To grade a vinyl record, inspect the disc and sleeve separately, check playback where possible, and describe the faults you find. This checklist takes you through the inspection. For the meanings of Mint, Near Mint, VG+ and the other grades, use our record grading guide.
1. Make a record of what you are checking
Start a note with the artist, title and catalogue number. Add separate sections for the disc, cover and any inserts. Keep observations beside the item they describe: a tidy cover should not hide a scratched record in your notes.
2. Inspect both sides of the disc
Use good light and look across each side from several angles. Note visible marks, scratches, label damage and any apparent warping. Record which side has the defect and roughly where it appears. Do not assume that a shiny surface guarantees quiet playback.
3. Listen and state how much you tested
If you can play the record, make notes as you listen: surface noise, repeated clicks, distortion, skips or repeating grooves. Say whether you checked the whole record or only selected passages. If you have only inspected it visually, make that clear instead of describing it as play-tested.
4. Check the cover and inserts separately
Look at the front, back, spine, corners and seams. Note writing, stickers, splits, staining and missing inserts. Photographs of the specific defects are more useful to a buyer than a distant photograph of the cover alone.
5. Choose the grade and keep the explanation
Compare your observations with the grading standard used by the marketplace. Discogs uses the Goldmine standard. Check its official condition definitions, then give the disc and sleeve their own grades. Do not treat a sealed wrapper as proof that the record inside is flawless.
A condition-note template
- Disc grade: [grade and standard used]
- Inspection: [visual only, selected tracks or full playback]
- Disc observations: [side, location and defects found]
- Sleeve grade: [grade and defects found]
- Contents: [inserts present or missing]
Fill this in with what you actually checked. If you cannot confirm something, say so. A useful description gives the next person enough detail to decide whether that particular copy suits them.
You might also like: Complete Care Vinyl Cleaning Kit — If you want to keep your records in top condition, the Complete Care Vinyl Cleaning Kit is a good place to start.
