Grading Standards

M - Mint/Perfect

Record & Cover -
No scuffs, scratches or stains on the record or cover. No address labels, writing, tears on splits on covers, jackets or sleeves. Label is pristine. Question the value of any record categorized as "Mint".

NM - Near Mint (same as Near Mint - M-)
M - Near Mint (same as Near Mint - NM)

Record -
Widely used for virtually flawless records. There may be a minor scuff resulting from simply reoving the record from the sleeve. The record should play without noise (over the scuff) which should not cover more than a few tracks.

Cover -
Should show little wear. A minor impression from the vinyl inside is acceptable - if it doesn't effect the artwork.

EX - Excellent (same as Excellent - VG++)
VG++ - Excellent (same as Excellent - EX)

Record -
A Conservative term for a very acceptable grade. Used by collectors and dealers who don't want to over grade the record by using "NM / M-".

Cover -
Should be nearly perfect. Slight creases to the corners are acceptable but seam splits, writing or taped repairs are not.

VG+ - Very Good Plus

Record -
Plays well, some slight noise.

Cover -
Covers should be Excellent (EX / VG++) grade but may a have small amount of writing, some minor wear to the seam or spine and slight again; but no more than three (3) flaws.

VG - Very Good (same as Very Good - G+)
G+ - Very Good (same as Very Good – VG)

Record -
Well played but should still play well. Vinyl may be slightly grayish due to surface scuffs. Minor crackle or hiss should/may be audible only between tracks or in low musical passages.

Cover -
Looks worn and well used. Should still be attractive without taped seams or water damage.

VG- - Good Plus

Record -
Appears to be in Very Good (VG) condition but does not play well.

Cover -
Looks worn and well used. Should still be attractive without taped seams or water.

G - Good

Record -
Vinyl looks well played, dull and grayish but should still play without skipping or loud pops or cracks caused by deep scratches. Audio noise will overpower the low passages (of jazz, classical and easy listening), making this grade unacceptable to collectors and dealers.

Cover -
The seam is split or has taped repairs. Repairs with duct or masking tape or writing in magic marker degrades the cover to a Fair (F) / Poor (P) grade - virtually worthless as a collectible.

F - Fair (same as Poor - P)
P - Poor (same as Fair - F)

Record -
Vinyl is virtually worthless as a collectible, unless it is an extremely rare recording.

Cover -
Heavily damaged or does not exist.

? - Unknown - Not Graded

Record -
Was not graded at time record was cataloged.

Cover -
Was not graded at time record was cataloged.