG)

VinylVisible marks and light scratches. The shine is duller from use.
SleeveClear wear: ring wear, creases, small seam splits, writing or a sticker.

Expect: surface noise and some crackle, mostly between tracks and in the intro and outro. The music still comes through well.

G+

Good Plus (G+)

VinylHeavily played, with plenty of scratches and wear. It plays through without skipping.
SleeveWorn, with splits, heavy ring wear, tape or writing.

Expect: constant noise under the music. A copy to own for the record, not the sound quality.

G

Good (G)

VinylVery worn, with deep marks and groove wear. Still plays through.
SleeveBadly damaged but complete.

Expect: loud noise and distortion. Mainly for completists, sampling or filling a gap.

F

Fair (F)

VinylMay skip or repeat. Possibly warped or cracked.
SleeveFalling apart or heavily defaced.

Expect: not a listening copy. Listed only when the item is rare.

P

Poor (P)

VinylWon't play properly. Cracked, badly warped or unplayable.
SleeveBarely there.

Expect: sold as an artefact, for the label, sleeve art or a collection.

Other terms you'll see

Generic sleeve

The record comes in a plain or company sleeve rather than a picture sleeve. Common for 12" dance singles, and often how they were first issued.

No cover

The record comes without its original outer sleeve. Only the vinyl is graded.

Promo / white label

Promotional or test pressing. The listing will say if the label or sleeve is stamped or marked.

Two grades

Listings show vinyl first, then sleeve. For example, VG+ / VG means a VG+ record in a VG sleeve.

Grading is done by eye under good light and follows the Discogs grading standard. If you'd like more detail on a particular copy before buying, get in touch and we'll take a closer look.