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RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

EXCELLENT or EX or VG++: A popular but conservative grade for those who don't want to venture to NM; safe for the dealer and collector, with the understanding that it will not collect NM value. Under Goldmine standards, only NM records reliably collect top value.

EX VINYL: Slightly visible minor scuffs (no more than 15%) allowed in the EX or VG++ grade, bearing in mind that the play should be mint with no soft clicks, crackling or loud pops. Scratches will not make the grade here.

EX COVER: Cover art perfect, minimal impression to cover (minor outer ring wear), zero ink wear or seam splits. Only slight corner creasing, minimal wear. Better to err a questionable cover as EX than NM, despite any negative reactions from seekers.

VERY GOOD PLUS or VG+: Also interpreted by Goldmine as Excellent (EX), either way, this grade does not hold half the value of a true Goldmine NM. By and large, VG+ is the standard for grading 45 singles that don't make the cut at NM - noting that A and B side of the 45 may not carry the same grade.
Vinyls of this grade will exhibit spiral or surface scuffs, light scratches, i.e. any flaws will now be noticeable slightly. Inspecting the vinyl in bright light will reveal its true grade, only small lines will hold a vinyl at this grade, with minimal surface noise. To a veteran collector, a VG+ will play like a NM.

VG+ COVERS: Here, the cover art reflect some age but is clean, minor seam wear though not separated and corners slightly bent. Ink rub-off and ring wear now visible; snowy-looking artwork and an excess of 3 flaws on the cover bumps the cover to a VG or Very Good.

VERY GOOD or VG: Very Good is a grade paradox that passes a play but is visually lacking with the exception of luster. Fading in this grade is imminent with evidence of handling. Increased scuffing and sound defects are present. To maintain this grade, the play should not distort the music, i.e. only slight crackles or hissing.

GOOD or G (including the G+ and VG- grades): Good is not so good but playable with evidence of wear, worn grooves and even continuous hiss. Still, a vinyl in this grade will not display loud crackles or any skips. Good will pass as sentimental value for the collector, still being able to enjoy the music itself.

NOTE: Jazz music collectors, aim for a higher grade due to the music dynamic; alternately, rock and roll collectors may be able to still bear with a Good vinyl.

GOOD/POOR COVER: Seam splitting, marker writing, 50% or less of the artwork visible, obvious snowing of the cover art in some cases - to this extent or more, then the cover is definitely a POOR cover. Mildew in album jacket and disc, water damage, first signs of cardboard damage. Not a good choice for investing. Keep looking.

Fair/Poor: Bottom of the heap, only a rare find makes this worth its purchase and only in sentimental terms. Extreme wear: warp-ness, skipping and general unplayability in these grades are typical here. Seam splitting, water damage, defacement of cover and the list goes on. Fine if used as a teaching tool on what not to invest in.

Learn more about this author, Amy Graham.
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