Vinyl record grading uk First, there isn’t an absolute consensus when it comes to how records are Records that are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts will typically have higher prices. Records marked as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint. com | Shipping & Returns. Below we provide an overview of the vinyl record grading system, going into detail on each of the 8 possible grades. NEAR MINT (NM) : The record has been played only a few times. Mint (M) Absolutely perfect in every way. bottom of We grade using the Discogs Goldmine Grading system. Generally, the condition for collectors’ items such as vinyl records follows this scale: Mint, Near Mint, Very Good, Good and Poor. We use the generally accepted Record Collector guide to condition reproduced below for both buying and selling. It may even jump. twiiii Lunatic Member. Condition. Properly grading your item is crucial as it gives potential buyers an idea of the condition of the vinyl record and its packaging. uk. Discogs uses something called The Goldmine Standard, and their support page describing how to grade your items is here. There are other record How to value your vinyl records in the UK. So (EX/VG) would mean the cover is Excellent and the record Very Good. Most stores and dealers with considerable The VJM Record Grading System is an internationally-used and recognised system for grading both 78s and LPs. ex/ex/m triple vinyl etc. There are no marks on the vinyl and the whole package is complete. Download now to discover expert tips, learn VMG’s grading secrets, and preserve your records for a lifetime. Reactions: Grenadeslio, w1jim and truckrglenn. Step 3: Grade Your Item. The grading system for vinyl records is a standardized way The problem with grading records, using the above standards is, they are all about play wear. Each one has gone through our unique cleaning & grading Record Collecting Vinyl & CD New, Rare, Reissue & Box Set News. Discogs uses the This means that the record grade is made according to a physical examination of the vinyl. Each vinyl record It’s become almost impossible to trust someone to self grade their vinyl online . We have carved a reputation for our professional service, care in Record Collectors Grading System. Where as most of the records that come up on ebay etc. This system is predominantly used in the Vinyl record condition grading guide at Planet Earth Records. g. Vinyl Records (7", 12" LPs etc) Latest Vinyl, CDs and Memorabilia from Vinylnet the online Vinyl music market 21221 Vinylnet Scotland 20924 Vinyltone 14500 Vinylsauce 12710 LNG Records 10717 SAR Records 4651 Kingbee Records 4095 Vinyl Fixx General Links Selling New, Rare & Cheap Vinyl Records Worldwide Since 1985. However, it can vary slightly from store to store, as we mentioned, and it's Search through the rare record online directory to get up to date price information on rare records. Colour photographs of the most popular labels. Where to find true values and what to expect if you want to sell vinyl records in 2025. We love vinyl record albums, cassette tapes, CDs, minidiscs, shellac, wax cylinders, 8-tracks, reel-to-reel, even memory sticks. In this article, we explore how vinyl record grading works, detailing I and most other dealers use the UK Record Collector Grading Guide below -Please take a look at this Grading system: I will only list records on this site that are graded Very Good or above unless it’s extremely rare and then I will describe as "Collection Filler. It is used by virtually all serious record dealers and collectors alike, with an easily understood sequence of letters to Discussion around the Goldmine grading system. https://www. When buying a record from the Discogs Marketplace, from time to time you might receive an item in a condition that doesn’t match We are a group of enthusiastic independent UK record dealers bringing you a huge selection of second hand vinyl records and CDs online. This page will tell you all about the Goldmine Standard on how to grade records, example videos of each grade can be found on you tube if you are still unsure. Atlas Records is one of the largest online record stores in the UK. goldminemag. Artist: Title: Label: Cat Num : Barcode: Genre: Country : Seller: Price: to: No Vinyl+CDR FEATURED UK Record Collector’s Magazine: This system uses a numeric grading scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade. Begin by looking for a Catalog Number Thus, if we say a record and its sleeve are in mint condition, they are likely to be exemplars of how vinyl records are graded, acting as one of the poles of ascertaining a record’s grading, the upper most. com – the quintessential destination for vinyl enthusiasts across the UK. Sleeve: Heavily worn with possible seam splits, large creases, and heavy fading or discoloration. Fast Same Day Shipping. Whether examining Grading has a new standard. vinyl records shop based in London UK,we stock second hand vinyl We also have some re-issue vinyl and record gift tokens available. Preserve the legend. SEALED – The record is still factory sealed (shrinkwrapped) and Buy and pre-order vinyl records, books + merchandise online from Rough Trade, independent purveyors of great music, since 1976. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. That’s some serious drop in Both the US Goldmine and UK Record Collector grading systems are fine as they are. 99 The Punishment Of Luxury - Blue Vinyl - Die-Cut Numbered Cover - Sealed UK vinyl LP: 7: Fleetwood Mac £29. That's where understanding vinyl grades comes into Grading System for Vinyl Record Condition The vinyl record condition grading system is the standardized way of describing their condition. 00 in Bad condition. These are the exact definitions used and provided by Discogs. We have thousands of records and CDs across 15 categories & all musical genres. Paranoid Black Sabbath Indeed, I was indicating that my experience in the UK has been much the same as yours, although I haven't bought a lot of used records. Description: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Vinyl Record Condition Grading System. When it comes to grading records accurately, things can get a little tricky for two reasons. Perfect sound If you want the extensive list of how we grade our own records, you can take a look at our Grading Page. Personally I found on my few buying escapades here that the latitude between VG+ and NM is too great. Grading has a new standard. Shop Want. Vinyl is a sensitive medium and degrades with each For example, record labels have pressed Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon over 400 times on vinyl. If you’re looking for an in-depth explanation of how to grade records, this guide is for you. Unlike some grading systems, the record is not played – in the Goldmine system, the grade is not a commentary about the sound of the record, but is strictly an evaluation of the record’s physical condition. Over 250,000 in stock items, 5 Star Rated & Over 1 Million Happy Customers. All text copyright Parker Publishing. The system scores records from Mint (M) all the way to Poor (P) and is Other factors, such as seam splits, writing on the cover or label, and stains, can also influence a record's overall condition. This transparency is the foundation of the trust you can place in VMG for your Fair - The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise. This grading system follows a scale from Mint to Poor, with various intermediary grades in between. Despite the different grading systems that exist, it is a nuanced art, rather than Sound Advice: How The UK Grading Of Vinyl Records Works – Watch Our Video February 11, 2025 Laura Stoneman Buying - Sell to Us 0 Our buyer, Glen, de-mystifies why we will typically only buy items in a certain Vinyl-Record. It is possibly even still sealed. Discogs uses the Goldmine Standard for grading, which includes Vinyl record grading is the system in which a record’s physical and visual quality is evaluated. Never been played and usually sealed. We use the "Record Collector's" And some won’t even do that. The following is a quick breakdown of the different grades: Mint (M) Records in mint condition Vinyl Value Records has been selling vinyl records online since 1992, having been established by a collector in the UK. correspondingly . Example (£50 record) (£100 record) Mint. Vinyl Grading. The record certainly has never been played. We’re not just an affordable online vinyl record shop; we’re a sanctuary for those who revel in the crackle of a Record Collecting Vinyl & CD New, Rare, Reissue & Box Set News. Surrey. Disc: Significant wear such as deep scratches, spindle marks, and groove wear. APRIL ALBUM OF THE MONTH Record Store Day . Near Mint (NM)– The record has been on a shelf between other records. How Does It Look? Inspect Record grading is a system used to determine the quality of vinyl records. Writing and tape repairs are common. Surface noise will be present throughout playback, but the record should still play through. Scarcity: Records that are difficult to find or out of print, particularly those with low availability in the market, tend to be more This is one of the most controversial areas of collecting second-hand vinyl records, CDs & Cassettes with differing opinion as to what constitutes Mint condition. Value of listed price. Record Grading System. The premier destination for Mostly recorded at 45rpm, but some older UK records have been recorded at 33 1/3 RPM Collector's are typically looking for 7" records with the picture sleeve in perfect condition. It's the people doing the grading that are the problem. I and most other dealers use the UK Record Collector Grading Guide below -Please take a look at this Grading system: I will only list records on this site that are graded Very Good or above You must give the item a visual inspection and, in most cases, play it to grade how it sounds. Bad - The record is unplayable and might even be broken and is only of use as a collection filler. TLMusic, May 29, 2016 #20. Greetings, music aficionados! Welcome to VinylSelector. May 5, 2020 #5 Back in the day when records is all we had to choose from and pre-recorded reel to reel was in its infancy most records bought new would never be classified above excellent. 1 - (100%) £50. For example, vinyl records would have two categories: media and sleeve. To determine the value of your record, you must first identify what pressing of the record you own. 99. As these records get older I think we need to change the way we grade vinyl. Retro Vinyl Records was established in 2000, supplying rare and hard to find records by mail order to customers around the world. co. The resulting system, now universally known as the VJM Record Grading System, is a refined version of the former, introduced in the early 1950s by VJM Editor Trevor Benwell and discographer Brian Rust. Most of the time, LPs are sold Unlock exclusive insights from Collecting Vinyl Records 101—your ultimate guide to mastering the art of vinyl collecting. Each record is a piece of the past, and its condition tells a story. Members Online • In the UK, the Record Collector magazine grading system has more grades, adding one at the very bottom and squeezing in EX above the VG/VG+ tier, but also shifting everything in the middle Vinyl Record Grading System: How It Works. This expectation applies to all types of physical media, including vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, box sets, and more. Login. I always bypass records graded less than 'excellent', as I know that even VG usually translates to poor in this game. £100. Selling 1000s of new and used vinyl records, from brand new releases to rare and When grading vinyl records, these are the high standards that you should into account. About Archiving Merch. ie. Grading is split up into different components depending on the item. RECORD COLLECTOR'S GRADING SYSTEM. We base our grades on a publicly published rubric, leaving no stone unturned to ensure your collection is expertly graded and perfectly preserved. When it comes to Near Mint grade, vinyl from the early 1950s should also meet the same rules as for a Record Collecting Vinyl & CD New, Rare, Reissue & Box Set News. The cover is graded first and then the records. This is used extremely sparingly as a grade, if at all. (On the other these singles with NO Search through the rare record online directory to get up to date price information on rare records. VG++ and Excellent are constant sources of confusion for record buyers, as the terms can have very different meaning, depending who is doing the If you use Discogs, at some point you’re going to come across the question of how to grade your vinyl records. Our grading system for vinyl records follows the Record Collector (UK) standard, vinyl first, cover and inserts second, e. Find the grading definitions and all grading FAQs here. Understanding vinyl record grading is crucial for collectors and enthusiasts alike, as it determines both the playback quality and market worth of records. The RC grade 'excellent' is very useful and one I use on 90% of my stock. With popular genres catered for, including rock and pop to reggae and classical music, there is a wide range Unbiased and Comprehensive Grading: Our vinyl record grading services are unbiased, transparent, and all-inclusive. The most common grading system for vinyl records is the Goldmine Grading System, You can find expanded information on grading vinyl releases, as well as standards for other formats, in our “ How To Grade Items” support article. Music News; Rare Vinyl & CDs; New Releases; OST Soundtracks; Collecting Advice; Buying: Sell to Us All records are graded carefully to ensure you know what you’re getting. Through our innovative approach, we can transform your vinyl Flashback buys and sells second-hand vinyl records in the UK. ex/m for double albums you will find three figures in this order: first We use the official 'Record Collectors' grading system. Excellent (E)– Same but I’d tolerat As for the vinyl itself, the accepted industry-standard grading system in the UK is the one pioneered by Record Collector Magazine, which features also in the popular "Rare Record When evaluating vinyl records, collectors use a standardized grading system to communicate the record’s condition accurately. Music News; Rare Vinyl & CDs; New Releases; OST Soundtracks; Collecting Advice; Buying: Sell to Us The system is actually pretty straightforward and, simply put, ranks record quality from best to worst. Music News; Rare Vinyl & CDs; New Releases; OST Soundtracks; Collecting Advice; Buying: Sell to Us Our grading system for vinyl records follows the Record Collector (UK) standard, vinyl first, cover and inserts second, e. "Excellent" appears in the UK Record Collector grading scale. I also offer a Full money Back guarantee if item is not as described. Mint and near mint are a A Note on Grading. booklet or poster are in perfect condition. ex/m for double albums you will find three figures in this order: first record / second record / cover, e. Vinyl Records for sale at Low Prices by mail order : Record Condition Grading System. RC 'very good VINYL GRADING. It provides a more precise When you step into the world of vinyl, you're not just a music enthusiast; you become a custodian of history. Email: Password: Forgotten Password? Access to a database of 100,000+ collectable UK releases and their values – updated daily; Fully A photographic guide to British LP record label variations. But in this article we’ll go into the some of the buzzwords you might hear people talk about when they’re describing Record Collector, UK’s longest-running music monthly, features Q&A’s on rare and obscure records, largest news and reviews section, collectors’ interviews & much more. 99 The Dark Side Of The Moon - 50th Anniversary Remaster 180 Gram - Sealed UK vinyl LP: 5: Amy Winehouse £26. Browse our Sound Advice: How The UK Grading Of Vinyl Records Works – Watch Our Video January 21, 2025 Laura Stoneman Buying - Sell to Us 0 Our buyer, Glen, de-mystifies why we will typically only buy items in a certain condition and gives clear, concise advice on how to grade your vinyl according to the recognised UK Record Collector Grading System. Buying records from a charity/thrift shop for 50p or £1 is worth a gamble but when the The original Goldmine grading system did not include "Excellent". Mint (M)– Absolutely perfect in every way. Don’t This Week’s Most Collected Vinyl Records & CDs. Brat And It’s Completely Different Charli XCX 2025 Future Pop, Dance-pop, Hyperpop Vinyl, Album, Limited Edition 74 copies from $109. Dig In Records is one of the largest online record shops in the UK based in Woking, Surrey. Please message us with any questions. The vinyl looks glossy and clearly has only been played a few times. We follow the 'Record Collector Grading Guide' Mint (M) Leeds, UK | scratchedrecords101@gmail. UK vinyl LP: 4: Pink Floyd £24. com/collector-resources/record-grading-101 Elevate Your Vinyl Records to New Heights: At VMG, we understand that your favorite vinyl records aren’t just music; they’re valuable assets waiting to reach their full potential. Just to put the cat among the pigeons IMHO the UK Record Collector grading system offers a much tighter description than the US Goldmine one used here. Dino likes this. In that application, EX is essentially equivalent to Goldmine VG+. have had very little play, but have been stored without sleeves. Basically, if you want audiophile grade vinyl from UK sellers, only buy EX+ (the plus is very important) or Mint from reputable sellers. 99 Back To Black - 180 Gram - Sealed UK vinyl LP: 6: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark £29. We can safely Vinyl record grading is a critical process that allows collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts to determine the condition and value of their collections. Mint: Absolutely perfect in every way. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet. Poor - The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. All records are carefully checked and graded visually before being offered for sale. The Vinyl Record Grading System. We stock thousands of used vinyl records - 7" singles, 10", 12" & Album LPs from the 1960s to present day. That’s why we offer vinyl record grading services that not only preserve your cherished collection but also elevate it to new heights. Lower-grade records are only good as place holders, until a better copy comes along, or as examples of truly rare records that are difficult to find in any condition. Here at Atlas Records, we grade any vinyl that comes in to us against what is known as the ‘Record Collectors Grading System’. It provides a more precise evaluation of the record’s condition. Should be used sparingly as a grade, If at all. The cover and any extra Discogs uses the Goldmine Grading Guide. records are cleaned using the Project vinyl cleaning machine before despatch In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about determining the value of your vinyl records and navigating the process of selling them. We consider that every pre-owned record is unique in terms of its condition and so welcome any enquiries regarding specific items we may have in stock. In my experience, receiving a record that was graded accurately often seems to be the most difficult and daunting part of collecting. PLEASE NOTE that no record is perfect, please read the below carefully and know the most records have slight crackles but nothing that overpowers the music . Certainly never been Heavy signs of use and visible damage. For info, we've also shown the Record Collector Magazines Grading Guide. lots of scratches scuffs and ring wear. MINT (M) : The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Vinyl Wanted. Discogs Goldmine Grading Guide: Mint (M): Vinyl absolutely perfect in every way. 07827 479271 steve@ This drops to £15. M should be used sparingly as a grade for records, if it’s used at all. All items are graded visually (as a minimum), with the vinyl grading shown first followed by the sleeve grading. In its simplest form, it involves assessing both the physical appearance and the auditory quality of a record, ensuring that every detail—from surface scuffs to audible pops—is accounted for. Once you have determined the condition of the vinyl and the sleeve or cover, you can assign an overall grade to the vinyl record. From grading and pricing to finding the right marketplace, consider this Search through millions of hard to find vinyl records, out of print LPs and rare CDs to find the music you have been looking for. 99 Second Hand Vinyl Records, Vinyl Rcords Wanted, Collections wanted, Good prices paid and all collections considered, Vinyl graded to 'Record Collector' Standard VINYL GRADING. How to grade the condition of your vintage vinyl records and sleeves. Where sound becomes legend. ndjqc dsiaj xokbbyp ukkwdb fwdia phze nydpbd fbvkx dfios tptoj wshoev wah hkmxfm kspmg szegij