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VINYL RECORD GRADING:
MINT (M): Brand-new, perfect in every way. Most likely still factory-sealed. Unplayed.
NEAR-MINT (NM): A record which looks new but has been opened/handled. May have been played but if so, there is no way to tell. No visible defects, no surface noise, no blemishes on cover or sleeve.
EXCELLENT (E): Almost NM, but with some visible evidence of prior handling. May include minor spindle marks, scuffs or non-audible, light surface scratches. Cover may have very minor shelf wear, but overall the whole package presents itself as a nearly-new item that has been handled carefully. This grade may be enhanced with a plus (E+) or a minus (E-).
VERY GOOD (VG): The most common rating zone for used vinyl records. At the top end (VG+) these records may have slight visual signs of wear, including spindle marks, discolouration of the label and scuffs and scratches that DO NOT affect the listening experience. Jackets/Covers/Sleeves may have minor seam, shelf and ring wear, but still present well visually. Records at the lower end of this grade (VG-) may show groove wear, loss of original gloss, scratches deep enough to feel and other visual imperfections. Surface noise is to be expected, especially during quiet passages and between songs, but should not overpower the audio content. Covers may have writing, stains, stickers and/or more serious seam, shelf and ring wear.
GOOD (G): A Good record will play through without any skips/jumps, but will likely have noticeable surface noise, visible groove wear, lots of scuffs, scratches and other signs of heavier handling. The cover may show considerable wear/stains and/or held together with tape, etc. - but it is the proper cover for the record. These records are generally fillers for collectors, to be replaced when a better copy can be found. This grade may be enhanced with a plus (G+) or a minus (G-). I rarely list records in this category.
FAIR/POOR (F)/(P): Damaged, too scratchy to play or warped. Jackets/Covers/Sleeves will show heavy wear. In general only extremely rare records will sell for any substantial amount of money in this condition. I generally do not list records in this category.