How are Vinyl Records Graded?

MINT:

Perfect in every way. In 'like new' condition, possibly still sealed.

NEAR MINT:

A nearly perfect record. The sound quality during playback may be like new, or as close to new as possible. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.

EXCELLENT PLUS / EXCELLENT:

The vinyl record may show a couple of very minor marks. The sound quality during playback is close to new, with any surface noise minimal. The majority of the record will play like new. The labels may have some minor marks.

VERY GOOD PLUS:

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound may be present.

The labels may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present.

VERY GOOD:

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc.

Some surface noise may be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear and light scratches may be noticeable, that may affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached.

GOOD PLUS / GOOD:

A record in Good Plus or Good condition can be played through without skipping but it may have significant scratches, marks and visible groove wear. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" may accompany the playback in places or throughout. The labels may have tape, writing, spindle marks or other defects.

How are Record Sleeves Graded?

MINT:

Perfect in every way. In 'like new' condition, often still sealed.

NEAR MINT:

The cover or container can have very minor defects., but it should have no folds, seam splits, scratches, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.

EXCELLENT PLUS / EXCELLENT:

Paper or cardboard sleeves and inserts may have some wear, slightly turned-up corners, a small seam-split or other minor noticeable defects but are still of excellent quality.

VERY GOOD PLUS:

Paper or cardboard sleeves and inserts will have some wear, slightly turned-up corners, a small seam-split or other noticeable defects. The defects are more pronounced than that of Excellent or Excellent Plus.

VERY GOOD:

Covers or sleeves may be marred by writing or have tape, stickers, residue attached, slightly turned-up corners or a seam-split. However, a VG item will not have all of these problems at the same time.

GOOD PLUS / GOOD:

A container, cover, or sleeve will have scratches or seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, staining or other defects will also be present.

FAIR / POOR:

The container or cover could be cracked, water-damaged, and heavily marred by wear or writing. the album cover and inner sleeves may be fully split, crinkled, and written upon.