Near Mint NM : A good description of a NM record is it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it s nearly perfect. NM records are shiny, with no visible defects. Writing, stickers or other markings cannot appear on the label, nor can any spindle marks .
Excellent E : An Excellent record is similar to a VG record. Its light marks will be difficult to spot. Their minute signs of use, generally, reflect high-quality care.Very Good VG : VG records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. A VG cover might have some minor seam wear or a split less than one inch long at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking.
Very Good VG : They lack most of the original gloss found on VG records and groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. VG records have some surface noise and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song s intro and ending, but will not overpower the music. Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. VG covers will have some ring wear. Some more creases might be visible. Seam splitting will be more obvious it may appear on all three sides. Someone might have written or stamped a price tag on it, too.
Good G : Good does not mean bad. A record in Good or Good can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping or repeating, but it will have significant surface noise, scratches and visible groove wear. The jacket has seam splits tape, writing, ring wear and other defects will start to overwhelm.Poor P / Fair F : The record is cracked, badly warped and won t play through without skipping or repeating. The jacket barely keeps the LP inside it and may be water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and / or writing.
