Vinyl Condition Grading Explained: VG, VG+, EX, NM
If you collect rockabilly records, condition grading is not trivia. It is survival.
Many expensive mistakes happen when buyers confuse a label with a promise. A listing says VG+ and you expect near perfection. The record arrives with clicks, groove wear, and a sleeve that has seen three lifetimes.
Condition codes are useful, but only when you read them with context. This guide gives you that context in plain language so your next buy is smarter.
Why Grading Matters More Than Rarity at the Start
Early collecting is often about building ears and taste. A noisy "rare" copy can teach less than a clean, affordable pressing you can actually enjoy repeatedly.
When you understand grading, you are less likely to overpay for hype and more likely to pay for listenable value.
The Core Grades in Real Life
Different sellers and regions use slightly different systems, but these are the practical meanings most collectors work with.
NM (Near Mint)
This should be very close to new: clean surfaces, minimal handling signs, and very quiet playback.
In practice, true NM is uncommon on older records. Treat "NM" claims with extra scrutiny, especially on 1950s originals.
EX (Excellent)
EX usually means a strong collector copy with light signs of use. Playback should be clean with only minor occasional noise.
EX is often the sweet spot for serious listening and long-term collecting, if the price stays reasonable.
VG+ (Very Good Plus)
VG+ is one of the most inconsistently used grades in online listings. Proper VG+ should still play well, with some light noise and visible signs of use, but no heavy groove damage.
A fair VG+ copy can be a great buy. An inflated VG+ is where beginners lose money.
VG (Very Good)
VG means visible wear and audible imperfections are expected. It can still be enjoyable, especially for scarce titles, but this is not a "clean copy" grade.
For starter collections, buy VG only when the title is hard to find, the price is low, and the seller provides honest audio context.
Record Grade vs Sleeve Grade
Always separate media condition from cover condition. A sleeve can be VG while vinyl is EX, or the opposite.
A complete listing should tell you both clearly. If only one grade appears, ask which component it refers to.
Red Flags in Listings
Watch for these warning signs before buying:
- no mention of playback condition
- only one low-resolution photo
- bright words ("rare," "killer," "must-have") but vague grading notes
- no description of skips, warps, or groove wear
- no return policy on expensive copies
None of these automatically means "bad seller," but combined they increase risk.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Use short, direct questions:
- "Any skips, sticks, or repeating clicks?"
- "Any feelable scratches?"
- "Has it been play-tested all the way through or spot-checked?"
- "Could you share a short audio sample of the loudest passage?"
Reliable sellers usually answer clearly. Repeatedly evasive answers are a warning sign.
Pricing by Grade: A Practical Rule
For many non-ultra-rare records, pricing tends to move with grade quality.
If a VG copy is priced like EX, skip it. If a clean EX is priced only slightly above a questionable VG+, EX is often the better long-term value.
Collections often improve faster when you buy one solid copy instead of two compromised ones.
A Safer Buying Strategy for Beginners
Use this sequence for the first 20 to 30 records:
- prioritize EX and honest VG+
- avoid "too good to be true" NM claims without proof
- buy familiar tracks first so you can judge playback quality by ear
- keep notes on sellers with accurate grading
That process builds both confidence and a reliable network of sources.
Final Word
Condition grading is not about collector snobbery. It is about making better decisions with your money and your ears.
Learn the codes, verify the details, and stay patient. Rockabilly collecting rewards people who listen carefully.
