Buying used records
Used Vinyl Grading Explained: What Mint, VG+ and Good Actually Mean
Used records are where a collection gets interesting and affordable, but every listing comes with a little code: NM, VG+, G+. Those letters decide whether you get a clean listening copy or a crackly coaster. Here's what each grade is supposed to mean, where sellers stretch it, and how to check a record yourself.
Quick answer
- Most sellers use a scale that runs Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus, Very Good, Good Plus/Good, then Fair/Poor.
- For listening, VG+ is the sweet spot: light signs of handling, plays well, priced well below Near Mint.
- VG is where noise becomes audible, and Good means it plays but you'll hear it all the way through.
- The record and the sleeve are graded separately. A VG+ record can sit in a VG cover.
- Grading is visual and subjective. Ask for play-graded copies on anything expensive, and buy from sellers who accept returns.
There's no legal standard for record grading. What most shops and online sellers use is a common scale that grew out of collector price guides and is now built into big marketplace databases. Because it's applied by people with different standards, think of grades as a seller's honest opinion, not a measurement. Learn the scale, then learn to check for yourself.
The grading scale, grade by grade
| Grade | What it should mean | What you'll hear |
|---|---|---|
| Mint (M) | Perfect, essentially unplayed. Many sellers reserve it for sealed copies and some avoid using it at all. | Nothing that isn't on the pressing itself |
| Near Mint (NM or M-) | Nearly perfect. Glossy, no visible marks beyond the faintest handling. | Clean play |
| Very Good Plus (VG+) | Light signs of handling: faint scuffs or very light marks that don't affect play much. | Mostly quiet; maybe a little surface noise between tracks |
| Very Good (VG) | Clearly played. Visible light scratches and groove wear. | Surface noise noticeable in quiet passages; occasional pops |
| Good Plus / Good (G+ / G) | Heavily played. Plenty of scratches, worn sheen. | Noise throughout, but it plays without skipping |
| Fair / Poor (F / P) | Badly damaged: cracked, deeply scratched or warped. | May skip or not be playable |
The jump that matters most for listeners is between VG+ and VG. A VG+ copy is usually a satisfying listen. A VG copy is fine for background music or a rare title you can't find cleaner, but most people notice the noise.
Records and sleeves are graded separately
A listing like "VG+/VG" usually means the record (media) is VG+ and the sleeve is VG. Some sellers put the sleeve first, so read the listing carefully. Common sleeve flaws have their own shorthand:
Ring wear
A circular outline on the cover where the record pressed against it over years. Cosmetic; doesn't affect play.
Seam split
An edge of the cover has come apart. Often noted with where and how long ("2-inch bottom seam split").
Writing / stickers
Names, price tags or radio station stamps on the cover or label.
Cut-out
A notch, drilled hole or clipped corner marking a discounted copy. Cosmetic, but it can matter to collectors.
If you're buying to listen, cover condition is mostly about how much you care what it looks like on the shelf. If you're buying to collect, sleeve condition can matter as much as the disc.
Visual grading vs play grading
Most grades are given by looking at the record under light. That catches scratches and scuffs, but it misses some things that only show up when you listen, and it can over-penalize marks that are purely cosmetic. A play-graded record has actually been listened to by the seller, so the grade reflects how it sounds.
- Light scuffs ("paper scuffs" from the inner sleeve) often look worse than they sound.
- Groove wear from a bad stylus or heavy tracking can look nearly invisible yet sound gritty, especially on loud passages and sibilant vocals.
- Pressing noise from the factory isn't a condition flaw at all, but it's still noise.
For anything you're paying real money for, ask the seller whether it's play graded and whether they'll describe any noise. A good seller won't mind the question.
How to inspect a used record in a shop
You won't always be able to play a record before buying. Here's a quick routine that catches most problems:
- Handle it by the edges and label. Fingers on the playing surface leave oils, and the seller will notice.
- Tilt it under a strong light. A single overhead bulb or your phone flashlight shows scratches better than diffuse light.
- Feel any scratch you see, gently, with a fingernail. If your nail catches, it will probably click when played. If it doesn't, it may be a surface scuff.
- Look at the sheen. A dull, greyish look across the grooves often means heavy play or wear.
- Sight along the edge for warps. Hold it at eye level and rotate it. A slight, gentle wave is often playable; a sharp dish or bend usually is not.
- Check the label and spindle hole. Lots of spindle marks around the hole suggest lots of plays.
- Check for the inner sleeve. A missing inner sleeve isn't a big deal, but a dusty record stored bare in a cardboard jacket often has more scuffs.
Tip: Bring a small flashlight. Many shops are dimly lit, and a few seconds with a direct beam tells you more than a minute of squinting.
Grading when you buy online
Online, you're trusting the seller's eyes. A few habits help:
- Read the seller's own grading notes. Many explain whether they're strict or generous and whether they play grade.
- Look for specifics: "light paper scuffs, plays quietly" is more useful than "VG+ looks great."
- Check feedback for comments about grading accuracy, not just shipping speed.
- Confirm the return policy before you buy, especially for higher-priced copies.
- Expect some variation. If two sellers both say VG+, one copy may still be quieter than the other.
What grade should you buy?
For most listeners, VG+ is the best value. You get a record that sounds good for noticeably less than Near Mint. Go for Near Mint when the price difference is small or the record is one you'll play constantly. Accept VG for hard-to-find titles, budget bins, or music where a little crackle doesn't bother you. Skip Good and below unless it's genuinely rare or you just want the cover.
Also remember a used record can often be improved. Many "dirty" copies sound better after a proper cleaning, because the noise was grime rather than damage. Our comparison of brushes and wet cleaning covers the basics.
Protect what you just bought
Used records often arrive in tired paper inner sleeves. Swapping in clean anti-static inner sleeves reduces new scuffs, and clear outer sleeves keep covers from picking up more ring wear. Store them upright, not stacked flat. Our storage guide walks through the rest.
FAQ
Is VG+ good enough for listening?
For most people, yes. VG+ records show light signs of handling but usually play with little noise. It's often the best balance of sound and price.
What does VG+/VG mean in a listing?
It's two grades: one for the record and one for the sleeve. Many sellers list the record first, but check the listing, since the order isn't universal.
Does Mint mean sealed?
Not always, but many sellers reserve Mint for sealed or truly unplayed copies, and some never use it. Near Mint is the top grade you'll usually see on open used records.
Can cleaning improve a record's grade?
Cleaning can remove grime that causes crackle, so a dirty record may sound much better afterward. It can't fix scratches or groove wear.
What is a play-graded record?
A record the seller has actually listened to before grading, so the grade reflects sound rather than just how it looks under light.
The bottom line
Grades are a starting point, not a promise. Learn the scale, aim for VG+ for everyday listening, read listings for specifics, and inspect under a strong light when you can. Then clean what you buy and give it fresh sleeves. You'll end up with quieter records than the grade suggested more often than not.