The following grading conditions apply to
the vinyl and cover of an album or single:
Sealed (s)
This is what it says, that the record is still held fast in shrink-wrap.
We tend to be pretty suspicious about these things, so if the
shrink-wrap doesn't look original, or if the record seems to
have undergone some damage over time, we'll probably take it
out of the wrapper to ensure that it's in good shape.
Cover looks as bought directly off the pressing plant.
Mint (m)
Vinyl with no dirt, no scuffs.
No marks, except for very slight flaws in the vinyl that may
have to do with the way the record was pressed. However, this
record plays as new.
The shrink-wrap is opened up, but as new.
Excellent (ex)
Vinyl that may show a slight amount of dust or dirt, but no scuffs.
One or two small marks that would make an otherwise near perfect
record slightly less so. These marks cannot be too deep, and
should only be surface marks that won't affect play, but might
detract from the looks.
May have some slight marks from aging of the paper sleeve on
the vinyl.
Possible minor surface noise when played.
Cover is excellent for presenting your collection on the wall,
still shiny and reflecting, tough the shrink might be missing.
Very Good (vg)
Vinyl should be clean, but can have dust and scuffs.
Can have a few small marks that may show up easily, but which
do not affect play at all.
This is the kind of record that will play "excellent",
but which will have some signs of use (although not major ones).
May have slight surface noise when played, especially inbetween
tracks.
Cover has some slight marks, but still looks very good.
Good (g)
Vinyl may be dirty, and can lack a fair amount of luster.
Vinyl can have a number of marks, either in clusters or smaller
amounts, but deeper.
In general, this is a record that was played a fair amount, handled
without care, but which is not totally trashed. Still you will
be able to notice the loss of quality in listening.
Cover has visible marks.
Poor (p)
A record that you'd buy to play, cheap, but which you wouldn't
buy for collecting, because it’s outworn.
Does have marks, scuffs, etc -- but should not be totally trashed.
Cover is in no shape, but not totally trashed.
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