All records are carefully graded.  In an attempt to give customers an accurate impression of condition rather than adhere to somewhat arbitrary criteria, The Great Escape gives an "overall presentation" grade, supplemented when necessary with additional remarks.  For example:  where some dealers will not allow a cut corner on an otherwise near mint jacket (often automatically relegating it to a VG+ at best), we may grade such a record as NM and note the cut-out mark (thereby letting you know what it "really" looks like:  a near-perfect record with a cut corner).  LPs are graded cover first, followed by the grade for the vinyl.  All vinyl marked as "NEW" or "CUTOUT" in our database is new and direct from the manufacturer.

SS (Still Sealed)

Unopened records, still in original shrink wrap.  In original manufactured condition unless otherwise noted (i.e. evidence of mildew or bent corners, etc.)  The Great Escape does not sell re-sealed records.  If we have ANY suspicion that a sealed record is a re-seal or has sustained significant damage, we open it for inspection and grading!

M (Mint) 

The record and sleeve are in perfect, original condition.  The record may have been played but will have no evidence of deterioration.  If we use this grade at all, the record WILL live up to it!  A mint sleeve will be just that:  perfect! 

NM (Near Mint)

A nearly perfect record.  Any visible defects are of the type that "disappear" when the record is tilted under a strong light and they should not affect play.  Sleeves in near mint condition will have no obvious signs of wear.  Practically imperceptible ring wear may be allowed but no creases, seam-splits, or other easily detected flaws will be present. 

EX (Excellent)

A very clean record.  Near mint except for slight, superficial signs of wear.  Sleeves in this condition may have marginal defects, but will not have significant creases or splits.  In our experience, our grade of EX would be the equivalant of many other dealers' Near Mint.

VG+ (Very Good Plus)

A well-cared-for record that is noticeably less than perfect, but defects are not visually or audibly distracting.  Record surfaces may have slight scuffs or light scratches, but are still primarily clean.  Sleeves may have some creases or minor ring wear, but should not be split.  Will satisfy all but the most demanding collector.

VG (Very Good)

A used, reasonable copy to play.  Many of the defects found in a VG+ copy will be more pronounced in VG condition.  Surface noise may be evident and sleeves may look worn, but the record is still a decent copy.

G (Good)

A well-worn record that is still playable.  Good does not necessarily mean "bad" but a record in this condition will have audible distractions and may have visible groove wear.  Sleeves may have all manner of defects, but are still intact.

FA (Fair) and P (Poor)

These grades are for beat-up records. We only sell records in these grades if they are extremely rare and sought-after.

Grading Abbreviations for Vinyl

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Here is the list of abbreviations and meanings we use in our descriptions for your convenience:

BB - BB Size Hole
BTOL - Small Blank Tag On Label
BW - Backed With
CC - Corner Cut
CO - Cut Out
COH - Cut Out Hole
CVR - Cover
DJ - Disk Jockey
EXC - Except For
GF - Gatefold
INS - Insert
IM - Import
LBL - Label
M - Mono
NAP - Not Affecting Play
NOS - Not Original Sleeve
OS - Original Sleeve
PRSOC - Promo Sticker On Cover
PROMO - Promotional Copy
PRS - Promo Stamp
PRSOC - Promo Sticker On Cover
PRT - Printing
PS - Picture Sleeve
RCP - Record Club Pressing
RE - Reissue
RS - Rubber Stamp
RS CVR - Rubber Stamp On Cover
RSOL - Rubber Stamp On Label
RW - Ring Wear
SCU - Scuff
SCR - Scratch
ST - Stereo
SL - Slight
SL WP - Slight Warp
SM SPLIT - Seam Split
SAW - Saw Mark On Cover
SOC - Sticker On Cover
SOL - Sticker On Label
SS - Still Sealed
TOC - Tape On Cover
TOL - Tape On Label
TS - Taped Seam
UN - Unglued
WLP - White Label Promo
WOC - Writing On Cover
WOL - Writing On Label
WRP - Warp
W/ - With
WSOC - Water Stain On Cover
WSOL - Water Stain On Label
YLP - Yellow Label Promo