NEAR MINT (NM)	The Record shows no obvious signs of wear. LP Cover has no creases, folds, seam splits, or other noticeable similar defects.  No cut-holes, either.  Basically, and LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+)	A Very Good Plus record shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.
VERY GOOD (VG)	Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
GOOD (G) or GOOD PLUS (G+)	A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.
VARIATIONS	(VG-)= SLIGHTLY UNDER VERY GOOD +,- SYMBOLS ARE USED TO GRADE INBETWEEN THE SET GRADES