Grading Guide

Every record sold by Impala Records is individually assessed. We grade conservatively because we would rather a record exceed your expectations than disappoint you.

The sleeve and vinyl are graded separately, with the sleeve grade shown first. Where a record has been play-tested, playback is considered alongside visual condition.

Our grading scale

Sealed / Mint · EX+ · EX · VG++ · VG+ · VG · G+

Sealed / Mint

Unplayed and still sealed. Because the record cannot be inspected while sealed, Mint refers to its sealed and presumed-unplayed status rather than a guarantee that the vinyl beneath the seal is free from manufacturing or storage imperfections. The outer sleeve and seal are still assessed and described.

EX+ — Excellent Plus

Exceptional opened condition, with extremely little evidence of handling or previous play. The sleeve should also be exceptionally well preserved. We use this grade sparingly.

EX — Excellent

A genuinely excellent used copy. The vinyl should retain strong gloss with only very minor superficial signs of handling. The sleeve may show light evidence of age or storage but should remain clean, attractive and structurally excellent.

VG++ — Very Good Plus Plus

An unusually strong VG+ that falls just short of EX. The vinyl may show a few light surface marks or hairlines while retaining strong gloss. The sleeve may show minor age or storage wear while remaining particularly well preserved.

VG+ — Very Good Plus

A well-cared-for copy that has been played and enjoyed. Light surface marks or hairlines may be visible and occasional light background noise may be audible, particularly in quieter passages. The sleeve may show normal age-related wear while remaining sound and presentable.

VG — Very Good

Clear evidence of previous use. The vinyl may show numerous marks or light scratches and background noise, crackle or occasional ticks may be audible. The sleeve may show more obvious wear. We use VG selectively and describe significant issues.

G+ — Good Plus

Heavily used but still playable and collectable. Surface noise and visible wear should be expected. Sleeves may have significant wear or damage. We use this grade selectively, generally where scarcity, pressing or historical interest justifies listing the copy.

Visual condition and playback

A record can look worse than it sounds, and a visually clean record can sometimes reveal an issue during playback. Where appropriate, we play-test records and include relevant playback observations in the listing.

Occasionally you may see a bracketed grade such as VG(+). The physical grade remains VG; the (+) indicates playback above the normal expectation for that visual grade.

Sleeves and vinyl are graded separately

Our listings show the sleeve grade first, followed by the vinyl grade. Sleeves are assessed for edge and corner wear, ring wear, rubbing, creasing, lamination, spine condition, seam splits, writing, stickers, tears, staining and other damage. Original inner sleeves, lyric sheets, posters, inserts, obi strips and other components are described separately where relevant.

Our grading guarantee

Vinyl grading always involves an element of judgement, particularly with records that may be decades old. Our approach is simple: grade conservatively, describe anything important, photograph the actual copy, and do not hide behind the grade.

All non-sealed records are cleaned in our Degritter before shipping and every record is individually assessed.

If a record arrives and you believe it has been misgraded, please contact us at info@impalarecords.co.uk.

We'd rather lose a grade than lose your trust.

Impala Records

Ready to choose a copy? Browse our used vinyl records, or explore records by artist. Check each listing for the condition and pressing details of that specific record.

For practical advice on choosing a pressing and checking condition notes, read how to buy used vinyl records.