(M) MINT: Brand New - No markings or flaws. 

(SS) STILL SEALED: Still sealed in the factory shrink wrap.

(NM) NEAR MINT: A nearly perfect record. The record will show no obvious signs of wear. Original finish intact. Picture sleeves should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling, and play-grades at least 9 out of 10 quality wise on an audio basis, no background noise.

(VG++) or (EX) EXCELLENT: One step down from near mint, may have very light wear or handling markings evident but retains full luster and light ringwear. Play-grades at least 8 out of 10 on an audio basis, no snaps or pops and very minimal background noise.

(VG+) VERY GOOD PLUS: The record will show some signs that it was played or otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some signs of normal wear and may have slight scuffing or light scratches, but play-grades at least 7 out of 10: light background noise, possibly the odd pop, but still a nice record. 

(VG) VERY GOOD: Many of the defects found in a VG+ record or sleeve will be more pronounced in a VG record or picture sleeve. Groove wear may be noticeable, the record may have light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound, but the foreign noises will be less prominent than the music. This record will play-grade at least 6 out of 10, and will still be fairly respectable but background noise will be evident. Picture sleeves may have quite prominent ring wear. Creases, folds, seam splits and tears will be more obvious and may appear on all three sides, and there may be writing as well.

(VG-) VERY GOOD MINUS: Foreign noises may be about as prominent as the music. The record still plays through without skipping. The picture sleeve will have more significant seam splits, perhaps to the point where they were taped closed, and highly obvious ring wear and heavier writing. Can serve as a filler until a better one comes along. Play-grades 5 out of 10, may have skips.

(G) GOOD: We seldom offer a good record for sale unless it is particularily rare for the following reasons: Foreign noises are louder than the recorded music and listening can be distracted by the noise. May or may not play through without skipping, but should be so noted. Picture sleeves are so badly seam split that they may not be able to contain the record within.Tears, folds, writing and ring wear may be overwheming. Good is NOT good on a play-grade scale!