The Ultimate Guide to Grading Vinyl Records
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why does a vinyl record stir and warm my heart so much, while other lessons make me want to ask for a refund? ” The reply is found in one fundamental feature of record collecting – vinyl record grading . Whether you’re an old pro or simply dipping your toes into the world of vinyl records, grasping the intricacies of the vinyl grading system will either make or break your adventure.
However, allow me to tackle the issue — grading involves more than just a superficial observation of the item. It is a skill that requires looking, comprehension and way most importantly, emotion and love.
What is Vinyl Grading?
Vinyl grading system refers to the evaluation of the physical and audible attributes of a record in order to determine the score that is assigned to the record. This includes scrutinizing the condition of the record’s vinyl and the cover for any wear and tear, physical blemishes, or even sound issues.
Do you think that grading is an opinion? Yes, it is to some degree, but there are set rules published to avoid discrepancies.
Why Does Vinyl Grading Matter?
There was one time, you were quite fortunate to find a vinyl copy of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon—something many collectors would die for. It has a label that says “Near Mint”(NM) which is pretty hard not to grab.
You pop it right away, but the result sounds even worse than the “dark side” of something instead of a tune. That feeling of let down gets red hot in discomfort. This situation can only be avoided if one understands the intricacies of how records are graded.
The expectation is that the grading vinyl records are of an appropriate quality and as such a reasonable investment should be made. So, let’s find more into the vinyl grading system and learn how to evaluate records like a pro.
The Vinyl Grading System: Based on the vinyl record condition
Vinyl grading may look difficult, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like finding a treasure map to your next perfect record. Let’s break it down so you can make informed decisions:
Unlike the grading of stamps which is of absolute difficulty, learning about the conditions and playing surface of a record may be a little daunting at first, but after some experience, it feels like you have some kind of a treasure map to get your next best record. Sometimes, it may be necessary to simplify things, break them down into separate portions, so you can make better judgments.
Mint (M): The Brick’s Wish
As expected, you will experience a huge amount of joy when you come across an album in a record store and it appears that the covers and the vinyl inside are brand new. This is the Mint condition – a record in this state is unplayed, untouched and only exists in an ethos. The benefits of the absence of any marks or scratches or even the most faint imperfections is obvious. This is the unicorn of vinyl records, to say the least.
Example: You stumble across an album from The Beatles and it is a first pressing copy of the White album but it’s vinyl Thanksgiving. The cover, the vinyl, everything is in pristine condition. In fact, this is quite useful in addition to being a rarity.
Near Mint (NM or M-): Not Quite Perfect
Close your eyes and picture an album where the owner really took care of the record. There might be one or two light ‘haze marks’ on the record, but they are not of a kind to affect the sound of the record. Near Mint is almost as good as Mint – it’s just that tiny bit away from perfection. A record in this condition is expected to play fine without other concerns.
Example: You find a rare Pink Floyd album in Near Mint condition. You can hardly distinguish it from the ‘new’ version. It is as though you have stumbled upon a precious artifact.
Excellent (EX): Nearly Mint
Now, this is where things are starting to become a bit tricky. An Excellent graded vinyl shall be used but actually from a more varied collection than a collector and will exhibit light use – scuffs, minor surface noise and such things. But don’t panic! This doesn’t mean you have an outlier. In situations where the record is in Excellent condition, the enjoyment of the record is still there with little interference with sound erosion. A moderate price though EX may be better for you as an option.
Example: Diè is how you were able to obtain a heartwarming Exile on Main Street a record for The Rolling Stones graded about Excellent. Since it has definitely been used, it nevertheless works when the needle is dropped.
Very Good Plus (VG+):
The Sweet Spot A VG+ record has seen some light use, often with minor bumps and scratches so that the sound is rather good. Some light pops and rustling sounds may be present, although they are probably not very audible at all. This sounds like VG+ would satisfy many enthusiasts who are focused on a specific missing record somewhere in their collection.
Example: In this case, you managed to get a VG+ version of Ziggy Stardust. There is a tiny bit of popping at the beginning, but once the music starts, everything goes smoothly. The overall feeling does not suffer from these flaws.
Very Good (VG): Good, But Not Perfect
A VG record will have obvious wear and tear. Please don’t expect pristine mint condition as there will be blemishes on the record, scratching, scuffs, and possibly eye visible bending. More than likely you may notice some surface noise and the overall sound may be less crisp than what is expected from a record of a higher grade. No to worry, for vinyl collectors, VG can be a good deal as it is not very expensive.
Example: You’ve picked up the vinyl disc. It’s not the most amazing condition recorded but by no means is it awful. It doesn’t appear to distort as the scratches are too heavy and most importantly, the music shines and is still repeatable.
Good (G): For the Brave Grind
These are acquiring vinyl records which are for brave souls. If there are cuts here and there and some minor pops and cracks do not bother you, then ‘good’ condition on the grading scale seems to be what you shall go for. Popular music hits are played far more than classical pieces which contribute to these records receiving high displays of wear and tear which can also feature prominent skips all over them. But for vintage records, the sound may still present an entertaining journey filled with memories.
Example: You come across a good condition copy. The vinyl is scratchy and has its share of skips, but after all, it’s a classic record.
Poor (P) or Fair (F): Risk Level, Must Proceed with Caution
If you’re looking for records that are rated Poor or Fair you might be looking for something more to collect, not really for listening. These have severe abrasions which will drastically affect performance. A session with these records will comprise of the aforementioned, all of which would be annoying to say the least.
Example: You find a Fair copy of Led Zeppelin IV but the cover is quite battered and scratched. Fair pricing, but the experience will make listening more of a chore than fun.
How to Grade Vinyl Records: A Beginner’s Guide
Now that you have the grading frame in mind, let’s tackle the more straight-forward part: how to grade your own records. Here is the brief:
Inspect the Vinyl:
In front of a light source, scrutinize the vinyl surface for anything that appears out of order such as scratches, scuff marks and warping. A well maintained vinyl will not have uneven light dispersion.
Examine the Label:
Is there any tears and discoloration on the label? Does the label appear scuffed or is it in immaculate condition?
Listen Carefully:
Play a couple of tracks on each album and rotate the record around on both sides. Look out for scratches, skips or other faults with the sound.
Consider the Cover:
Last but not the least, the cover also has its value. A Mint record without the sleeve is worth less than one that has a good sleeve.
Finishing Off
At first, vinyl records grading may sound complex and daunting but once you learn and practice a few skills, you’ll surely be an expert in no time. Whether you are just starting your collection or are a seasoned audiophile, appreciating these terms of the vinyl record grading standard will allow you to create a collection which is valuable as well as practical.
Are you ready for discovering more and more stone blocks of your new collection of rare vinyl? Put on the headphones, place the needle and prepare to dive into the universe of vinyl grading like never before! Ready to become a vinyl grading expert? Choose Impress Vinyl for the best quality vinyl records and tips. Order today!
