Record Grading Guide

At 72 Records, we use the Goldmine grading standard — the industry-wide system used by record shops and collectors around the world. Every record is graded separately for the vinyl and the sleeve, so you always know exactly what you're getting.

Grades are listed as vinyl / sleeve. For example, "VG+ / VG" means the record is Very Good Plus and the sleeve is Very Good.

Mint (M)

Vinyl

Absolutely perfect. Unplayed, possibly still sealed. No marks, scuffs, or surface noise whatsoever. In practice, we rarely use this grade — it's reserved for truly untouched records.

Sleeve

Pristine condition. Sharp corners, no ring wear, no fading, no writing or damage of any kind.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

Vinyl

As close to perfect as a played record can be. The surface is glossy and clean, free of scratches or noticeable wear. No surface noise. This is the highest realistic grade for a used record.

Sleeve

At most the faintest signs of handling. Artwork remains bright and intact. No folds, seam splits, creases, or marks.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Most common

Vinyl

Should sound excellent. Surfaces may show light marks or very light scratches that don't affect playback. There may be a faint background crackle, but nothing during the music. This is the sweet spot — excellent sound at a fair price.

Sleeve

Some wear — slightly turned-up corners or a small seam split (under an inch). May show minor ring wear or light discoloration.

Very Good (VG)

Vinyl

The record has been clearly played and enjoyed. Surface noise will be noticeable, especially in quiet passages. Light pops and clicks, and visible scratches will be present — but the record plays through without skipping.

Sleeve

Noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or spine wear. Possible seam splits, writing, price stickers, or age-related signs like yellowing.

Good Plus (G+)

Vinyl

Plays through without skipping, but will have significant surface noise, scratches, and crackling. The record has obviously been well-loved over the years.

Sleeve

Seam splits, tape, writing, or other defects will be present. More wear and indentations than VG. May have slight fading or a small tear.

Good (G)

Don't let the name fool you — Good means the record has significant wear. Plenty of surface noise, scratches, and possibly groove wear. The sleeve will be heavily worn. We rarely stock records in this condition unless they're rare or hard to find.

Fair (F) & Poor (P)

Records in Fair or Poor condition have severe damage — skips, warps, deep scratches. We don't sell records in these grades.

A Note on Our Grading

We grade conservatively — if we're on the fence between two grades, we go with the lower one. Every used record in our shop has been visually inspected and play-tested. If a record has a specific defect worth noting (a small scratch on side B, a price sticker on the sleeve), we'll mention it in the product description.

Questions about a specific record's condition? Don't hesitate to reach out at hello@72records.be .