Record Grading & Condition Guide
At Maple City Music, we understand that condition matters. Whether you're buying your first record or adding a hard-to-find pressing to a serious collection, you deserve to know what you're getting.
As a veteran-owned independent record store in downtown Saint Albans, Vermont, we take pride in providing honest, conservative, and accurate grading of the records we sell.
Most importantly, we grade conservatively. We'd much rather have you open your order or pull a record from the sleeve and be pleasantly surprised than disappointed by an overly generous grade.
Our Grading Standards
Our vinyl grading system is based on widely accepted standards used throughout the record-collecting community.
Whenever appropriate, we evaluate the vinyl and jacket separately, because a record and its cover may be in very different condition.
Individual listings may also include additional notes regarding pressing details, inserts, labels, cosmetic imperfections, writing, stickers, seam wear, or anything else we believe a buyer should know.
Mint (M)
A Mint record is in essentially perfect condition and shows no evidence of having been played or handled.
The vinyl, labels, packaging, and included materials should be free of noticeable defects.
True Mint records are extremely rare, and Maple City Music uses this grade very sparingly.
A sealed record is not automatically considered Mint simply because it remains sealed. Because we can't inspect the vinyl while it's sealed, we don't assume perfect condition based solely on the shrink wrap.
Near Mint (NM)
A Near Mint record is exceptionally clean and shows little to no evidence of previous use.
The vinyl should have few, if any, visible imperfections and should provide excellent playback with minimal surface noise attributable to wear.
The jacket and packaging should also be exceptionally clean, with only very minor signs of handling or storage.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A Very Good Plus record has been well cared for and remains in excellent listening condition.
The vinyl may show light signs of previous use, including minor surface marks or sleeve scuffs that should not significantly affect playback. Occasional light background noise may be present but should not overpower or distract from the music.
Jackets may show light shelf wear, corner wear, minor creasing, or other small cosmetic imperfections.
For many collectors, VG+ represents an excellent balance between condition, playability, and value.
Very Good (VG)
A Very Good record remains enjoyable and fully playable but shows more noticeable signs of previous use.
The vinyl may have visible surface marks, scuffs, or light scratches that can produce audible background noise, particularly during quieter passages. These imperfections should not prevent the record from providing an enjoyable listening experience.
Jackets may show more noticeable wear, including ring wear, seam wear, creasing, writing, stickers, edge wear, or other signs of age and handling.
Whenever significant imperfections are present, we make every effort to identify them in the individual product description.
Our Grading Philosophy
Trust matters in record collecting.
We don't believe in inflating a grade to make a record more appealing. Our goal is to describe each item as accurately and fairly as possible so you can purchase with confidence.
Every pre-owned record has a history, and normal signs of age and use are part of collecting vinyl. We're responsible for representing that condition honestly.
Because record grading involves human judgment, there will always be some degree of subjectivity. If you have questions about a particular record's condition, we encourage you to contact us before purchasing.
Ultrasonic Cleaning with the Degritter Mark II
Great records deserve proper care.
At Maple City Music, we professionally clean qualifying pre-owned vinyl using our Degritter Mark II ultrasonic record cleaning machine.
Unlike basic surface cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency ultrasonic technology to help remove dust, debris, and contaminants from deep within a record's grooves.
The Degritter Mark II is a professional-grade system designed specifically for vinyl records, allowing us to provide a level of cleaning that goes far beyond simply wiping the surface.
Our cleaning process helps:
• Remove dust and debris embedded in the grooves
• Reduce contaminants that can contribute to unwanted surface noise
• Improve the overall listening experience
• Prepare pre-owned records for their next owner
• Help preserve vinyl through proper record care
While cleaning cannot repair scratches, groove wear, pressing defects, or damage already present in a record, a properly cleaned record can reveal how good a well-preserved pressing can sound
Cleaning does not change or artificially improve a record's condition grade. A VG record remains a VG record after cleaning. Our grading reflects the record's physical condition, while cleaning ensures it's presented and played in the best condition its existing physical state allows.
For us, this extra step is part of doing things the right way.
Carefully Prepared for Your Collection
Our attention to detail doesn't stop with grading and cleaning.
We handle records carefully and prepare them for sale to protect both the vinyl and its packaging. We securely package online orders to protect records and jackets throughout shipping.
Whether you're buying from us online or digging through the bins at our Saint Albans store, we want you to feel confident about what you're adding to your collection.
Additional Photos & Questions
Want a closer look before buying? Just ask.
We're happy to provide additional photographs or information about the condition of a record, CD, cassette, or collectible whenever possible.
For higher-value records or items where condition is especially important to you, we encourage you to contact us before purchasing.
You can also visit Maple City Music and see our inventory in person:
Maple City Music
12 Kingman Street
Saint Albans, Vermont
Email: walter@maplecitymusic.com
Thank you for supporting Maple City Music, a veteran-owned independent record store in downtown Saint Albans, Vermont.
Our goal is simple: accurate grading, professional record care, fair pricing, great music, and service you can trust.