How to Grade Used Vinyl Records

Walking into a record store and seeing "VG+" on a price tag can feel like reading a foreign language. But vinyl grading isn't complicated once you understand the system. It exists to set expectations — so both buyers and sellers speak the same language about condition. The standard used across the industry is the **Goldmine Grading Scale**. It applies to both the vinyl itself and the sleeve (jacket), and they're graded separately. A record might be Near Mint while its sleeve is only Very Good — that's perfectly normal for a well-loved album.

## The Grades, Explained ### Mint (M) Absolutely perfect. Unplayed, still sealed, no imperfections whatsoever. In practice, Mint is almost never used for opened records. If someone claims a played record is Mint, be skeptical. ### Near Mint (NM or M-) As close to perfect as a played record can be. No surface marks, no audible noise, no wear on the sleeve. The record looks like it was played once, carefully, and put right back. This is the highest realistic grade for a used record. ### Very Good Plus (VG+) This is where most well-cared-for records land. Light surface marks that don't affect playback, perhaps minor ring wear on the sleeve. You might hear the occasional light crackle between tracks, but nothing during the music. **VG+ is the sweet spot for collectors** — excellent sound at a fair price. ### Very Good (VG) Noticeable surface wear and some audible noise, but the record plays through without skipping. Sleeve may have seam splits, writing, or moderate ring wear. VG records are great for listening copies when you don't want to pay collector prices. ### Good Plus (G+) and Good (G) Significant wear. Scratches may cause audible pops or light skipping. Sleeves may be heavily worn, taped, or water-damaged. These grades are for records you want to own for the music alone — don't expect a pristine listening experience. ### Fair (F) and Poor (P) The record plays but with constant noise, skipping, or damage. Sleeves may be barely holding together. Typically only worth buying if the record is extremely rare and no better copy exists.

## How We Grade at 72records We follow the Goldmine scale conservatively — when in doubt, we grade down rather than up. Every used record in our shop has been: 1. **Visually inspected** under good light for surface marks, warps, and scratches 2. **Play-tested** on a calibrated turntable to check for noise, skips, and groove damage 3. **Sleeve assessed** separately, noting any splits, ring wear, or writing We note both grades on the price tag: the first for the vinyl, the second for the sleeve. So "NM/VG+" means a Near Mint record in a Very Good Plus sleeve.

## Tips for Buying Used Vinyl - **Always check both grades.** A NM record in a Poor sleeve might bother you more than you think — and it affects resale value. - **VG+ is your friend.** The price difference between NM and VG+ can be significant, but the sound difference is often negligible. - **Ask to listen before buying.** Any reputable record store will let you hear a used record before you commit. We certainly do. - **Inner sleeves matter.** Records stored in paper inner sleeves pick up more dust and scratches than those in poly-lined sleeves. If you're buying NM vinyl, check the inner sleeve too. - **Warps aren't always fatal.** A slight warp that doesn't affect tracking is common in older records. A severe warp that causes the tonearm to bounce is a dealbreaker. Understanding grading takes the guesswork out of buying used vinyl. Once you know what VG+ sounds like versus VG, you'll shop with much more confidence — and you'll know when a record is fairly priced.