Vinyl Record Grading at Record Town

The Record Town staff loves collecting vinyl as much as you do! We are very conscious of the importance of the proper grading of your vinyl, and we spend the time and effort to make sure you get the vinyl you want. The record industry has developed a rating system for both the vinyl and covers for LPs. The rating system creates consistency among buyers and sellers.

 

Most vinyl records are graded visually, and defects are easy to see, such as scratches and warps. Others are subtle, such as groove wear. Before grading a vinyl record, we gently clean both sides with a record cleaning solution and a soft cloth. We use a strong light to locate any minor imperfections. The grade is assigned to both the vinyl and cover based on our careful observations.

 

Some records may be worthy of a higher grade except for defects such as writing, tape or minor seam splits. At Record Town, we always state any defect or imperfection when we post a record on our website. We want you to be 100-percent satisfied with the vinyl record that you receive. Some LPs were made for promotional purposes only. We always state if a vinyl record is a promo copy.

 

Standard Vinyl Grading System

MINT (M)
The vinyl and cover are perfect in every way. Mint albums are unopened and still in the original shrink wrap. The cover looks perfect with no damage to the corners.

 

NEAR MINT (NM)
A NM vinyl record looks like it just came from a retail store and opened for the first time. NM vinyl records are shiny, with no visible defects. The vinyl and cover must be free from spindle marks, writing, stickers, or other markings. Factory defects also must be absent. When played, there will be no surface noise.

 

NM covers are free of creases, ring wear and seam splits of any kind. A lot of NM vinyl records are still in the original shrink wrap with hype stickers still attached.

 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+)
VG+ vinyl records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Very slight warps that do not affect the sound and minor signs of handling such as spindle marks are also acceptable.

 

VG+ covers can have minor wear at the corners and seams. A very small seam split is acceptable. Very light ring wear or discoloration that is barely noticeable is also acceptable. VG+ covers may have a cut-out marking such as a hole or clipped-off corner.

 

VERY GOOD (VG)
Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ vinyl record are more obvious on a VG record. Groove wear is more evident, as are light scratches. When played, a VG record has some surface noise, but the noise does not overpower the music.

 

VG covers may have many signs of handling such as ring wear and slightly visible creases. A split seam will be more obvious and could appear on more than one side. Someone may have written on the cover, or a price sticker may still be attached to it.

 

GOOD PLUS (G+), GOOD (G) and FAIR (F)
G+, G and F vinyl records still play through without skipping and may have significant surface noise and groove wear. Groove wear and scratches are even more evident than higher rated vinyl records.

 

G+, G and F covers are typically worn, with significant ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage. Seam splits are obvious and may have writing on one or both sides.

 

Other Factors to Consider

Sealed Albums
Still-sealed vinyl records are desirable for many collectors. The value of factory-sealed vinyl records typically increases over time. Proper storage is important for any vinyl record collection.

 

Import Albums
Some import albums, especially well-made Japanese imports that still have their “obi strip,” typically sell for more than a U.S. version of the same album.

 

Promotional (Promo) Vinyl Records
Promotional vinyl records were given to radio stations, record stores, and lucky music lovers to help market a specific vinyl record release. Promo records are identified in different ways. The most common method is to use a white label and/or to add words such as:

• “Demonstration — Not for Sale”
• “Audition Record”
• “For Radio-TV Use Only”
• “Promotional Copy”

Some record labels used colors other than white or the same labels as stock copies but added a promotional disclaimer. Most promotional albums have the same catalog number as the regular release.

 

Some vinyl record promos may have more value than regular stock releases, such as:

• Colored vinyl promos.
• Promos in special numbering series, such as Columbia albums with an “AS” or “CAS” prefix; Warner Bros. albums with a “PRO” or “PRO-A-” prefix; Capitol albums with a “PRO” or “SPRO” prefix; Mercury albums with an “MK” prefix; and others.
• Promos that differ from released versions in cover or music content.
• Promos pressed on special high-quality vinyl — popular in the 1980s and often valued higher.

Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about how Record Town grades vinyl records. We take pride in our process and always aim to provide transparency and value for collectors and music lovers alike.