How to grade vinyl records
Accurate grading is the foundation of honest record selling. A record graded higher than it deserves leads to disputes, returns, and bad reviews. Graded accurately, both buyer and seller know exactly what they're getting.
The standard grading scale
The vinyl collecting world uses a scale that runs from Mint (perfect) down to Poor (barely playable). Most records you'll encounter fall in the VG to NM range.
M — Mint
Absolutely perfect in every way. Never played, still sealed. An extremely rare grade. Most sellers will never use this honestly.
NM — Near Mint
Nearly perfect. May have been played once or twice but shows no visible marks. No scuffs, no hairlines. Plays with no noise between tracks.
VG+ — Very Good Plus
Shows some signs of play but still sounds excellent. Minor surface marks that don't affect playback. A VG+ record should play with minimal surface noise.
VG — Very Good
Clearly played. Visible marks and light scratches. Will have surface noise, especially in quiet passages. Still enjoyable for casual listening.
G+ — Good Plus
Heavy wear. Significant surface noise throughout. The music is audible but the experience is degraded. Worth having only if you can't find a better copy.
G — Good
Played to death. Loud surface noise, possible skips. Only worth considering for rare pressings.
F — Fair
Barely plays. Major defects. Very rarely sold in this condition.
P — Poor
Does not play properly. Usually only relevant for display or parts.
How to inspect a record
- Hold the record under a single bright light source, either natural light or a desk lamp. Tilt it at different angles. Marks that are invisible flat-on become obvious at an angle.
- Look for hairlines: fine circular scratches from improper cleaning or storage. Hairlines usually cause a consistent light hiss during playback.
- Look for deep scratches. These will cause skips or clicks at specific points. Run a fingernail across the surface lightly; if you can feel it, you'll hear it.
- Check the pressing. Hold the record up and sight down it like a ruler. A warped record will be obvious. Slight warps may not affect playback; severe ones will cause wow and flutter.
- Play it. This is the only definitive test. A record that looks mint can have pressing defects. A record that looks rough can play beautifully. If you're selling, always play it first.
Grade the sleeve separately
Most grading systems list two grades: media (the record itself) and sleeve. A record can be NM while the sleeve is VG or worse. List both honestly. Buyers care about the sleeve too, especially for collectible pressings.
When in doubt, grade down
If a record is on the border between VG+ and VG, call it VG. Buyers who receive something better than expected leave positive feedback. Buyers who receive something worse dispute the transaction. The asymmetry favours conservative grading.
Grading for dollrbin listings
On dollrbin, the seller's payout is held until the buyer confirms receipt. If a record arrives significantly different from its listed condition, the buyer can dispute the transaction. Accurate grading protects you as a seller.