BartoBarVinylGuide
Essential Knowledge for Vinyl Collectors
01. Grading Standards
Mint
Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed.
Near Mint
A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
Very Good Plus
Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Minor scuffs or very light scratches are acceptable.
Very Good
Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages. Groove wear will start to be noticeable.
Good
Can play through without skipping. Significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear.
02. Record Longevity
Store Vertically
Never stack records on top of each other. The weight causes warping and "ring wear" on the sleeves. Always store them upright like books on a shelf.
Keep it Clean
Dust is the enemy of high-fidelity sound. Use a carbon fiber brush before every spin to keep grooves clear of debris and static.