The Rockmouse uses the Discogs Goldmine guidelines for visually grading and listening to our secondhand records.

So, you've got a stack of second-hand records that you're itching to grade visually, huh? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive into the groovy world of grading those vinyl gems with your peepers.

What's the Scoop on Visual Grading?

Visual grading is like judging a book by its cover, but in this case, it's judging a record by its appearance. You'll be looking for scratches, scuffs, warps, and any other imperfections that could affect the playability of your beloved tunes.

Shine a Light on It!

Grab a good light source (natural light works best, but a trusty lamp will do) and start inspecting those records. Hold them at an angle to catch any pesky imperfections that might be lurking on the surface. Remember, a little wear and tear adds character!

Scratch That Itch: Identifying Scratches

Those pesky scratches can be a real buzzkill when you're trying to jam out to your favorite tracks. Look out for deep scratches that catch the light and could potentially cause skips or pops during playback. A few light scratches are no biggie, but deep ones might be a deal-breaker.

Scuff Stuff: Dealing with Scuffs

Scuffs are like battle scars for your records. They're not as deep as scratches, but they can still affect the sound quality. Keep an eye out for those hazy marks that could cause some unwanted noise while your needle glides across the grooves.

Warp Speed Ahead: Checking for Warps

Warps are like the vinyl version of a rollercoaster ride – fun to look at, but not so fun to listen to. Place your record on a flat surface and give it a spin. If it wobbles like a tipsy dancer, you've got yourself a warp. It might be time to say goodbye to that one.

Final Spin: Making the Call

After you've inspected your records with the precision of a vinyl detective, it's time to make the call. Grade each record based on its overall condition – from minty fresh to well-loved and worn. Remember, imperfections add character, so don't be too harsh!

There you have it, folks! With these tips in your back pocket, you'll be a visual grading pro in no time. So, grab those records, channel your inner detective, and get ready to rock out to some sweet tunes!

The following criteria has been applied to all records sold through our website, if you have any questions regarding the quality of a secondhand record I encourage you to get in contact with us.  We are happy to answer any question you might have about a listing.

Goldmine Standard for grading Secondhand Vinyl Records

Mint (M)

Vinyl

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly, never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.   

Near Mint (NM or M-)

Vinyl

A nearly perfect record. A NM or M- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.   

Very Good Plus (VG+) 

Vinyl

Generally worth 50% of the Near Mint value. A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. 

Very Good (VG) 

Vinyl

Generally worth 25% of Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time. Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price.  

Good (G), Good Plus (G+) 

Vinyl 

Generally worth 10-15% of the Near Mint value. A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.

Bad

Vinyl 

Generally worth 0-5% of the Near Mint price. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.  

 Generic

"generic" refers to a type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. A generic sleeve is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve that is graded as "generic" needs no further grading, as a generic sleeve generally adds little value to the item and can be easily replaced. Sellers can further specify a generic sleeve's condition in the “Item condition comment” field if needed. A seller can also note if the sleeve is a company sleeve in the “Item condition comment” field.