Grading Information

Mint (M)
Album is still sealed.  It does not mean record is perfect.  Mint records can have flaws such as warps and scratches, but no way of knowing until item is opened.  

Near Mint (NM) 
A nearly perfect record.  The record should show no obvious signs of wear with high gloss.  May be 1 minor blemish, no more.  LP jacket should have no creases, folds, seams splits, or other noticeable similar defects.  Should contain all issued inserts such as posters and original inner sleeves.  

Excellent (EX)
A very high-end VG+ record.  Record surfaces may appear close to NM with high gloss and shine but show very soft rubs or a light mark or two that doesn’t affect playback.  The labels should be very clean yet may show light spindle marks that are barely noticeable. An LP jacket may have slight signs of wear. 

Very Good Plus VG+
A VG+ record will have indications that it was handled and played.  Record surfaces may show signs of wear and may have scuffs or light scratches or slight warps that do not greatly affect playback.  Some slight background noise is normal.  The label may have some wear, but it should be slight.  An LP outer jacket may have signs of wear also, and may be marred by a punch hole, corner clips, saw marks, light ink markings, or very short seam splits.  LP inner sleeves will have some wear, lightly turned up corners, or a partial seam split. 

Very Good VG
VG record may lack the original high gloss finish and show groove wear and light scratches (deep enough to feel) and numerous scuffs, and rubs.  Surface noise will be evident upon playing especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and fade, and may be constant.  But, it should be light and not overpower playback.  Outer jackets may have seam splits, ink markings, taped edges, stickers, punch hole, corner clips, saw marks, ink markings, or look very worn and aged.  Labels may have ink marks, tape, stickers.

Very Good- VG- Good Plus G+
Records in this grade will have numerous scuffs, scratches and rubs.  Surface noise will have background noise/ticks/pops, but not completely distracting.  A casual copy or a place holder.  It should be a decent copy for the price.

Good (G)
G record is marginally acceptable. Surface noise will be evident, prominent and continuous during playback.  May have warps or scratches, deep enough to cause skipping will overpower playback.  Usually do not sell unless it is rare or highly desirable album.  Album cover maybe desirable.