MINT
 (M)

New, assumed mint. 

Sealed.

NEAR MINT (NM)

No signs of prior use. 

Appears unplayed.

Sharp corners, strong spine. As new.

EXCELLENT (EX+)

Nearly brand new. May have very minor imperfections like faint sleeve scuffs or a mark visible under bright light.

Just short of perfect. Corners, edges, or surfaces may show very light wear like a gently dinged corner 

EXCELLENT (EX)

Mild imperfections such as light superficial marks.

Structurally strong, seams intact, readable spine, minor wear to surfaces, edges or corners. 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+)

Records graded VG+ and above will typically not have any scratches or marks that are deep enough to be felt with a fingernail. Occasional surface noise may be present but will not overpower the music. 

Still 'frame-able' but may have minor flaws like ring-wear, worn corners, edge and corner creases. 

VERY GOOD
 (VG)

There may be a considerable number of light scratches or significant isolated imperfections such as scratches deep enough to be felt with a fingernail. May play with surface noise and at times may overpower the music. No skips, jumps or locked grooves.  Vinyl still has life left.  

Jacket with moderate wear such as stains, seam splits, worn edges or spine, writing, stickers, and heavy creases.

GOOD
 (G)

On occasion we list rare vinyl that grades lower than VG. These well played records will have specifics detailed in the listing.

Jacket with heavy wear.

FAIR
 (F)

May skip or jump, or grooves are locked, significant groove wear