If you are a vinyl collector, you know how important it is to grade your used records properly. Grading used vinyl records involves determining the condition of the vinyl itself, as well as the condition of the sleeve or cover that the vinyl comes in. A proper grading system can help you determine the value of a record and make informed decisions when buying or selling vinyl records. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to grade used vinyl records and give you the tools to become a vinyl grading expert.
Determine the Condition of the Vinyl
The first step in grading used vinyl records is to determine the condition of the vinyl itself. You will need to closely examine the vinyl for any signs of damage or wear. The most common types of damage or wear to look out for are scratches, scuffs, and warping.
Scratches are the most common type of damage to vinyl records. A scratch is a visible mark or groove on the surface of the vinyl that can affect the sound quality. The severity of the scratch will determine the grade of the vinyl. A small, shallow scratch may only affect the sound quality slightly and result in a grade of VG+ (Very Good Plus), while a deep scratch that affects the sound quality significantly may result in a grade of G (Good) or lower.
Scuffs are marks on the surface of the vinyl that do not affect the sound quality but are still visible. Scuffs can be caused by mishandling or improper storage of the vinyl record. A vinyl record with scuffs may still be playable but will have a lower grade than a vinyl record without scuffs.
Warping occurs when a vinyl record becomes deformed and no longer lays flat on a turntable. Warping can occur due to improper storage or exposure to heat. A vinyl record with warping will have a lower grade than a vinyl record without warping.
Determine the Condition of the Sleeve/Cover
The second step in grading used vinyl records is to determine the condition of the sleeve or cover that the vinyl comes in. The condition of the sleeve or cover can significantly affect the value of the vinyl record. The most common types of damage or wear to look out for are ring wear, seam splits, and water damage.
Ring wear is the most common type of damage to vinyl record sleeves. Ring wear occurs when the vinyl record is stored improperly, causing the sleeve to warp or bend. Ring wear is visible as a circular mark on the surface of the sleeve and can significantly reduce the grade of the vinyl record.
Seam splits occur when the seams of the sleeve or cover start to split due to mishandling or improper storage. Seam splits can significantly reduce the grade of the vinyl record.
Water damage occurs when the sleeve or cover is exposed to water or moisture. Water damage can cause the sleeve to warp or become discolored, significantly reducing the grade of the vinyl record.
Determine the Overall Grade of the Vinyl Record
Once you have determined the condition of the vinyl and the sleeve or cover, you can assign an overall grade to the vinyl record. The most common grading system for vinyl records is the Goldmine Grading System, which uses a scale from M (Mint) to P (Poor).
Vinyl Record Grading System
Mint (M): A vinyl record that is in perfect condition and has never been played.
Near Mint (NM): A vinyl record that is almost perfect but may have some very minor signs of wear.
Very Good Plus (VG+): A vinyl record that has some signs of wear but plays well and has no major defects.
Very Good (VG): A vinyl record that has some signs of wear and may have some minor defects but still plays well.
Good (G): A vinyl record that has noticeable wear and defects but still plays without skipping.
Fair (F): A vinyl record that has significant wear and defects and may skip or have other playback issues.
Poor (P): A vinyl record that is severely damaged and unplayable.
When grading a vinyl record, it is important to be as objective as possible and consider all factors that affect its overall condition. Keep in mind that the grading system is subjective and can vary depending on the individual grading the vinyl record. It is also important to accurately describe the vinyl record’s condition when buying or selling to ensure a fair transaction.
Additional Considerations When Looking at Vinyl Record Condition
Aside from the condition of the vinyl and the sleeve or cover, there are other factors to consider when grading used vinyl records. These factors include the pressing, rarity, and demand for the vinyl record.
The pressing refers to the manufacturing process used to produce the vinyl record. First pressings are generally more valuable than subsequent pressings due to their rarity and historical significance.
Rarity refers to how difficult it is to find a particular vinyl record. Vinyl records that are rare and in high demand are generally more valuable than common records.
Demand refers to how popular a particular vinyl record is among collectors. Vinyl records that are in high demand among collectors are generally more valuable than records that are not.
Summary – Grading vinyl records
Grading used vinyl records is an important skill for any vinyl collector or seller. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can become a vinyl grading expert and make informed decisions when buying or selling vinyl records. Remember to be as objective as possible and consider all factors that affect the vinyl record’s condition. By accurately grading vinyl records, you can ensure a fair transaction and preserve the value of your vinyl collection.
