How to Grade Vinyl (Beginner to Collector Level)
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How to Grade Vinyl (Beginner to Collector Level)
What Mint, NM, VG+, and more actually mean in real life.
If you’ve been into vinyl, you’ve probably seen terms like Mint, NM, VG+, or even EX thrown around.
At first, these terms can feel confusing especially if you’re new to collecting.
That’s because vinyl grading isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
It’s also worth noting that vinyl grading can be subjective, and may vary slightly depending on the seller’s standards and how they interpret each grade. Grading is also mostly (or loosely) based on the Goldmine Vinyl Grading system, which is the most commonly used reference in the industry.
Here’s a straightforward, real-world breakdown of the most common grades.
If you want a deeper breakdown, I also have a full grading guide you can check, just click the link.
💎 Mint (M)
What it means (technically):
Perfect. Never played. No flaws.
What it means in real life:
Almost doesn’t exist.
Most serious sellers avoid using “Mint” unless the record is factory sealed—and even then, it’s safer to assume it hasn’t been inspected.
Personally, I use “S” instead for sealed records to avoid confusion and keep grading more transparent.
✨ Near Mint (NM or M-)
What it means (technically):
Nearly perfect. Played maybe once or twice.
What it means in real life:
This is what most people think Mint should be.
- Looks clean and glossy
- No visible scratches
- Plays with little to no noise
If you’re buying for quality, NM is usually the sweet spot.
🌟 Excellent (EX)
What it means (technically):
Not part of the official Goldmine system, but commonly used.
What it means in real life:
Right between NM and VG+.
- Very clean, but may show light signs of handling
- A few faint hairlines or sleeve marks
- Minimal to no noticeable noise during playback
Think of EX as a “safe NM alternative” from sellers who want to be a bit more conservative (like me). Some sellers might also use "VG++" for this.
👍 Very Good Plus (VG+)
What it means (technically):
Light signs of use, but still well cared for.
What it means in real life:
The most common and most practical grade.
- A few light hairlines or sleeve marks
- Occasional surface noise, mostly in quieter parts
- Still very enjoyable to listen to
A good VG+ record is often the best balance between price and quality.
👌 Very Good (VG)
What it means (technically):
Noticeable wear, but still playable.
What it means in real life:
You’ll hear it.
- Visible scratches or scuffs
- Surface noise is present and consistent
- Still plays through without skipping (ideally)
This is more for casual listening or harder-to-find records.
⚠️ Good (G) / Good Plus (G+)
What it means (technically):
Significant wear.
What it means in real life:
Rough copy.
- Heavy scratches
- Loud surface noise
- Possible skips
Usually for collectors who just want a starter copy or for very rare records.
🚫 Poor (P) / Fair (F)
What it means:
Damaged or barely playable.
In real life:
Only worth it if it’s extremely rare or for display. I usually don't sell records with this grade. If I do, expect them to be in the bargain bin.
Sleeve vs Record (Important)
Grading usually applies to both the sleeve and the vinyl, and they can be different.
Example:
VG / VG+ = Sleeve is VG, Vinyl is VG+
At Bear’s Den Records, my format is Sleeve / Vinyl / Pressing so it’s easier to see condition and release details at a glance.
Always check both especially if condition matters to you.
A Few Real-World Tips
- Grading is subjective. One seller’s VG+ might be another’s VG.
- EX or VG++ isn’t universal. Some sellers use it, some don’t, and some might even use them interchangeably.
- Photos help, but don’t tell everything. Ask about playback if unsure.
- When in doubt, ask questions. A good seller will answer honestly.
- Clean records often sound better. Sometimes a VG+ or even a VG just needs a proper clean.
Final Thoughts
For most collectors, NM, EX, and VG+ are more than enough to enjoy the vinyl experience.
Ultimately, when you’re buying used records, expect that they won’t be perfect, that’s part of collecting. If you want perfection, you’re better off going for brand new pressings… or CDs… or not collecting vinyl at all. Kidding! Enjoy and good luck on your next dig!
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Bear's Den Records
For records worth keeping.