Why Grading Matters
When you're buying a second-hand record, the grade is everything. It tells you what to expect before the needle hits the groove — and it protects you from nasty surprises. At Sound Hound Records, we grade every record honestly, because we'd rather you come back than feel ripped off.
The Standard Grading Scale
The industry uses a scale that runs from Mint (perfect) down to Poor (barely playable). Here's what each grade actually means in practice:
Mint (M)
Perfect. Unplayed. Still sealed, or handled with white gloves and never touched a turntable. Mint records are rare and command top dollar. If someone's selling a "Mint" record that's been played, be skeptical.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
The gold standard for collectors. Nearly perfect — maybe played once or twice with care. No visible marks, no scuffs. Plays silently with no surface noise. This is what most serious collectors aim for.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
The sweet spot for most buyers. Light signs of play — perhaps a faint hairline or two under direct light — but plays cleanly with minimal noise. A VG+ copy of a classic album is a great find at the right price.
Very Good (VG)
Noticeable marks and some surface noise, but the music is still clearly audible and enjoyable. VG records are often the best value — especially for albums you want to play regularly rather than preserve.
Good (G) / Good Plus (G+)
Heavy wear. Plays all the way through but with significant noise, clicks, and pops. Worth buying only if it's a rare pressing you can't find in better condition, or if you're after the sleeve alone.
Poor (P) / Fair (F)
Barely functional. Skips, distorts, or is otherwise damaged. Avoid unless it's purely decorative.
What to Watch Out For When Buying
Grading is subjective — one seller's VG+ is another's VG. Here are a few things to ask or check before buying:
- Has it been cleaned? A dirty record plays worse than its grade suggests. A clean one often plays better.
- Check the label and sleeve separately. A record can be VG+ while the sleeve is G — or vice versa. Good sellers grade them independently.
- Original pressing vs. reissue? Grading applies to the physical condition, not the pressing quality. A Mint reissue may still sound different to an original.
- Australian pressings are often graded the same as UK or US copies, but they can sound different — and for local collectors, they carry their own value.
How We Grade at Sound Hound Records
We clean every record before grading and play-test anything we're unsure about. We grade conservatively — if it's borderline between VG+ and NM, we'll call it VG+. We'd rather undersell than overpromise.
If you ever receive a record from us that doesn't match its grade, get in touch. We'll sort it out.
Ready to Start Collecting?
Now that you know what the grades mean, you're ready to shop with confidence. Browse our current stock — all graded honestly, all ready to play.