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How to Grade Vinyl Condition: What VG+ Actually Sounds Like
Words by Heather June Coombs
A VG+ record plays with minimal surface noise. Perhaps a few faint crackles during quiet passages or between tracks. It should not overpower the music.
Understanding the Language of Vinyl Condition
Buying records online means relying on acronyms. VG+, EX, M, G. These aren't just arbitrary letters. They form a universal language for grading vinyl, essential for collectors and casual listeners alike. Get it wrong, and you're left with a crackly disappointment or a pristine record you overpaid for. Knowing what each grade signifies, especially auditorily, changes how you buy.
The Gold Standard: Near Mint (NM) and Mint (M)
'Mint' means factory fresh. Sealed, unplayed, perfect. 'Near Mint' is almost identical. It’s been opened, perhaps played once or twice. The vinyl should have no visible marks. The sleeve will be as close to perfect as possible, perhaps a faint spindle mark on the label, or a tiny crease on the corner of the sleeve. Audibly, an NM record should sound flawless. No surface noise, no clicks, no pops. It should sound like a new record bought today. This is the grade collectors chase, and it commands the highest prices.
The Sweet Spot: Very Good Plus (VG+)
This is where most desirable second-hand vinyl sits. A VG+ record has been played, cared for, but not babied. The vinyl might show some light scuffs or hairline scratches. These should be superficial, not deep enough to affect playback. Under a strong light, you might see them, but feel them with a fingertip and you won't. The sleeve might have minor signs of wear: a light ring mark, some edge wear, a small tear. A VG+ record plays with minimal surface noise. Perhaps a few faint crackles during quiet passages or between tracks. It should not overpower the music. This is a very enjoyable listening copy, often at a significantly lower price than NM.
Very Good (VG): The Recognised Compromise
A step down from VG+. A VG record will have more noticeable surface marks. Light scratches are more frequent, and you might feel some of them. There will be some surface noise audible throughout. This isn't just a few crackles; it's a consistent, but still background, presence. It shouldn't skip or stick. The sound quality will still be good, but the noise will be there. Sleeves will show more significant wear: seam splits, heavier ring wear, corner dings, writing. VG is perfectly acceptable for many, especially for sought-after titles where NM copies are rare or prohibitively expensive. You're buying it for the music, and you'll get it, but with some static.
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Good (G) and Good Plus (G+): For the Dedicated
'Good' is often where casual listeners draw the line. The record will have significant surface noise, clicks, and pops. Scratches will be more numerous and deeper. It might skip occasionally, particularly if it's G rather than G+. The sound will be compromised. Sleeves will be heavily worn, possibly ripped, water damaged, or have large seam splits. G and G+ records are usually bought for extreme rarities, for a filler copy, or for their historical value. You're tolerating the noise for the sake of owning the material. If it’s a £5 record, G is acceptable. If it’s £50+, think hard.
Fair (F) and Poor (P): Avoid Unless Desperate
These grades signify heavily damaged records. Likely unplayable without significant skips, repeats, or constant loud noise. Sleeves will be in very poor condition, possibly beyond repair. These are typically only bought for the rarity of the label copy itself, or as a project for restoration, which is often futile. Unless you know exactly what you're doing, or the price is effectively free, steer clear.
The Listening Test
Ultimately, grading is subjective. One seller's VG+ might be another's VG. The only true test is your ears. Always factor in the price against the grade. A cheap G+ record might well be worth the gamble, but a premium-priced VG record needs to deliver. Ask questions. Listen if you can. And remember, surface noise often stems from dust and static, which can often be mitigated with a good clean and anti-static inner sleeves. Condition means everything in vinyl collecting, but understanding the nuance saves you money and disappointment.
