Guide · Record Care

Record Grading

How we assess the condition of every record we sell — and what each grade means for the listening experience.

Our Standard

How We Grade

Every record at Calcutta Records is individually inspected and graded. We use the Goldmine Grading Standard — the industry benchmark for physical media condition.

We grade conservatively. If we are unsure between two grades, we assign the lower one. We would rather undersell a record than disappoint you when it arrives. Condition is described separately for the record and the sleeve, and any notes about specific marks or defects are listed in the product description.

Grading is subjective and condition affects playback differently depending on your system's sensitivity. We recommend reading each product's specific condition notes before purchasing.

The Scale

Condition Grades Explained

M

Mint

Perfect in every way. Often still sealed from the factory. This grade is rarely assigned — almost no record that has been played qualifies as Mint.

Absolutely silent backgrounds. Flawless play.
BSTOCK

B-Stock (New, Minor Defect)

Brand new record with a very minor manufacturing defect or very light scuff from the sleeve. Still plays perfectly. Sold at a discount versus perfect Mint copies.

Near-silent backgrounds. May have one or two very faint ticks. Essentially perfect.
NM

Near Mint

Nearly perfect. The record shows only the slightest sign of having been played — light hairlines visible only under bright light, with no impact on playback.

Very quiet backgrounds. No audible surface noise. Excellent in all respects.
VG+

Very Good Plus

Shows some signs of play but has been cared for well. Light marks are visible under bright light. This is the highest grade most collectible records practically achieve.

Minimal surface noise between tracks. Occasional faint tick during quiet passages. Still a very enjoyable listening experience.
VG

Very Good

Shows obvious signs of play. Light scuffs, some marks. Played regularly but stored without care. Suitable for casual listening; collectors may find this too noisy.

Audible surface noise throughout. Hiss and occasional pops. Best for casual listening or filling gaps in a collection.
VG-

Very Good Minus

Quite worn. Noticeable scuffs and marks. Still plays through without skipping, but audio quality is significantly degraded. Priced accordingly.

Heavy surface noise. Best for display, archival, or as a placeholder until a better copy is found.
P

Poor

Barely plays. Heavy marks, deep scratches, warped, or otherwise damaged. Sold only as a collectable artefact or for the sleeve/artwork when those are in better condition.

Barely listenable. Heavy noise, distortion, possible skipping. Not recommended for enjoyment.

Record Care

Keeping Your Records in Top Condition

Clean Before Playing

Even new records benefit from a dry brush before play. Dirty stylus means damaged grooves.

Inner Sleeves Matter

Replace paper inner sleeves with anti-static polyethylene inners. Paper is abrasive over time.

Storage Temperature

Keep records away from heat and direct sunlight. Warping is irreversible and destroys the listening experience.

Store Vertically

Never stack records flat. Vertical storage with proper dividers prevents warping under weight.

Maintain Your Stylus

A worn or dirty stylus damages your records permanently. Clean after every session; replace every 500–1000 hours.

Wet Clean Occasionally

Periodic wet cleaning with a record cleaning machine or fluid removes embedded grime that a brush cannot.