Condition grading of preloved vinyl
We grade the cover (sleeve) and vinyl (record) separately, so you know what you’re getting.
The price label will show an abbreviated rating – first, the rating for the cover, and second, a rating for the vinyl record (e.g. VG/VG+).
The grading categories are:
Near Mint (NM)
The cover (sleeve) should have no creases, folds, seam splits, or noticeable defects.
The record will be in near perfect condition with no imperfections during playback. It may have evidence of slight handling.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
The cover may have slight wear, indents, cut marks or a slight split seam.
The record will show some signs that it has been played. Any defects should be cosmetic and not affect playback. The record may show some signs of wear and have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect the listening experience.
Very Good (VG)
The cover may have some signs of wear and noticeable indentations or cut marks. Any ring wear should be faint. Labels may be marred by writing or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.
The record may emit surface noise upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade but will not overpower the music. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches that will affect the sound.
Good Plus (G+), Good (G)
The sleeve will have seam splits. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear.
Fair (F), Poor (P)
The sleeve barely keeps the record inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.
The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing.