Mint: A Mint Record should appear to have just left the manufacturer without any handling. It should appear perfect! No scratches, stains, writing or scuffs, on either the label or vinyl. A cover should appear to never have had a Record in it. Ring Wear (an imprint on the cover from the Record), frays, bends, seam splits, writing: none are allowed in this grade.

M-: Near Mint: A record that is otherwise Mint but has one or two inconsequential flaws that do not affect its play. Covers will still be close to perfect with only minor signs of wear or age evident.

VG++: Very Good Plus Plus: A record with more inconsequential flaws than a M- grade allows. Imperfections can include light scuffs and faint surface scratches. There should be no surface noise on a VG++ record.

VG+: Very Good Plus.May sometimes be referred to as Excellent. A VG+ record has been handled or played either infrequently or very carefully. The Record may have light paper scuffs from sliding it into or out of a paper sleeve. The vinyl may have lost some of its luster. A light scratch(es) that do not affect play would be acceptable in this grade. Some light surface noise may be expected in a record with this grade. On covers: some wear from storage is acceptable, especially light wear that does not overly affect the text or artwork.

VG: Very Good. A record Will exhibit visible signs of handling and playing. It will have a loss of vinyl luster, light surface scratches, groove wear, or spindle trails. A VG record looks like it will have some audible noise upon play, but any such noise should not overwhelm the music or ruin the listening experience. A VG cover will show visible signs of handling such as Ring Wear on Front and Back, some seam splitting, bent corners, or loss of Gloss to Photos and Artwork.

Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in describing record condition.

cc = cut corner
co = cut out
coh = cut out hole
cvr = cover
dj = promotional disc jockey copy
imp = import
lbl = label
LP = 12" 33 1/3 rpm long playing album
mo = Mono or Monaural
dnap = does not affect play
ol = on label
org = original
promo = promotional copy
quad = quadrophonic
re = reissue
sdtk = soundtrack
se = stereo effect electronically produced
2nd pr = second pressing
slt wrp = slight warp
sm spt = seam split
soc = sticker on cover
sol = sticker on label
sr = slight ring wear
ss = still sealed
st = stereo
10" = 10" 33 1/3 rpm album
t&ts = title and timing strip (promotional dj
toc = tape on cover
tol = tape on label
ts = taped seams
wlp = white label promo
woc = writing on cover
wol = writing on label