Quick version
- Tilt the record under a light to spot marks.
- Play a quiet song and listen for crackle.
- Check the cover’s edges and corners.
- Grade what you see and hear. Unsure? Pick the lower grade.
What each grade means
| Grade | The record | The cover |
|---|---|---|
| M Mint | Brand new and never played, often still sealed. | Brand new, often still sealed in plastic. |
| NM Near mint | Looks new and plays with no crackle or pops. | Looks new, with no creases, tears or marks. |
| VG+ Very good plus | A few faint marks, but it still sounds clean. | Light marks from handling, or a slightly bent corner. |
| VG Very good | Light scratches, and some crackle in quiet parts. | Some writing, a sticker, or a faint circle worn in by the record inside. |
| G+ Good plus | Plays all the way through, with crackle the whole time. | One edge has split open, or there’s tape on it. |
| G Good | Loud crackle and scratches, but it doesn’t skip. | Several edges have split open, and it looks worn out. |
| F Fair | Skips or gets stuck and repeats in places. | Torn or stained; it barely holds the record. |
| P Poor | Cracked or badly bent; it may not play at all. | Falling apart or damaged by water. |
Price guide: VG+ often sells for about half of NM; VG for about a quarter.
When there’s no proper cover
- Plain sleeve (Discogs calls it “Generic”): a plain paper sleeve, not the album’s own cover.
- No cover: the record has no cover at all.
These two are for the cover only. The record itself always gets a letter grade.
What to look for
- Lines that shine. Fine scratches. Tilt the record to catch them.
- Dull, cloudy patches. Light scuffs from sliding in and out of the sleeve.
- A wavy edge. Look from the side; a bent record can skip.
- Dust or fingerprints. Wipe them off first; they aren’t damage.
- On the cover: a faint worn circle pressed in by the record, split edges, bent corners, writing or stickers, and water marks.