🎚️ Understanding the Goldmine® Vinyl Grading System
How we grade vinyl at Far Land Records – so you know exactly what you're getting.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your vinyl journey, you’ll often come across grades like NM, VG+, or G when shopping for records. These aren’t random abbreviations — they’re part of the Goldmine® Grading System, the industry standard for evaluating the condition of records and sleeves.
At Far Land Records, we use this system to grade all our pre-loved vinyl, so you can shop with clarity and confidence.
🎧 Why Does Grading Matter?
Grading is about more than just condition — it affects:
Value (especially for rare pressings)
Listening experience (surface noise, skips, etc.)
Display appeal (for those who love their sleeves)
For buyers, it helps avoid unpleasant surprises. For sellers, it ensures trust and transparency.
📀 Vinyl Record Grades (Goldmine® Standard)
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each grade means:
💎 Mint (M)
Perfect in every way.
Unplayed, sealed, or handled only for inspection.
No scuffs, spindle marks, or wear — even under strong light.
Rarely used by trusted sellers — including us.
✨ Near Mint (NM or M−)
Almost perfect. May have been played a few times but well cared for.
No obvious surface wear or audio flaws.
Our highest grade for most used records.
👍 Very Good Plus (VG+)
Light signs of use.
May have slight scuffs or minimal surface noise.
Sleeve might show faint ring wear or corner dings.
Ideal for everyday listeners and budget-minded collectors.
✅ Very Good (VG)
Used but enjoyable.
More surface noise or visible marks.
Covers may have more noticeable wear, splits, or writing.
A solid play copy for those less concerned about aesthetics.
⚠️ Good Plus (G+) / Good (G)
Heavily played.
Clear surface noise, light warps, or scratches.
Sleeves may be worn, torn, or stained.
We rarely list G/G+ unless the record is musically important or hard to find.
❌ Poor (P) / Fair (F)
Not recommended.
Skips, cracks, missing sleeves — barely playable.
Only relevant for historical or archival interest.
🔍 How We Grade at Far Land Records
We visually inspect every secondhand record — and play-test when needed.
Our philosophy is simple:
“If we’re unsure between two grades, we go with the lower one.”
We also grade vinyl and sleeve separately.
For example:
VG+/VG = Vinyl is Very Good Plus / Sleeve is Very Good
This keeps things transparent — especially for collectors who value sleeve condition.
🛒 Buying Used Vinyl Online?
Here’s what to look for:
Clear grading (not just “in good shape”)
Separate vinyl/sleeve grades
Seller policy (we accept returns)
Photos when possible (we include these in key listings)
💬 Questions?
We’re always happy to describe a record in more detail — just message us online or visit us in-store.
🎶 Browse Our Graded Vinyl
→ Shop Used Records
Cleaned, graded, and ready to spin.