CASSETTE GRADING NOTES Cassette pictured is actual cassette.  Cassettes are tested and also graded on visual inspection.    We grade conservatively - - we really want to avoid over grading - - we know how frustrating that can be.  We try to list every flaw that we can see and err on the side of downgrading our grade.  PLEASE contact us if a cassette does not match our condition description! The notes below are our standard LP grading standings, which we have retro-fitted for cassettes.
Mint (M)	Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly even still sealed.  Virtually no record will ever attain this grade.
Near Mint (NM)	A nearly perfect record.  The record shows no obvious sign of wear. The cover has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
Near Mint Minus	A very clean, lightly played record.  The record shows very minor   signs of use.  A light scuff or smudge may be present, with no visible scratches.  The cover has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
Excellent (EX) same as Very Good (VG++)	A VG++ record is very close to NM-, except for a minor flaw or two.   Shows some minor signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.  Record surfaces might show minor signs of wear such as slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience.  The label may have some very light ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play.  A VG++ cover will show some minor wear in corner and perhaps some very light ring-wear.   Typically, a VG++ cover will appear NM with just a minor flaw or two.
Very Good (VG+)	Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK.   A VG++ record is very close to NM, except for a minor flaw or two.  VG+ may have more numerous flaws, but nothing that would significantly impact the overall playability of the record.  The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play.  A VG+ covers will have some slight wear or a slight seam-split.
Very Good  (VG)	Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of covers.    However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
Good (G), Good+	A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A jacket or sleeve has seem splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine.  Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.
Poor (G), Fair (F)	The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The cover is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing.