Vinyl Record Grading: How to Avoid Record Problems

www.devotedtovinyl.com
In this video, I cover the topic of Vinyl Record Grading. Grading both vinyl records and album jackets is an important part of online record buying and selling. You have to be able to trust a seller's judgement to accurately grade a vinyl record that you're interested in.
From a perfect grade of MINT condition to a terrible grade of FAIR or POOR condition, use this video as a guide to learn more about the vinyl record grading system.
Not only will this video provide you with a full vinyl record grading chart, but I'll also list key tips and strategies you can follow when it comes to buying quality vinyl records online.

[@THEBATMAN28AHH]

Record grading is fun. Sometimes i find records that look terrible, yet after a cleaning, they sound great.

[@Weareonenation303]

My own take on grading: RECORDS: Mint: Doesn't really exist, should be used very rarely, if ever. I would only bother with this grade if the record is SEALED. NM: Looks new, maybe a very tiny scuff at worst that can only be seen under strong light. Record plays without noise. VG+: Has very minor wear, record plays without noise. VG: Standard used condition, vinyl has light scratches and / or scuffs. Will play with light noise that doesn't overpower the music. G+ and G: Pretty much trash, record will have heavy wear and thus play with heavy noise, record doesn't skip. Fair and Poor: Record skips or is completely unplayable due to heavy scratches or warps. Records that skip when played in any turntable but look VG+ or NM are FAIR by default. Stuff like the odd pressing fault is taken into grading separately. For example, a record that looks NM but plays like VG due to a factory defect is VG with notes on the description box. I've seen a LOT of sellers abuse the Mint and VG+ grading by listing open records as Mint or records that play with light noise VG+ NM and VG+ shouldn't play with any noise, if a record plays with light noise, it's VG at BEST. Records that have writing on the label are VG+ at best, I don't care if sellers say it doesn't affect the sound, collectors usually don't want writing on labels. A NM record should look and play perfectly. SLEEVES: Mint: Looks absolutely perfect NM: Might have the tiniest of wear that is extremely hard to notice. No writing, ring wear, sales stickers, creases, cutouts, rips, seam splits or water damage present. VG+: Looks excellent apart from some slight imperfections like a small crease or maybe super light ring wear or a very small sticker with writing on the corner. VG: Used but not abused. Sleeve will have creases, minor water damage, rips, seam splits , cutouts and / or other pronounced defects. Good+ and below: Trash.

[@ka-pop2243]

I agree with *most* of your points on grading. At any rate, I wish more sellers adhered to your grading standards.

[@vincentrathbone26]

I couldn't agree with you more, if you go back 30 or 40 yrs there was only a handful of dealers and they all knew what they were doing, these days every man and his dog sells records and very few of them actually know how to grade records and I've been abused by dealers when I point out how poor their grading is and I've also been told by one Ebay seller not to buy from them again.

[@LK25278]

VG+ does not mean that the record plays without noise, a bit of noise is expected and allowed, the noise "very light scratches" and dust here and there make which is basically irrelevant to the listening experience of most people on most setups. Any one deep scratch that can be heard as a crack, or *continuous* light noise - instant VG. That's how i see it and how goldmine grading goes i think. I'm happy for your customers that bought your VG+ records though, your grading system is great and VERY conservative i would say. VG records should be around 25-30% of NM value so i think you're very much undervaluing your records.

[@grandpaberniesbasement8186]

Nice video! Can’t wait to see your other videos! I have to deal with an online return today. Was told the vinyl & covers were VG+/VG++/EX, but they were all VG.

[@shugstobin7331]

Nice video explaining the grading process. I've recently come across a huge vinyl collection from a guy who was a DJ. So I need all the information I can get. I'll also check out your how to sell vinyl. I'm currently going through the collection to find any gems so this is very valuable video.

[@orchiddds]

Hey just saw that you were back and am very excited!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks! Hope you're doing well! 👍🏿

[@walterpen371]

Excellent presentation and well explained. My recommendation for someone who wants to have an excellent reputation on selling and having repeat customers. You must take the time to clean the vinyl, inner sleeves and covers. Presentation and quality of sound makes or breaks your chances of continuous business. Keep up the great vids. Peace.

[@frostdragon1950]

VG plus is the lowest I'll go

[@louisvl10]

To anyone coming here from a bad experience on Discogs. DON'T LET THE SELLER GET AWAY WITH IT!! NEGATIVE REVIEW (AFTER returning and receiving your refund): "BAD GRADING, FISHING FOR UNSUSPECTING BUYERS, UNACCEPTABLE". The definition for VG+ is very clear on Discogs... Minor normal wear visible but sound unaffected. I've had sellers try to intimidate me into keeping records, outright telling me I'm lying, making me question myself and insulting me. I've had big orders of more than 10 VG+ to NM graded records that were ALL junk upon arrival. It's crazy, even from sellers with 98+% positive reviews! Those bastards are fishing for newcomers and the like, who'll just accept and move on. It's malicious intent, 100%. You'll never get me to believe a seller with thousands of positive reviews didn't notice he sent out junk. Buyers must be absolutely merciless when encountering an obvious attempt like this and should leave a honest review. Not enough people do it, some even leave a positive review because they got a partial refund or were "allowed" to return the goods while having to cough up shipping costs. Calling out the scum will at least slow down their lucrative scheme of selling dollar bin records for top dollar. End rant :) Don't be too hard either, some big sellers can't check EVERYTHING... You should only leave a nasty review when it's obvious malicious intent, like getting sold a VG+ record that doesn't even look close to VG+ when laying your eyes on it for the first time.

[@hunteriannacone732]

Your channel should be so much bigger keep up the good work this is one of my favorite record channels

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks buddy - - definitely appreciate it 👍🏿

[@samcoulston7644]

Very well made, informative, and fun video, thank you!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@mwfilms.]

I love your videos! Keep em coming

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks 👍🏿👍🏿

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

Just wanted to say thank you for doing these extremely helpfull videos!! I have several hundred albums from the 50s, 60s, and 70s and 80s Ill be looking at selling in the near future, I appreciate the info and tips you have given!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

No problem 👍🏿 Thanks for watching!

[@SuperKarisma69]

Nice explanation, thank you!

[@memphisleftovers]

You explained the grading system & the consequences of wat can happen from a transaction very well. Glad i stumbled upon ur channel

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Nice! Appreciate you watching 👍🏿

[@drtzar6552]

This was a great video! As someone who purchases mostly used records, this is a great tool for those who want to get into collecting used records and want to make sure they buy appropriate copies in the condition they want, whether in person or online. Great job again!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@benp.5698]

Great video! I didn’t know there was a grading system in place for vinyl, I will probably look out for that because I have a few records that are unplayable as I bought them and didn’t know about this. Thank you!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Glad it helped you!

[@Octoberstorm333]

I love my experience buying 1980s records listed as near mint! They come great and two even sealed. (Mtume’s Juicy Fruit album I received sealed from 1983…but I can’t bring myself to open it ever)

[@lunaticloon5638]

Haven't owned a record or a record player since the 70's. All my music is digital now. Wife got me a new recorder player for Christmas this year and I will need to get caught up and re-educated. You're videos are very informative and I see myself watching all of them. Thumbs up! BTW - Wish I had saved all my old albums!!!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Very cool - - hope you enjoy your turntable. Thanks for watching!

[@JeffersonDD]

Nice descriptions! Thanks for sticking to the Goldmine standards! I’ve never been much of a fan of the “ex”!description, but I occasionally use it as part of an overall verbal summary of playback. At the end of the day more info is better. And even if you get your $$ back, the hassle of return still costs time and effort

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Great points. Thanks for watching!

[@thahomiebill268]

HE'S ALIVE

[@rubazaar891]

I purchased 690+ albums both shellac and normal (10 & 12 '' ), and 7'' 45 & 33. I did go through and pull the top 75 max valued ones and am going to sell the remaining ones 10 vinyl for $3.50 as grab bags with disclaimers on uncleaned, and mixed grades of both the record and jackets. They range from the 40's up to early 70's with little rock. I know they can bring more but I don't have cleaning equipment or a player ATM. I will try to even them out as several are vg to near mint. I have to wait to deal with the better ones.

[@ka-pop2243]

FANTASTIC video. You just earned a subscriber. So much good info here worthy of comment. First, I notice you equate VG+ and Excellent. But I've also noticed that most grading guides don't even acknowledge the "EX" grade. And many sellers I've bought from seem to use it rather willy-nilly, indicating they really don't know how to grade properly (perhaps I should say objectively). Next, there may be some disagreement over whether a cutout cover can be graded as VG+. I'm sort of on the fence about it. At the very least, I think sellers should acknowledge the hole or notch regardless of the grade they assign. Finally, you mentioned that some records may be not-so desirable but the cover is nice. Let's not forget the opposite can be true! I've found decent VG copies in covers that look really rough in dollar boxes or "free with purchase." I've even cleaned grime off many covers with glass cleaner spray and paper towels. It's surprising how it can spruce some of them up. Hint: Spray the cleaner on the towel, not the cover, and wipe somewhat gently.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Excellent comment. Thanks for subscribing, as well.

[@bigfart275]

Brought my self titled Injury Reserve record jacket into the pit at their Atlanta show, immediately went from NM/NM to P/NM (autographed) in my discogs. Worth it? Yes

[@mdit21]

I bought a record graded as near mint but had a lightly penned-in name on the center label.

[@leonhardtart7163]

Excellent! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@progressiveguy9959]

I am late to the party. Thanks for this video. The information is invaluable.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@goldenvinylspin]

Great video 👍

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks--glad you enjoyed it.

[@rubysroom9469]

In my experience, I actually like the signed up record jackets. In my opinion, they give the jacket more character. A lot of them work just fine too

[@rickroxx]

Great channel, new subscriber. My OCD is kicking in. I have two records that look and sound NM but have a slight edge wear on the lead in track. Would that lead you to look for a better copy? (Btw, love that Anita Baker album)..Thanks..Rich

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks for subscribing. I think if it looks and sounds great, I'm usually able to live with small imperfections.

[@More-Cowbell-SlideGuitar-Harp]

when buying expensive LPs rated NM, VG+ and VG, ask the seller for pictures of all the contents of the LP i.e. the LP itself, record jacket, lyric sheets etc

[@stevenannett1739]

Glad you talked about this . I have a freind who owns a used only record shop ,,he got for free two boxes of a ton of killer albumns ! All water damaged,, Covers were Roached but the albumns looked fine Very dirty but fine he gave me a bunch of them >>>Its really about the music with me and i got a bunch of old great Funk and some nice older Rock albums , As for the Knox,,,for the money seems to work well and maybe better than the yellow more exspenve one ,,, Just saying

[@vincentrathbone26]

I've started buying again after a 15 yr break and I'm so disappointed to find that record dealing has deteriorated so much, the world of record buying/selling is over run with uneducated amateurs, way too many people have jumped on the record dealing band wagon and haven't got the faintest idea on how to grade LP's correctly, too many people use MINT and RARE and over the last 12 months or so I've had to return about 80% of my Ebay purchases, records that are VG- / G are graded as MINT - EX, it's not that difficult to look at a record under a desk lamp and spot the flaws and imperfections.

[@Aprilseahorse]

Discogs, I am at about 2/3s of my purchases were correct on grading. If it is not graded as mint, I down grade my expectations and base my value to me a tick lower. That way I am not disappointed, it also may just be a slight difference of opinion. But if it is a dig full gade off or big flaw not accounted for, I will contact the seller and see what they say. That is where the rubber meets the road.

[@alexandermjh3528]

Just want to chip in: I’ve found that generally the line between vg+ and vg is that with vg+ there might be occasional hiss/crackle but it doesn’t overpower the music at any point and isn’t nowhere continuous, whereas with vg this does happen. This might be slightly different than what you described with these grades

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks for chiming in and sharing your thoughts. They make a lot of sense 👍🏿

[@garyscarpulla100]

I've been burned on Discogs a few times. There have been occasions where I had to file a dispute with my bank or PayPal (successfully) due to improper grading. I purchased an AC/DC Back In Black that was so warped I didn't even try to play it. It's currently under a crate of albums since April, lol I find another problem to be where sellers list their LP under the wrong pressing on Discogs. It really doesn't take too much effort to check the runout matrix for pressing info and list it properly. If I'm looking for an LP that's cut by GP, RL or Wly etc and get the wrong pressing it's a major disappointment. I've also received the wrong LP in the correct sleeve twice! I bought a John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album only to find the Imagine LP shipped with the cover. Just read the label!

[@sabbathbloodysabbath3351]

I have a couple of records that are covered in hairlines, that doesn't effect the sound quality. Are those albums still VG+ or not? Since they are fully covered in those hairline "scratches".

[@Corbin2908]

I bought a couple of 1970s funk vinyl last week and all of them are in Vg+ condition (according to their website description). But one of the disc has this long visible scratch on 1 track and basically it really couldn't be played. :( Also for the same price, i bought 4 more this week and all of them in near mint condition.

[@presleyfan425v3]

I've been ripped off a few times. Once I bought an original mono pressing of Loving You by Elvis Presley and the seller listed it as VG+ but it came with many hairlines and a couple thick scuffs, so the real grading was VG- at best. Also, a few weeks ago I bought a 45 of "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets that was graded as mint, but the seller did not notice a needle scratch on the flipside that caused repetitive pops. I can't choose between VG+ or VG but it sure ain't mint, i'll tell ya that.

[@TheVinylGuru]

CANNOT agree more, honey. Some kittens really ruin it for everyone. LOVING the rekkids you are showing too though. Killer taste. haha!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks! I love your channel, by the way 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@TheVinylGuru]

@@DevotedtoVinyl I'm picky about who I put the bell on for..but you know like Anita Ward..I ring your bell. I adore you too. Whats your IG?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

@@TheVinylGuru 😂😂😂 I'm actually not on IG yet, but that's my next move! When I get it off the ground, I'll definitely let you know.

[@12lb.toothbrush11]

As a seller and buyer of vinyl I tend to err on the side of caution as a seller. I play check , clean and inspect under a bright light then give an honest grading . Never get any buyer grumbles so far..

[@iCrazyBitch1]

I would normally but a record graded M or NM as long as its good value. I rarely buy anything that uncommon for there to only be VG or below. I did have one record that I bought that was supposed to be a LE Colour LP but I received a standard edition despite paying 2x as much. I did get around half my money back after a long dispute but hast put me off buying anymore from Discogs.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Oh wow. Well, happy to hear you at least got some of your money back.

[@darrenbrand1554]

This is a great video, thanks for sharing! UNDERGRADE🤣

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

😂 Thanks for watching!

[@Bighaus1234]

Nice video

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks for watching 👍🏿

[@BlytheWorld1972]

I only buy mint to ex/ex to very good + condition if the record cover is damaged the records have scuffing marks etc i move on and find a better copy ..

[@jackofalltradesmercury207]

Almost all the New Albums that I've bought have been warped to crap. Except the ones made in England. They were Great 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jimm6095]

New German and Dutch pressings are great too!

[@davidsexton1965]

My experience has been that 80% of people selling used records on EBAY are lying. I bought a record said to be VG+ that had a gob of red mud on it. Another that looks perfect but has multiple skips in each song. Both of these had perfect covers, one still in shrink wrap. I've bought others with ruff looking covers with near perfect records in them. I've bought records that had ruff looking vinyl that played good and perfect looking vinyl that skipped and had more snaps, crackles and pops than a bowl of Rice Krispies. Bottom line, You can't tell if a record will play unless you play it. And NEVER buy a record from a seller who DOES NOT ACCEPT RETURNS!

[@TheGreenDoggoOfWisdom]

Wait, he’s alive?! *2020 IS WEIRD*

[@DorianPaige00]

Do you think there is a market for accurate play-graded selling? Everybody has gotten that album or 45 that has been played with a heavy tone arm but looks fine visually.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Yeah, I think there's always going to be a buying market that wants very accurately graded records, especially ones where the grade is based on actual testing on a turntable rather than solely the eye test.

[@12lb.toothbrush11]

@@DevotedtoVinyl Exactly. . Better to undergrade and have a happy buyer. A description of playback doesn't hurt either.

[@appaloosa1]

Yeah buying good is only if they’re cheap most of the time, today I just bought 4 records from the Salvation Army for a dollar each, and the one has a lot of scratches.

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

Cut outs are like damage, should rate VG

[@tiborosz1825]

I bought lps rated as VG+ that was NM and NM that was VG-.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

This rating system should be put in place for new releases or re-issues. Have you heard some of these new pressings? They are damn awful! I get that they are mastered or reissued from... well ... who knows, the original tapes or whatever- but they are so so bad that you may be better off getting a gently used record. The ratings may not always be accurate or ambiguous on used records, but for Pete's sake, some of the new ones need to be rated too! Peace, CM

[@robertoquiros4385]

Does anyone know how vinyl records became an addiction??? It has a cure????

[@pedrosolorio4776]

What type of turn tabla you have?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Pedro Solorio I currently have the Clearaudio Concept Black

[@budsmoker4201120]

Nonsuch thing as mint IMO.

[@arno.valtonen]

6:05 BRUH

[@hisholystory]

Figured I'd get ya from 666 likes to 667, thanks for the help. 😆