At JHVinylShop, every record is graded using a combination of playback quality, visual inspection, and practical collector judgment. We believe the most important part of grading is the actual listening experience, so playback quality is always considered alongside visible condition.

We also prefer to under-grade whenever possible. Our goal is to avoid over-grading and make sure customers receive a record that meets or exceeds expectations.

Our Position on “Mint”

JHVinylShop generally does not use the term Mint for opened records. Once a record has been opened, handled, removed from its sleeve, or played, we no longer consider it truly mint.

The only exception is a record that is still factory sealed and presumed mint because it remains unopened in its original shrink wrap. Even then, sealed records are described carefully, since internal vinyl condition cannot be fully confirmed until opened.

Media / Vinyl Grades

Presumed Mint (Sealed)

Used only for factory-sealed records that appear new and unopened. Because the record has not been inspected or played, the grade is presumed based on sealed condition.

Near Mint (NM)

An exceptionally clean record with little to no visible wear. Playback should be clean and strong with no meaningful surface noise, skips, or playback defects.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A well-kept record with light signs of use. Minor sleeve marks, faint scuffs, or very light surface noise may be present, but the record should play clearly and remain highly enjoyable.

Very Good (VG)

A record with more noticeable use. Light scratches, visible marks, or background noise may be present, but the record should still play through without major issues unless specifically noted.

Good Plus (G+)

A heavily used record with clear wear, surface noise, and visible marks. Playback may include noise, pops, or other imperfections, but the record remains usable.

Good (G)

A record with significant wear. This grade is generally reserved for copies with heavy surface noise, visual damage, or playback concerns. These records are usually best suited as filler copies or collection placeholders.

Fair / Poor (F / P)

Records with severe wear, warping, cracks, skips, or serious playback problems. These are rarely offered unless the item has unusual collectible value.

Cover / Jacket Grades

Near Mint (NM)

A very clean jacket with minimal handling or shelf wear.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Light wear may be present, such as minor corner wear, faint shelf wear, or small cosmetic imperfections.

Very Good (VG)

Noticeable wear may be present, including ring wear, edge wear, creases, writing, small seam splits, or general aging.

Good Plus (G+)

More obvious jacket wear, heavier ring wear, seam splitting, staining, writing, or structural wear may be present.

Good (G)

Significant cover wear or damage. The jacket may show heavy aging, splits, writing, staining, or other major cosmetic issues.

Fair / Poor (F / P)

Severe jacket damage, missing pieces, major splits, water damage, or compromised structure.

Additional Condition Notes

When relevant, individual product listings may also identify sealed condition, original shrink, hype stickers, inserts, OBI strips, autographs, promotional markings, matrix/runout information, ring wear, seam splits, and other collector-relevant details.

Because every used record is different, the individual product listing should always be considered the final condition reference for that specific item.