- Our Grading System -

My grading is visual and tends to be on the conservative side. I visually grade the vinyl and describe label defects, if any. I don't clean records prior to shipping, although most don't need it. If it has a sticker I do not remove it, but I usually say if I think it's removable.  Most stickers can be removed without damaging the label, if you have the necessary patience.

Mint: I seldom grade a record Mint. To be considered Mint it has likely never been played. Label looks perfect. Mint records more than thirty years old are extremely rare. When a record is truly Mint it deserves, and receives, a considerable premium over other grades.  
 
Near Mint: Usually the highest grade. Records from the 1950s & '60s in this condition are very rare. Vinyl looks almost new except maybe a feather scuff or two from being removed from its sleeve. Label should look new. A record that has never been played or handled, and would normally be considered new, may still grade Near Mint simply because it's been moved around a few times, or has been stored for 50 years. Sometimes referred to as M-.      
 
VG++ (Very Good Plus Plus): Excellent collectible condition. Only the slightest of wear, light scuffs, no deep scratches, nice label. Very collectible.

VG+ (Very Good Plus): In nice condition and better than you might expect from a record that's been played many times. The owner took reasonably good care of it and likely stored it in a sleeve or record case. May have some scuffs and/or scratches but sounds good and does not skip. A VG+ record is still quite collectible and above the norm for its age.
 
VG (Very Good): In good condition for its age, but more wear than VG+. Not always kept in a sleeve. Surface scratches or scuffs but no skips. Still makes for good listening and somewhat collectible unless very common. Nice to have until a better copy comes along. 
 
VG- (Very Good Minus): Generally not collectible condition unless it’s a rare record. This is what you would expect of a record owned by a party-going teenager in the '50s and '60s. Probably hasn't seen a sleeve since the day it was purchased. Maybe kept in a record carrying case. No skips. Okay for listening if you don't mind some scratches or pops. Most dealers avoid VG- records that are not rare. 
 
G (Good): Lots of surface wear but still playable. The most confusing grade because "good" really does not mean good. It is actually in quite poor condition. Probably spent its life sleeveless and stacked with other records. May or may not skip. Not collectible. 
 
P (Poor): May be cracked and probably skips. Pretty much a wall hanger unless it's very rare. 

Email me if you have any questions. Thanks for visiting.