Condition Grading Guide

We use the Goldmine Standard grading system to describe the condition of all our records, CDs, and cassettes. This is the original and most widely recognised grading standard in record collecting and is used by Discogs, collectors, and dealers worldwide. It ensures you know exactly what to expect when you purchase from us.

Vinyl Record Grading

Mint (M)

  • Record: Brand new and factory sealed. Never played. No marks or wear. Perfect condition.

  • Sleeve: Brand new and factory sealed. No creases, wear, or damage.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

  • Record: Near mint condition with only very minor handling marks that are barely visible. Looks and plays like new with no audible defects.

  • Sleeve: Near mint condition. May show very minor handling marks, light corner wear, or slight ring wear. Overall appearance is almost new.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

  • Record: Light surface marks may be visible but do not affect play. May have light scuffs or very fine scratches. Plays with minimal surface noise.

  • Sleeve: Some visible wear such as light ring wear, corner wear, or minor creases. Still looks good overall.

Very Good (VG)

  • Record: Noticeable wear but plays well. May have visible scratches or scuffs that cause some surface noise, but no skips or major defects.

  • Sleeve: Noticeable wear including ring wear, corner wear, creases, or seam splits. Still functional and presentable.

Good (G)

  • Record: Significant wear but still playable. May have scratches, scuffs, surface noise, or occasional minor skips, but should play through.

  • Sleeve: Heavy wear including ring wear, corner damage, creases, seam splits, or writing. Fully used but still functional.

CD Grading

Mint (M)

  • Brand new and factory sealed. Never opened. No marks or wear. Perfect condition.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

  • Near mint condition. Case may have very minor handling marks.

  • Disc looks and plays like new with no scratches or defects.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Case may show slight surface marks or minor wear.

  • Disc may have very light marks that do not affect play and plays perfectly.

Very Good (VG)

Case shows visible wear but remains fully functional.

  • Disc may have light scratches but plays well with no skips.

Good (G)

  • Case shows significant wear but is still usable.

  • Disc may have visible scratches but should play through without major issues.

CD Digipak Grading

Mint (M)

  • Brand new and factory sealed.

  • Card sleeve is perfect with no wear, creases, or corner damage.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

  • Card sleeve shows slight wear on corners or edges.

  • Disc plays perfectly and is in very good condition overall.

Very Good (VG)

Card sleeve shows noticeable wear on corners and edges.

  • May have creases or minor damage.

  • Disc plays well.

Cassette Grading

Mint (M)

  • Brand new and factory sealed.

  • Never played with no marks or wear.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

  • J-card may show slight wear on corners or edges.

  • Tape plays perfectly with no issues.

Very Good (VG)

  • J-card shows visible wear on corners and edges and may have some creases.

  • Tape plays well with no major issues.

Important Notes

  • All items are graded conservatively. We would rather under-grade than over-grade.

  • Vinyl records are graded separately for record and sleeve. For example, VG+ / VG means the record is VG+ and the sleeve is VG.

  • All records are cleaned before grading to ensure an accurate assessment.

  • If you have any questions about a specific item’s condition, please feel free to contact us.

  • This grading system follows the Goldmine Standard, the same system used by Discogs and collectors worldwide.