Vinyl Singles Grading guide - 7" Records by Studio Records

Grading Conditions for 7" Vinyl Singles

Record grading for singles can differ to that of a vinyl album, due to only being 1 song on each side, therefore generally the grade should be for sound quality alone!
However singles collectors are as interested in label condition, centre condition and sleeve condition.

The majority of our grades are attained by visual grading only, unless the record is particularly rare! then they are play tested, we also do this if we are unsure by visual inspection.

	MINT Almost an impossible grade for a used vinyl single, but if it shows absolutely no marks, handling or evidence of use then it may be Mint.
	NM (near mint) The vinyl should have no scratches and play without hiss or clicks, it may show a few light small handling or surface marks/scratches but nothing that can be heard.
	EX (excellent) The vinyl should have no scratches and play without hiss or clicks, but will show more use and some light surface marks/scratches, this is a well looked after single.
	VG+ (very good plus) The vinyl will show some light surface scratches and handling marks, but should play very well with just some light hiss and one or two very subtle clicks.
	VG (very good) The vinyl will show use, with light surface marks and some scratches, but will still play without affecting the sound noticeably.
	G (good) The vinyl will show heavy use with multiple surface marks and scratches, many of these will be deep and affect sound, hissing, clicks and pops but will play without jumping.
	F (fair) The vinyl will have many issues, and look abused, it will play but with very noticeable unwanted noises.
	P (poor) The record will be damaged, warped, cracked or totally abused and will not play properly or not at all.

  

Record Labels and Sleeves

Record labels can and should be graded for collectors, for this reason we individually photograph all our vinyl singles showing both labels, rather than downgrade the sound grade for any issues with the label.

Record sleeves generally are not overly important as long as it has one to protect the record. But many prefer the original sleeve, we will always photograph the sleeve if it has its original one.

Notes and Information on record sleeves and record labels.

	Company Sleeve Most records released up to the late 1970s were issued in a company sleeve as shown, there were many variations from individual companies over the years.
	Plain Company Sleeves (plain white) These unbranded sleeves were also used and are not relative to any company.