NEAR MINT (NM): A nearly perfect record. A NM or M- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear
EXCELLENT: record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took very good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or superficial scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+):The record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK"
VERY GOOD (VG): Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
VERY GOOD MINUS (VG-): Not quite Very Good and not so bad to be Good Plus.
GOOD (G) & GOOD PLUS (G+): A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
POOR (P): The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating