Record grading

New records are sealed or unopened. Used records are graded separately for the media (the disc) and for the sleeve, using the international scale also used by Discogs.

Grading scale

• M – Mint: perfect, practically unopened. Rarely used for used records.
• NM – Near Mint (M-): looks like new. No visible signs of play, plays without noise.
• VG+ – Very Good Plus: light signs of play, minor marks. Plays great with the occasional quiet crackle.
• VG – Very Good: visible marks and audible crackle in quiet passages, but it does not spoil listening.
• G+ / G – Good Plus / Good: heavy wear, louder noise. Plays through, for listeners who care more about the title than the condition.
• F / P – Fair / Poor: badly damaged. Sold only with a clear note, usually to collectors or as a filler.

If you want more detail about a record (photos, a sound clip), write to us.