Vinyl Grading Guide

Mint (M)

Media: Used for brand new records. Unused, unplayed and usually still sealed - check item description for details.

Sleeve: No wear, marks, or any other imperfections.

Near Mint (NM)

Media: A mostly perfect record. More than likely never played, will play with no imperfections. It shows no obvious signs of wear.

Sleeve: No more than minor defects and signs of careful handling. No creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable defects. Same for inserts, posters, lyric sleeves, etc

Excellent (EX)

Media: Some very minor cosmetic defects or light scratches/scuffing that does not affect playback. 

Sleeve: Will have light wear. Minor marks, indentations, wear or signs of handling are possible.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Media: Some signs of being played and handled but defects will be mostly cosmetic. May have signs of wear, slight scuffs, hairlines or a minor warp but will not significantly affect playback.

Sleeve: May have some, but not all of the following: light wear, turned-up corners, small seam splits, cut-out holes, indentations, or cut corners. 

Very Good (VG)

Media: Many defects found in a VG+ will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident, especially in soft passages. Groove wear and scratches will affect the sound. 

Sleeve: May have more of the defects listed for VG+ and additionally writing, tape or stickers/ residue, but not all at the same time. 

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)

Media: Can be played through without skipping. Noticeable surface noise, clicks and pops. Significant scratches and visible groove wear.

Sleeve: May have seam splits, tape, writing, ring wear or other defects. 

Poor (P), Fair (F)

Media: May be cracked, badly warped and won't play through without skipping or repeating.

Sleeve: Water damaged, seam splits, heavy wear and writing are possible. May no longer hold the disc inside, inner sleeves may be fully split, crinkled or written on.

Generic

Generic refers to a type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. It is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve graded as generic will specify a condition in the item description.