When buying vinyl records online, you’ll encounter a alphabet soup of abbreviations: NM, VG+, EX, G, F. These grading codes are the collector’s universal language for describing a record’s condition. Knowing them prevents disappointment — and helps you find great-value records. Here is the complete guide, used by Calcutta Records when grading every record in our 53,000+ catalogue.
Why Vinyl Grading Matters
Unlike digital files, vinyl records are physical objects that degrade with use and storage. A badly scratched record will skip, crackle, and frustrate. An NM record will sound almost like new. The grading system lets buyers and sellers agree on condition without inspecting every record in person.
At Calcutta Records, every record is graded honestly before listing. If we say VG+, we mean it.
The Goldmine Standard — Industry-Accepted Grading Scale
The most widely used vinyl grading standard comes from Goldmine Magazine. Here is how each grade breaks down:
Mint (M) — Perfect, Never Played
A Mint record is flawless in every way — still sealed or played once in ideal conditions. Essentially impossible to verify without unsealing. Most sellers use “M / Sealed” for factory-sealed records. Mint records command the highest prices.
- Surface: Zero marks, blemishes or handling marks
- Cover: Crisp, no creases, no wear
- What to expect: Perfect playback, zero noise
Near Mint (NM or M-) — Virtually Perfect
The highest grade most dealers will use for a played record. An NM record should still have its original shine and show no signs of play wear. This is what Calcutta Records aims to stock for our premium listings.
- Surface: Minimal hairlines only, not visible under normal light
- Cover: Almost perfect, slight ring or shelf wear acceptable
- What to expect: Silent backgrounds, excellent fidelity
Excellent (EX or E) — Between NM and VG+
Used more in UK/European grading. An EX record is slightly below NM — has been played more but carefully. Very good for listening quality. Some dealers use EX and NM interchangeably; others are more precise.
Very Good Plus (VG+) — The Sweet Spot for Collectors
VG+ is the most common grade for affordable collectible records. The record shows some signs of play but should play cleanly with minimal surface noise. This is typically the best grade for budget-conscious collectors who want great sound.
- Surface: Light marks visible under direct light, but not deep scratches
- Cover: Light wear, corners may have slight bumping
- What to expect: Very little surface noise, occasional light tick on quiet passages
- Price: 40-60% of NM price
Very Good (VG) — Honest Listening Quality
A VG record is clearly played and shows its history. Surface noise will be audible between tracks and possibly during quiet musical passages. Still fully listenable but not audiophile-grade.
- Surface: Noticeable scuffs and marks; scratches may be visible
- Cover: Noticeable wear, possible writing or stickers
- What to expect: Moderate surface noise, no skips
- Price: 25-40% of NM price
Good (G) and Good Plus (G+) — Playable But Noisy
A G record will play from start to finish but with significant surface noise throughout. Only buy G grade if the record is very rare or you simply want it for display/nostalgia. Not recommended for serious listening.
Fair (F) and Poor (P) — Display Only
These records may skip, distort, or have deep groove damage. Play value is minimal. Suitable for framing or cover-only use.
Cover vs Record Grading
Many sellers list two grades: one for the record (disc), one for the sleeve/cover. Example: “VG+/VG” means the record is VG+ but the cover is only VG. Always check both grades. A beautiful cover on a beat-up record is still noisy.
Grading Tips for Buyers
- Buy one grade above your minimum — If VG is acceptable, budget for VG+. The quality difference is significant.
- Lighting matters — Run the disc under a bright light at an angle to spot hairlines and scratches the grade description may not mention.
- Clean before judging — A dusty VG+ record may look VG until properly cleaned. Always clean new-to-you records before playing.
- Tropical storage damage — In India’s humidity, records stored poorly can warp or develop mould. If buying from estate sales, check for this specifically.
How Calcutta Records Grades
At Calcutta Records, we grade conservatively — meaning if in doubt, we grade down. We inspect every record under proper lighting and do a quick play test on borderline cases. Our goal is zero surprises on delivery.
Browse our current stock of English pre-owned vinyl, Hindi pre-owned vinyl, and Bengali pre-owned vinyl — all graded clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VG+ mean for a vinyl record?
VG+ (Very Good Plus) means the record has been played but shows only light surface marks. It should play with minimal noise — a great balance between affordability and quality. Most collectors target VG+ as their minimum grade.
Is NM or M better for vinyl?
M (Mint) is theoretically the best, but it is almost always used for factory-sealed records. NM (Near Mint) is the highest grade used for played records and is effectively “as good as it gets” for a vinyl you can actually listen to today.
Will a VG record sound okay?
Yes — a true VG record will play without skipping and be enjoyable. Surface noise will be noticeable on quiet passages. For background listening or casual collecting, VG is fine. For critical listening, aim for VG+ or better.
