A vinyl grade describes the condition of a record and, separately, its sleeve. It tells you what the item looks like and gives you a realistic idea of how it should sound when played.
So, what does VG+ mean in practice? Very Good Plus usually means a well-kept used record with light visible marks that are not feelable and should not cause skipping. You may hear a little surface noise in quiet passages or between tracks, but the music should still be the main event. For many buyers of second hand vinyl records, it is the sweet spot between condition, price and everyday play.
Media and sleeve are graded separately
A record has two condition grades: one for the media, meaning the vinyl itself, and one for the sleeve.
A listing marked VG+/VG should mean:
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Media: Very Good Plus
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Sleeve: Very Good
That distinction is useful. A clean, glossy record can be housed in a sleeve with a split seam, creased corners or writing on the back. Equally, a tidy-looking sleeve can contain a record with more obvious marks and audible wear.
When you buy second hand vinyl records, do not rely on a single grade unless the seller clearly explains whether it applies to both parts. Look for a format such as Media: VG+ / Sleeve: VG, followed by a short description of any notable flaws.
At WholelottaVinyl, every record is graded by hand under high-intensity, colour-balanced daylight grading lamps before it is listed. Media and sleeve are always considered separately because they are different parts of the buying decision.
What each grade means when you listen
The letters only become useful when you connect them with the listening experience. Here is the practical version of the scale used by the shop, from the highest grade downwards.
Mint
What it looks like: Mint means the record and sleeve are in untouched, perfect condition. In practice, this usually refers to an unopened, factory-sealed copy. It is a demanding grade and is rarely suitable for older second hand records unless there is clear evidence that the item has never been opened or played.
What it sounds like: If the record is genuinely unplayed, it should sound as clean as the pressing allows, without wear-related surface noise. A sealed record is not automatically perfect, though. Storage conditions, heat, age and pressing quality can still affect playback once it is opened.
Near Mint
What it looks like: A Near Mint record appears almost new. The vinyl should be glossy and free from meaningful scratches, with perhaps only the faintest signs of careful handling. The sleeve may have very minor age-related marks, but there should be no significant tears, splits or heavy ring wear.
What it sounds like: Playback should be very clean, with no audible defects caused by wear. You might hear a tiny click or a little noise in an isolated moment, particularly on a quiet pressing, but repeated crackle or persistent ticks would usually suggest a lower grade.
Excellent
What it looks like: Excellent sits below Near Mint and above Very Good Plus in this grading set. The record may have been played, but it should remain very clean, with only light surface marks or hairlines that are not feelable. The sleeve should be tidy, with minor handling wear rather than serious damage.
What it sounds like: An Excellent record should play with little to distract from the music. Very faint noise may appear in a quiet passage, during the run-in or between tracks, but it should not become a regular feature of the listening experience.
Very Good Plus
What it looks like: Very Good Plus records show light signs of use. You may see faint scuffs, hairlines or small surface marks when the vinyl is held under a strong light. These marks should not catch on a fingernail. The record should retain a good level of gloss and should not have major warping.
The sleeve may have light corner wear, a small crease, minor ring wear or a short edge split.
What it sounds like: A VG+ record should play through without jumping. Occasional light ticks or a low level of surface noise may be audible, particularly in quiet sections or between tracks, but the music should remain clear and enjoyable.
VG+ is not the same as perfect. It means a strong used copy with honest signs of handling.
Very Good
What it looks like: Very Good records have clearer evidence of use. Scratches and scuffs may be visible without close inspection, and the vinyl may have lost some of its original gloss. A mark can sometimes be feelable, although a feelable mark does not automatically mean the record will skip. Its effect depends on its depth, direction and position in the groove.
The sleeve may have ring wear, creases, writing, stickers, seam splits or more obvious edge and corner damage.
What it sounds like: Surface noise is more likely to be noticeable on a VG record. You may hear crackle, ticks or clicks during quieter sections, introductions and spaces between tracks. The record should still be playable, but it will not necessarily provide a near-silent background.
A VG record can still be a sensible choice for a scarce pressing, a favourite album or a copy you actually want to play. The important thing is knowing what level of noise and wear to expect before you buy.
Good Plus
What it looks like: Good Plus records are visibly worn and may have numerous scratches, scuffs or cloudy areas. Some marks may be feelable. The sleeve can have significant wear, including splits, tape repairs, writing, creases, water marks or a damaged spine.
What it sounds like: Playback is usually accompanied by noticeable surface noise throughout. Ticks and pops may appear regularly, and a deeper scratch may cause a repeat or a skip. You should expect clear evidence of wear.
This grade can suit a budget listener, a collection filler or a hard-to-find release.
Good
What it looks like: Good records have heavy signs of use. Scratches may be both visible and feelable, and the surface can show extensive scuffing or loss of gloss. Sleeves may be badly split, torn, taped, stained or affected by water damage.
What it sounds like: Expect substantial surface noise, repeated clicks and the possibility of jumps or skips. Some sections may still play, while others may be difficult to enjoy. A Good copy can have value as a scarce pressing, a project for restoration or a placeholder, but it should not be presented as a quiet listening copy.
Why the same grade can feel different
Grading is a reasoned judgement, not a laboratory measurement. Two sellers can look at the same record and make slightly different assessments, especially when it sits between two grades.
Lighting makes a difference. Fine hairlines can be hard to see in a dim room and much clearer under a strong, colour-balanced lamp. Playback equipment also varies, so a mark that is barely noticeable on one turntable may be more obvious on another.
Sleeve and media condition can differ widely, which is why combined grades matter. A grade is a shorthand. The notes explain the copy.
Questions worth asking before you buy
If a listing leaves you uncertain, asking a few straightforward questions is sensible. You could ask:
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Can you send photographs of the actual copy rather than a stock image?
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Are the visible marks feelable with a fingertip or fingernail?
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Does the record lie flat on the turntable?
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Are there any skips, repeats or particularly noisy tracks?
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Is the grade for the media, the sleeve or both?
A careful seller should be able to answer without making you feel awkward for asking. You are simply trying to understand what will arrive through the post.
Use the grade as a starting point
Vinyl record grading works best when the letters, photographs and description all agree. VG+ should suggest a strong used record with light signs of play. VG should suggest more visible wear and more audible surface noise. Excellent and Near Mint point to cleaner copies, but it is still worth checking the details.
For the complete scale, inspection approach and cleaning advice, read our vinyl grading guide. When you are ready to browse hand-graded records, visit the WholelottaVinyl shop.