MINT (M): Perfect! This record looks like it just left the manufacturer, and it's still in the unopened shrink wrap, with zero flaws whatsoever. It looks as though it has never been handled. No wear to the cover or record period!

NEAR MINT or NM, M-: VINYL: This record appears virtually flawless, only a very minor scuff can appear on the vinyl. It should play without any noise over the flaw. The flaw is very hard to see, almost unnoticeable, unless it's seen at a certain angle in the right light. COVER: Looks as close to perfect with only minor signs of wear and age. Very minor impressions to the cover (due to the outer edge of the vinyl resting inside) may be acceptable, however the artwork is as close to perfect as can be.

EXCELLENT or EX or VG++ : VINYL: Minor scuffs which are only slightly visible. There may be more than a few scuffs, but no deep scratches that can be felt with your fingernail. COVER: Artwork is still as close to perfect as can be. Some impression to the cover (minor outer ring wear) but no ink wear. Some slight rounding to the corners, but not wrinkled or obtrusive to the eye. The corners can show white, meaning slight wear to the tip. No seam splits, writing on the cover, or taped repairs can make this grade.

VERY GOOD PLUS or VG+: VINYL: Shows some wear, light surface scuffs and minor scratches. The vinyl still has a great luster, but the flaws will be noticeable to the naked eye, but won't cause any major surface noise. COVER: The artwork looks clean with slightly more aging. May have slight wrinkles and stress lines. Some minor wear to the seams or spine, but no tears or holes popping through. The corners will be slightly dog eared, yet no bends cracking the artwork. May have sticker residue from a removed price tag. The back of the cover may have flat white paper that will be somewhat yellowed. In essence, a VG+ cover should have no more than 3 flaws mentioned.

VERY GOOD or VG: VINYL: This is a record that is good enough. It is not really going to look very pleasing, but it will still play very good. There will almost always be some surface noise when it's played. The dynamics should still be excellent, overpowering the surface noise. The vinyl will appear to have been well played, but still have some luster. COVER: Will look worn and used. There may be some seam splitting. There will be some ring wear, where the ink has begun to wear off, giving the cover a look of snow falling. If the artwork looks snowy all over, it is less than VG. There may be some writing on the cover (still, no large letters). It will look aged and more yellowish due to contaminations in the air, still it should look decent.

GOOD or G: VINYL: The record will look very well played, dull, grayish and possibly abused. However the record should still play ok, but it will have distracting surface noise, such as crackling that is continuous, or some hiss. Will also have loss of dynamics caused from grooves being worn. It should play without any major skips, or any obtrusively loud pops or repeated clicks, caused by deep scratches. It will play with some form of decency, so it can still be enjoyed, even though you can still hear the surface noise. COVER: Will have just about everything wrong with it. Artwork will be worn, snowy, and ripped. There will be seam splits, possibly taped repaired. Corners will be rounded and crushed. Could have magic marker writing on the cover. In essence, the cover will looked virtually trashed. If the artwork is mostly worn out, it is in POOR condition and the cover is virtually worthless.