How To Evaluate A Used CD…And What To Lookout For

Shopping for used CDs can be hit or miss. But if you know what you’re looking for, it can make the whole process a lot easier. Join me as I explain How To Evaluate A Used CD And What To Lookout For.
Related video:
How To Best Store CDs
• How To Best Store CDs
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[@rossmudie9298]

Always keep a stock of new jewel cases if you're buying online.

[@jimmycampbell78]

I always find I run out of the front case covers and the trays, these are usually what get broken. I don’t know if other people find this with jewel cases. I have loads of ‘backs’ still at the moment - need to buy more to have more replacement fronts and trays.

[@rossmudie9298]

@@jimmycampbell78 the difficulty is finding decent quality spares

[@BrendonSnyder]

Isn’t that the truth! 😂😂😂

[@moonytheloony6516]

Agreed.

[@treff9226]

Yessir! Gotta have spare jewel cases when purchasing used CDs! And, Goo Be Gone removes sticker residue and it makes hard to remove stickers much easier to get off. Goo Be Gone also cleans jewel cases incredibly well, removing smudges and foreign funk!

[@treff9226]

Brendon knows his stuff - CDs play from the inside portion of disc to the outside, so many times you see scratches on the outside edges of used CDs, these scratches are usually harmless as the actual part of the disc with music on it usually ends before the very outside of CD. You can see exactly where the music has been imprinted on the CD by examining in the right light source. Huge info for used disc buyers here on this vid - thanks Brendon!

[@BrendonSnyder]

My pleasure, glad you found it helpful!

[@danishred72]

Hi Brandon, great topic. Actually, when it comes to scratching the cd scratches to the label side of the disc are far more critical than to the playing side, as the label side isn’t protected by a layer of clear plastic. A scratch here can easily render the disc useless as it affects the data layer directly. So look closely at those label scratches. Hold the disc up to a light source and look for holes/damages to the data layer as they are irreparable.

[@treff9226]

That's hugely important information - nice work! I'll bet a lot of folks didn't know this! Cheers.

[@nickvickers3486]

That's a great point! I think it's particularly an issue on earlier CDs from the 80s when the label side was pretty must just the writing on top of the shiny cd surface - absolutely no protection there. I think in the 90s when actual artwork starting up feature on the label side that may give a bit more protection, but still it's best to put the disc straight back into the case

[@manofmiracles]

I try to avoid digi packs if I can jewel cases are much better

[@williamschneider3355]

I have been collecting CD's since 1985, have worked in new and used record shops, and agree with many of the points that you shared in this video. However, regarding the black spots on the outside edge of the Cinderella CD in your video, I suspect that these may be what we referred to back in the day as "pinholes". This is a manufacturing defect of the aluminum layer of the compact disc. This will not get worse, or spread to other parts of your CD. Unfortunately, there was a phenomena on the LaserDisc video format that was called "disc rot", which the glue used to adhere the two sides of the LaserDisc starts to eat away at the disc. This is not possible with an audio CD. For the past 20 years, several folks over this world wide web have spread false stories of "disc rot" on compact discs, where people describe their CD's filling with holes like Swiss cheese that gets worse over time. Out of the thousands of CD's in my library - a few 40 years old, I have never had this occur. What can occur, and it is specific to compact discs manufactured in the late 80's and 90's in PDO plants in the U.K. and France, is a phenomenon called 'bronzing'. This is a manufacturing defect with the lacquer of a disc that permits a chemical reaction on the metal layer of a disc turning it brown in color. The cause is the acids used in the paper stock of a CD booklet. I have two CD's in my collection, a classical title where only the label side of the disc has discolored (it plays fine), and an import Soundgarden CD single for "Outshined" (catalog number, 580103-2) that was packaged in a cardboard sleeve. Unfortunately, this disc has discolored on both the label and data side of the disc and it will no longer play. The good news if you have a disc that has started to bronze but still plays, if you just store the disc in a stand-alone CD case away from the rest of the artwork it should stop discoloring. Back to pinholes, these were extremely common on CD's manufactured in the 80's, mostly on CD's made by Polygram in West Germany or WEA Manufacturing in the United States. You may not be able to spot these with the naked eye, but if you raise the disc against a strong light source, you will see specs of light shine through. This was a common cause of CD returns at retail in the 80's for discs that were reported to 'skip' that had no physical signs of damage. Pinholes are not very common on modern audio CD's, or those manufactured in Japan. A couple of things to add to your what to lookout for: 1) Scratches on the top label side of the disc. This is the closest to the pits and lands on a CD, and a scratch on the label side could result in a disc that will refuse to play. and 2) Damage from Case Logic plastic sleeves. Heat is the primary concern here from people storing discs in a hot car. What can occur is the pebbled texture of the plastic sleeve can etch into both the label and data side of the disc. I don't personally know if this would cause one of these discs not to play, but it does not look very attractive. One other Case Logic story I will share is related to a series of concert recordings of the band Phish that was released by Elektra Records in the mid-90's. Each title in these "LivePhish" releases came packaged in a cardboard slipcase, and inside were the CD's in folded-over Case Logic sleeves. The concept was that if you bought the entire series you could then acquire a Phish-branded Case Logic binder for all you unfolded sleeves. I have about a half-dozen of these releases, and unfortunately the Case Logic sleeves have started to disintegrate and turn to a sticky goo. This has mainly damaged the CD booklet and the label side of the disc, however some of this goo has gotten to the data side of a few of my CD's. Thanks for the video.

[@JJ-ez3tr]

Thanks for the info about pinholes. A few of my mid 90s CDs have this. One so much so that I bought a spare copy thinking the first one was doomed. Turns out the second one also has it.

[@mikeb.7845]

Last year in my city's big library, there was a little room on the basement floor that sold used books, dvds, cds etc. In the corner there was a huge wax moving box, I opened the lid to find 300 brand new CD cases (all clear). I asked if it was for sale and how much. She honestly said "Well, the box if sort of in the way so give me $75 and take that thing out of here" 😳🤩 A minor miracle in my life.

[@irishflink7324]

Good Show with Pete Pardo

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thank you! 👍

[@pau8465]

Hey Brendan, as a collector I too want my used cd's in the best shape possible. I almost always replace my used jewel cases with new Maxtek 10.4mm from Amazon. I usually buy 100ct and they box and ship very well. I have never even had a single new jewel case cracked in shipment. I too hate digi packs. Sometimes it's the only way to get an artists product. I have had new cds wrapped in inferior plastic that literally tears the artwork upon opening. Finally, my biggest pet peeve is small scratches on my used cd's. This I won't tolerate. Luckily, we have a used cd store with a buffing machine that literally makes the cd look brand new and play as such. They only charge $1.00 per cd and often will do so for free if you purchase a used cd in their store. Keep Rockin' Brendan!!! Thanks as always for the great shares....

[@the80slivehere]

Wow on the buffing machine at your store. I don't want to pry, but if you would not mind, where is that store? - Heather

[@JJ-ez3tr]

Yeah $1 per resurfacing is a great deal

[@pau8465]

@the80slivehere most any legitimate used cd store have a buffing machine. Some are better than others. They simply clean light scratches. However, if a cd skips a buffing machine won't correct that issue. This is simply to clean discs for aesthetic purposes.

[@JJ-ez3tr]

Love this topic. Pet peeves: booklets creases or that flop open from overuse, broken tray teeth and loose CD bouncing about, jewel cases that don’t “click” shut, saw cuts. #1 peeve: sun bleached spines! Don’t mind: hole punched UPC if it’s clean edges and not through the case (leaves a messier punch)-those are promos and usually NM and don’t req re-surfacing. You can sometimes find sealed BMG CDs that people never opened in that big initial shipment.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yeah I can’t do any creases or crimp marks on the booklets. Unless it’s really hard to find and it’s a good price, I won’t buy it. Generally it goes back on the shelf once I see creases, crimp marks, sun bleaching, or water damage. Those are ones I just can’t do.

[@user-mo6ko2qf4s]

Hey Brendon,just watched you and Pete doing box sets,what a great watch ! At nearly 2 hours fabulous content and so informative 👌

[@VinylLounger]

Glad that you made this video. You have given very helpful tips since I have started to grade my music and put it up for sale

[@paulbusfield5774]

Great info on used cds ! A very interesting take on it ! Great channel 👍

[@user-yx8cx6bg1g]

To Brendon: about the CD that has slight wear at the edge. That area doesn't affect the playable content. You're correct about the album starting at the center, but as you sort of said, the length of the album will not reach the very edge. If it's 79 or 80m, it will be near it, but usually not that close. *And you can always see where the audio content ends by holding the disc at an angle under light and actually see what the full run of music is. Starting at the center and going outward, a normal length album (say 45 m), would and about half way out, and you can see that width of content by looking at the playing surface like that. Marc Just noticed that you pretty mich said this after i paused the video. So, as Rosanne Rosanadana would say, "Never mind...."

[@BrendonSnyder]

Haha..😂👍

[@garyjoyce2160]

Fabulous job last night on SOT / you and Pete had a great flow to the episode. 👍💯

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thanks Gary! It felt very natural and glad it came across in that manner.

[@That1Human001]

I love how big your collection is! I hope to soon fill my sony 200 cd player with all my favorite albums.

[@harryhood8876]

Great show w/ great tips. Also, great appearance on Sea of Tranquility.

[@thomaswery3087]

Nice video Brendon.Saw you last night on SOT you did a great job on discussing my favorite subject box sets

[@BrendonSnyder]

I knew you’d enjoy the topic! I thought of you during my selections 👍

[@tendraftsdeep]

Listen to this! I once bought a used Type O Negative "October Rust" CD in a shop, it had been cleaned, basically sanded, like someone took a grinder to it, wearing off all the scratches. I was skeptical, wondering if it would play. Now go listen to the first track of that album! What a crazy thing. The joke was indeed fun and it still plays great

[@tapanim6576]

Great points. 👍

[@jasongardner5466]

Great episode, I still have a lot of my cds from the early 90's in the original jewell cases the cases you get now are so cheap & have no quality to them or durability to them at all. The cases from Capitol, EMI we're always a high quality product, I also like when Warner music embossed the logo on the back tray it was a nice touch. Keep up the great work & it was nice seeing You & Pete on last night. ROCK ON!

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

I like to bring a portable CD player with me when CD hunting at second hand stores. I bought a player on Amazon, the brand escapes me for sixty bucks that is rechargeable and is surprisingly musical, and performs well in any position.

[@geraldseltzer101]

I only buy new there are no record stores near me and I buy from one company through the mail and I have had only a few instances of damage I watch you on KZbin all the time Keep up the good work

[@kurganwins]

You touched on this, when buying a used cd and it has scratches but looks like its playable I will go ahead and hold the cd up to the light. If I see light going through the cd I know it wont play. I will usually place any cd that has cardboard in a plastic cd bag to help minimize further wear, same with cds with hype sticker to keep it from wearing. Thanks for the channel.

[@nerdloftgaming]

I always enjoy seeing other folk’s collection and what criteria makes or breaks it. I like how meticulous your collection seems to be, and while I only have about 250 CDs in mine, I do take great pleasure in sprucing them up in new jewel cases haha. While I’m not too particular with the inlays and books, I’m happy as long as I have them - and that the disc is playable of course. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to more content!

[@RogerMelodicMusic]

Brendon what you didn’t mention was the CD jewel cases originally on the front right side had two plastic dots to keep the booklet in and these are on your Europe CD, Then on your Cinderella CD the CD jewel case has two longer strips of plastic to help slide out the booklet much easier, The CD cases with the 2 dots are very sharp and sometimes they can damage the booklet and leave indentations on it where as the cases with the longer strips of plastic do not damage the booklet. I have replaced all of my jewel cases that had those horrible plastic dots to the much better long strip ones and it’s these that are now produced when you get a new release CD, So I highly recommend you ditch all those CD cases with the sharp plastic dots to the ones with the longer strips of plastic yes it will be costly but you will find they don’t damage the booklets and you can easily slide the booklets out of the case something that is near impossible if you have those cases with the awful dots on them.

[@DorianPaige00]

It's when the machine put the booklet against the two dots is when the damage occurs. After you get it, it should be fine.

[@RogerMelodicMusic]

@@DorianPaige00 ok but it's still very difficult to get the booklet out with these two dots on the case, thank god the manufacturers don't use these cases anymore.

[@DorianPaige00]

@@RogerMelodicMusic I don't know if you know this but those UK discs like greatest hits are typically filled to the brim because the copyright law divides the pot by the number of tracks. In the US, it's like a standard mechanical royalty of 9 cents per track going to the songwriters.

[@RogerMelodicMusic]

@@DorianPaige00 I don’t always buy them but sometimes if not all of the time they include 2 or 3 new songs to make you buy it for just those songs because they are nowhere else to be found

[@DorianPaige00]

@@RogerMelodicMusic Some Japanese cds are straight issue from Lp while others have bonus tracks. The ones I really thought of were the Bear Family and Kent various artist compilations that filled to the brim. To get 25 plus songs on a US disc they'd have to charge more because of publishing.

[@speedking4951]

Interesting approach Brendon. I so hate it when i find a used copy of an album that is out of print and impossible to find, and it's in a bad shape. I have to hang on to it until i find a better one or it gets reissued. Still have a handful in my collection that i can't wait to upgrade. Cheers 🍻.

[@chrisrees7054]

9 times out of 10, when buying a used CD I have to replace the cases due to scratches and cracks. If the CD and art work is in good condition I will buy it.

[@simonblack301]

Great to see you on with Pete Pardo!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thanks Simon, it was fun for all! I hope to guest more.

[@PrankZabba]

Don't forget to hold the cd label side towards light, and see if you can see pin holes through it from the bottom side.

[@CDDAAMP]

I find that I am far more forgiving with imperfections now than I was years ago. If there is a CD that I need/want for my library, I will take a chance. You get burned from time to time, but it comes with the territory I suppose. Plus, if I find it again, I can always replace the bad copy. Great video though; very thorough and informative!

[@ryanrooprai5104]

I like your t-shirt man! Tool is one of my favourite bands.🤘🏽😎🤘🏽

[@BrendonSnyder]

Just broke that one out after not wearing it for a long time. It’s a favorite of mine too.

[@ronmartin4212]

If you and Brandon have that first album on vinyl original,sealed,about a year ago,it was running about $600!!I overheard a guy at a store I go to in Eastern Pa. had one in recent months and ended up selling his first Tool lp album sealed for $1000!Vinyl rules,eh?!???

[@richards3862]

Great show with Pete last night hope to see you there regularly 😊

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hi Richard, yes me too! 👍

[@vasquezovj65]

I've never cared much about the condition of the jewel case or, to a lesser degree, the paperwork. Although I would obviously prefer the booklet to be in good condition, For me, it comes down to the condition of the disc. In fact, when it comes to the jewel cases, I usually trash them, no matter if they're new or used. I remove the paperwork and disc from the case and store them in sleeves. The jewel case just takes up too much space.

[@sharxfan16]

That Joey Molland CD is indeed a promo copy. And I don't know if you noticed, but the booklet is autographed as well.

[@mkorenhof]

G'day Brendan in relation to cd boxsets with slipcovers l just carefully pull the plastic off the end of the boxset so you can take out cd case therefore preventing scuffing of the cardboard case over a prolonged period. 😊😊😊😊

[@BrianRobbins2]

New subscriber from seeing you on the Sea of tranquility video!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thanks for subscribing and joining the fun over here on my channel. It was lots of fun guesting with Pete and I certainly hope to do more.

[@scottthompson4193]

Of all your CDs to use as an example, you have/use the fantastic JULIET album, that's so cool!!! Band should of been bigger. They were a little late.. Great vid with Pardo btw Brendan!!

[@BrendonSnyder]

I knew someone would appreciate the use of Juliet as the example. I loved Kenny McGee’s voice. He would later join a local band Heartless in Florida where I grew up so I got an extra dose with him over the years. Glad to hear you liked the collab with Pete! I had a really good time doing it.

[@scottthompson4193]

@@BrendonSnyder Fantastic Brendon!!! I bought that Juliet album along with STORM COMES DOWN- FLOTSAM AND JETSAM at one of those everything is a dollar store in Muncie Indiana. Still amazes me they were both there lol that was about 1992

[@drummmmerfish]

just an aside regarding cleaning: for surface finger prints, haze or whatever mocos finds its way into them, i use 70% isopropyl alcohol with a soft cotton ball and clean the play side from the inside out (always) then wipe on a clean soft cotton shirt that i know won't mare the disc (hand soap and water isn't always effective) its possible to clean the top of the disc that has text ONLY (no silk screened artwork) but not all ink is resistant to this method and may take it right off (also works for sharpie as long as its not over the ink) perhaps clean between the text if needed. it won't clean scuffs or scratches. for that i use a buffing wheel which is possible but too long of a explanation to go into.

[@Stones1962]

Here from Sea of Tranquility 👍 Great channel

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my channel! Last night guesting with Pete was lots of fun. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MCGazzaP]

Some people to save space have ditched the jewel case to replace with special polypropylene sleeves. I was thinking about this at one time, but you can't beat the original jewel case in the end.

[@howardmackenzie4365]

Hi Brendon. Thanks to Amazon I always have a box of jewel cases ready to replace the broken ones that show up in the mail. It’s always the front that gets broken. Have a ton of backs. Also had a factory sealed cd of Rick Wakeman that I ordered from Amazon and when I opened the cd, there was no cd inside. So I payed 10-12 bucks for a jewel case. Amazon replaced it immediately. Enjoyed you and Pete doing the box sets on SOT last night. Very interesting and informative. Hope you guys do something together again sometime.

[@treff9226]

There is a top layer to CDs that protects music underneath, so scratches that seem like they would affect playability of disc are simply superficial, and don't go down deep enough to interfere with laser. I'm always amazed when discs that are really marked up and show tons of wear and tear, still play perfectly! It is because of the top protective layer of disc.

[@jasonbullinger2661]

I have the original pressing of the Julliet CD. I also kept the long box in which the CD was packaged in.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Awesome! 👍

[@cameronzywina906]

Hi Brendon. Thanks for the comprehensive list of things to look for. When the CD is in the dollar bin, I am much more tolerant of minor defects, but I won't buy anything if there is even just a surface scratch. I always check out the condition of the CD before looking it up on my Discogs list to see whether I already own it. That's because I don't want to let the fact that it would be a new item in my collection determine whether I buy the CD or not.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes when the CD is cheap that does change everything. But in a perfect world I check all of these things. Rarely do I get one that doesn’t have any of these things. But then I’m very particular.

[@MrMusic193]

Great job with Pete Pardo last night. I went ahead and ordered that Whitesnake box Pete was talking about.

[@user-yx8cx6bg1g]

Oh, man, I could do an easy hour on this subject. Good for you, Brendon, hitting on the little things which are wise and helpful to the buyer. Lots of good tips, esp to help newbies avoid disappointment. I do care very much for my collection and have always treated it with TLC. Sheesh, I actually "polish and buff" my jewel cases (with one of the greatest products ever invented: Lemon Pledge 🍋 ...and bonus with regard to that: ever want to see a silver disc really shine with an ultra smooth glow?) I digress... I just like for the music I love to look good and well cared for. Its like me and my old bass player used to say in high school and the years just after: "Your car runs better when it's washed, cleaned and waxed" Obviously just psychological, but it works for me. And whether its cars, guitars, electric ovens and tv...or albums & CDs, I apply that way of thinking. For the record, I'm a "jewel case" guy and generally do not like digipaks (first off, too much can go wrong, and unless they're sturdy and of quality, digipaks make the whole affair seem cheapened and, I dunno, juvenile to me) they're usually of that dull, matte finish as well, especially the lighter flimsier cardboard versions.👎 Plus, who wants the original 12x12 LP cover art to be unnaturally "widened" (rectanglized) Not me. With the jewel case, you always get the proper shape. No doubt, us JC enthusiasts must deal with the ever aggravating "crack concerns" and older style hub teeth damage/falling out. Not to mention the sub par, totally flimsy quality of cases and trays from the past 15 years, and all else Brandon has helpfully pointed out. But so long as you can avoid those newer bendy/flimsy cases and simply take as good care as you can with the proper decent ones, jewel cases are still the best for CDs. They're the original form for a reason. Btw, I cant stand to see beat up, scratched up cases. (i.e. people who just throw CDs in the back seat or onto the floor, don't give a crap, etc.) For me, the respect of the CD...or let's say, at least the "presentation of the CD," starts with the understanding that the clear plastic front door is the "window to the cover art" Sure you can take out the booklet, but I for one, like to see that album cover clearly within the case, as a whole. I don't know how many CDs I have at this point, but its got to be upwards of 8,000? That might be modest, when I think about it. What I do know is this: I've always attempted to treat all of them with TLC and respect...kept them properly slotted away whenever possible, always placing the disc back into the case when done listening (for the lazy bastards ---> "it's not that difficult") not leaving them in bad temperature or humidity conditions, and then, simply keeping up on fixes and case/part replacements for accidents, or when online orders arrive damaged. ...Man, I miss being able to "choose" my own new copy at the store. Gotta cross yer fingers 'n toes these days... But I'd say about 90% of this huge, 35+ year CD collection either looks like new, or close to it. And that, my friends, takes love and "want to" Haha. True though, true indeed. * Oh, and remember this! As much as I love and adore good vinyl, and I do, a "well mastered" CD from original or 1st generation tapes/good source, produced with the natural dynamics of music in mind and hopefully at the fore, is a pretty much perfect format! So rock on, Brendon, and long live the almighty CD! ...in quality standard jewel cases, of course 😎 Marc ⚡

[@MCGazzaP]

I have had digipacks where the cd is so tight in the sleeve, I have torn the sleeve trying to get the CD out to play.

[@user-yx8cx6bg1g]

@@MCGazzaP Heh! I know that you mean. The issues and potential issues with digipak s (esp the cheaper, flimsier cardboard versions) are frustrating and many! I'm always disappointed when I see that a new release or reissue is in digipak form.

[@MCGazzaP]

@@user-yx8cx6bg1g Yes I was trying to be so careful as well. They were wedged in so tight. So annoying.

[@markbunton9919]

I have been less picky over the years about what I am willing to accept in my collection. My local used store has a section called “very scratched” where albums are $0.99. Over the years I have only purchased 1 that was too scratched to play and many have only minimal scratches so I usually pick many up as a way to continue growing my collection. I do however still love purchasing new product so that the artist gets paid so that they continue to put out new albums.

[@sjwill1956]

No worries up here in Southern Ontario .. I buy from a local small chain called the Beat goes on .. they have excellent quality control .. in 20m + years never had a bad one..

[@juanpagan9373]

I found your site on SAT when you did the box sets with Pete. I see you are into Loudness, I get most of my Loudness from CD Japan not cheap but they always arrive in perfect condition. They bubble wrap then cover it with paper and mail it in a very sturdy box. they really know how to pack their stuff.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Cool! Thanks for visiting my channel and checking out my content. Yes most items shipping from Japan come very well protected. They seem to know what it takes to keep things protected but then again they know it’s being shipped very far and spending longer in the mail than most things and warrants the protection for that alone.

[@dano1962]

Great info! Since I buy the majority of my CDs from online sellers now (a lot of used on Ebay), I find the I have to put up with a lot of heavily used packaging to get the CD at a reasonable price. I will always sacrifice subpar artwork for a good condition CD. It is always about the music for me. However I have returned items that are not described correctly. Several times they say go ahead and keep the CD and also get a refund, because it is more costly to ship it back to them at their expense. I can live with damaged artwork if the CD ends up being free!

[@treff9226]

Exactly, it's the actual disc that really matters! Perfection is the enemy of great!

[@heavychevy4616]

thank u sir

[@BrendonSnyder]

👍

[@JoeyAnswer]

Can’t wait to see how you remove stickers. I’ve been using my own method for years with great results.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Probably a lot of similarities. But it’s always good to find alternative solutions.

[@treff9226]

Goo Be Gone! I've been using it on my used jewel cases for years! It removes sticker residue with ease and breaks down stickers that are hard to remove. Cleans the hell out of jewel case, too, it actually seems to remove light scratches! Love it!

[@riverrat55]

I had the issue of used purchase from ebay from one of my favorite sellers on my Used Purchase of Joe Satriani -Live in San Francisco , on disc 2 , there was a small brown spot which affected 2 songs , all others were good on both in 2 disc , I messaged and returned it , he sent a factory edition he said he just got in a few to fill orders and gave me a $6-8 for my choice of used as have ordered a lot of music from him , so ordered a Stuart Hamm CD Bass Guitarist , as he in past played for Satriani, only issue had in recent orders except cracked case disc was good , had a few cases from when I lost some of my collection in flood, Thanks Brendon

[@lukasjacobi627]

I also recieved cases where I felt a bit ugly as it seemed like they were so dirty that it was ugly to even hold them in your hands. You never 100% know what happened begore with them. Most if all used booklets can be ckeaned but they can not refurbushed that easy. I's say 95% good choices and 5% ugly or rubbish dirty stinky stuff. But saving lots of money to invest 3 bugs instead of 18. I 95% change jewel cases until I found out that the dish washer gets done even nice clean again. So lots of experiences, too. That refurbishing gives a hood feeling like having made a great deal and almost have it new again.

[@williamschrack8056]

I always look at booklet inlay and cd for scratch marks and always keep stock of replacement cases on hand always. I also won't purchase a used if the book is water logged it is so much more bang for your buck buying used that is until all record stores book stores etc start selling collector prices. Ty Brendon for all you do

[@AndDeathForAll82]

Interesting! My copy of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ has four individual jewel cases, but some are missing inserts. Seeing yours told me what they did. They took apart the original and spread it across for individual ones. I got it for $10, so I’m not complaining, but it’s good to know what happened to mine.

[@lsmoulton]

Hi Brendan, great video ! What is your opinion of those plastic re-sealable wrappers now available for CD cases, are they worth buying ?

[@BrendonSnyder]

They’re not for me. I don’t want the added task of having to unseal and reseal every time I listen to a CD. Additionally if you take care of the CD being careful with it, you don’t need the plastic to protect it.

[@lsmoulton]

@@BrendonSnyder Brendon, thanks for your reply, the only CD's I would use them on would be the cardboard "digi-packs" just to protect them. Thanks again, Louis.

[@lateramae]

Hey, thanks for the tips! I never thought about checking the booklets! I open the case and check the disc briefly, but I don't pay attention to the booklets. I'll have to start doing that now. Also, I've noticed that some of my used CDs have stronger cases than my brand new CDs, like the material is stronger and they aren't bound to break easily. I guess the quality in CD cases have died down overtime.

[@martymartin2894]

Quality of everything has declined. Nothing built to last as long as yrs ago because the money wheel needs to keep turning.

[@lateramae]

@@martymartin2894 Well, that sucks.

[@matthewchance8835]

I've gotten Digipaks in the mail also, The Beatles 2007 Remasters especially, the problem was, there are no intersleeves on the CDs themselves, so when you take the CD out to play, it's hard to get out or the CD gets scratched from rubbing against the cover. At times I had to bend the opening where the CD is just to get it out, causing damage to the digipak itself. I prefer regular jewel cases, than digipaks. Also the CDs that come in those "super jewel cases" are really hard to replace, because new jewel cases cost a lot of money to buy. I hope I'm making sense, I'm on a lot of medication. LOL

[@martymartin2894]

Ive noticed with some of my cds that Even though they were minded very well they developed like tiny little dots on the playing surface like the glass or metal or whatever it is made from is coroding. In aluminum factories its known as pitting in the metal.

[@DorianPaige00]

Dots were there to begin with.

[@soldier7778]

For used CDs, I found discogs prices better than Ebay prices. I don't like digipaks and you have to be more careful in handling those. I have some Japanese pressings and these sometimes go up in value. I bought Last Train (1992) by Christian Hard Rock Band Holy Soldier which is a cool Japanese pressing for around $22 Canadian shipping included. It didn't have the OBI strip but it was in near mint condition. The front cover was grey except for the red and white lettering of the band name and was different than the front cover of the US/Canadian Myrrh/Word records which was mostly red and black. The CD itself was a picture disc and the Japanese version was green and black and the Myrrh/Word version was red and black. Recently Impellitteri reissued much of their older catalogue with no remastering. I have the original Japanese pressings of much of their 90s albums and some have the OBI strips. That Cinderella CD you mentioned with the issue on the outer part could be disc rot. It might be time to replace that album.

[@MrMusic193]

I've had pretty good luck with used CD's. Some cracked cases and I can easily replace them. Also, I am listening to that Juliet album on KZbin and it is pretty good. The singer reminds me a bit of Robin McAulley with a rougher voice.

[@yournamehere6002]

I just buy things without scratches or fingerprints, or even if there are marks that show someone cleaning off the disc. Pristine is how I want my CDs to be.

[@joaquinjulianagtarap726]

Great insights as usual! My tolerance of imperfections especially on the under side of a CD is very low. Even a few scuffs and scratches are deal breakers for me. In connection, if I buy a new or used CD that's housed in a cardboard slip case I almost always move the disc to a standard jewel case while still keeping the original slipcase. It takes up more space but on the other hand I am happy to have CDs that are well over 30 years old that are still mint.

[@DorianPaige00]

Box sets even in jewel cases always come scuffed.

[@moc5022]

If it doesn't effect playback why is it a problem? You don't like the look of a few marks?

[@treff9226]

Cardboard slip cases are such a drag, whose bright idea was that? Effin' hate em' with every ounce of my soul! Digipacks BLOW!

[@DorianPaige00]

@@treff9226 The cardboard slipcase was first popular in Japan but they put the cd in a soft sleeve and it would appear like a record and of course without bonus tracks. There's two-fold cardboard cases where the disc slides in from the inside and that is called a unipack and blows even more. Digipack with a holder is a pretty ideal presentation. If there's a slit and no booklet, that always goes back to the seller. I don't typically buy new cds if I can get them used because of the fear of cd-r's.

[@treff9226]

@@DorianPaige00 Hello Autumn, yeah, the unipack CD sucks in every way! I feel tension every time I pull a CD out of that cardboard holder, and also despise sliding the disc back in, grinding it against rough cardboard! I mean what a ridiculous invention this was! Even though the scratches on disc your bound to get from having to deal with these are usually superficial, and won't affect play, it still riles me up to have to punish my disc to remove it or put it back into these "cheese graters" !!! And digipacks with a tray to hold CD are fine with me, that should be required with all digipacks! Very informative post, I thank you for the info! Take care.

[@lanelesh8490]

I shine a flashlight through the back of the CD to see if there are any pin holes in the disc. I have seen many older discs with disc rot. Older discs from Epic seem to have this problem.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Do you use the light from your phone or you carry an actually flashlight with you to record stores?

[@diydan2213]

hi.. a hair dryer to heat up that sticker may get it to come off fairly easily.

[@tonygiorgi1737]

Stickers I usually use zippo lighter fluid

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes that certainly works. I generally use rubbing alcohol.

[@offtherecord681]

​@@BrendonSnyderWD 40 is decent too

[@Gabesmusicdiscography]

Make sure to check that it’s a silver cd and doesn’t have the green tint on the playing side. If it does, it’s a cdr copy

[@BrendonSnyder]

👍

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

Brendon, you spoke about you’re having a hard time trying to locate albums to show for these type videos. Just a thought here make a small section for used CDs that you can pull when you do these kinds of videos. Just a suggestion. Take care Bill

[@Stephen1164]

Used cd at my local store are not kept in the jewel box, you take the jewel box to the counter n the person behind the counter gets the cds and places it in the jewel box when you buy it. Amazon makes sure I keep extra jewel boxes at home to replace cracked cd cases.

[@Dm-ui1fi]

I’m only really interested in the CD and providing the case isn’t completed destroyed , like someone has drawn a big phallus on the cover - I’m happy enough to buy However , I’ll always go for jewel case over digi for the reasons that you mention

[@johnp8688]

did u ever get used cds with the pin hole, u hold them to light n data the layer has a hole or the top of the disc was dinged. Other ones are the resurfaced discs, if i disc has minor scuffs those machines make em look pristine, but some places will resurface discs n there will still be small pits from deep scratches n i have even got ones so resurfaced the player , even a computer cd rom wont read they literally polished into the data i am a person mostly interested in getting a clean disc , my eyes r bad , even with glasses most liner notes are so hard to read i end up lookin on wiki also have u ever tried fixing scratches , i have tried the tooth paste, scratch x , those rotating disc fixers , wet sanding etc, depending on the scratch u end up with trash or something that will play, its odd though , my bluray player will play discs that skip on my onkyo six disc player

[@timeaton5710]

hi brandon , i was wondering whats the best thing to do with the hype stickers ? seems a shame to throw them away .

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’ve kept every single one since I began collecting 34 years ago. They’re in ziplock bags. Some are able to be kept with the album or boxset. But the ones that fall out and don’t have a place to live go in the bag. I’ve got lots of full bags…haha! I plan to one day make a collage out of them all.

[@wesleybush8646]

Do you ever use CD repair kits? What about cleaning? I use eyeglass cleaners occasionally which tends to work.

[@BrendonSnyder]

No I haven’t used any CD repair kits. I don’t buy any that are in that bad of shape. For cleaning the underside I typically just use a cotton cloth with no moisture. On the rare occasion that some glue gets on the disc from he packaging, I will use rubbing alcohol because it will dry without leaving any residue.

[@wesleybush8646]

@BrendonSnyder Unfortunately I moved around a lot and wasn't always careful enough with my collection. Most of the damage wasn't that serious, but I would occasionally find CDs trapped under things that were scratched pretty badly. It was either repair or replace.

[@juanpagan9373]

I really like your show almost as much as SAT. I have gotten some real turds on Ebay, missing Cd's, cracked cases, Cd's that should have been thrown away never mind sold. I am close 11,500 Cd.s I have a real addiction. I buy a lot from Ken Golden great prices, points and always well packed

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thanks!

[@RogerMelodicMusic]

Brendon do you agree on my previous comment ??? That those jewel cases with those horrible 2 dots to the right side of the case are a pain when you want to get the booklet out to read it, They DO NOT manufacture them anymore thank god they are only on the 1980’s/90’s CD cases as all the new CD cases now have the 2 long strips that don’t damage the booklet and they are much easier to slide the booklet out of the case. Get rid of the old cases and replace them with new ones but only keep the old cases if they have a hype sticker on them 👍😃👍

[@BrendonSnyder]

They don’t bother me. I’ve seen damage from both types. But yes the dots can be worse. That falls in the category of “crimp marks” that I discussed keeping an eye out for. Doesn’t matter what caused the crimp mark, I’m not a fan and often skip CDs that have booklets with crimp marks.

[@DorianPaige00]

I actually prefer cut-outs and promos as it makes me think I'm a 90's program director. Move over Vinnie Brown!

[@movielove587]

One time I bought a used Metal Church cd at a used music store and when I got home and opened it, there was no cd in it. Luckly, they gave me my money back.

[@jimmycampbell78]

I’ve bought a used CD and it had the wrong CD in it. It was the same band, but someone had put a different album of theirs for the CD inside the case. Because at first glance I only looked at the band name, I did not notice until I got home. Put the CD on and saw the number of tracks did not match which was only when I realised.

[@JasonGladu]

I change all my used CDs cases to new jewel cases. Just to start fresh.

[@lukasjacobi627]

You will laugh but I use a prigramm of my dish washer that takes 12 minutes. This way CDs and jewel cases get clean again and look great. I think they can overlive that without a problem. Just a short 12 minutes special program where only water showers shortly in them. After it I carefully dry them. No fingerorints and dust anymore. Some very old cds have hairlines and wholes in the silver surface inside. Then they are just too used and old. So just like you say sonetimes we recognize things at home after a whole but then you lost 2-5 USD. That is not such a high risk.

[@mikemclintock3893]

Very interesting video. I read through the comments, but you have probably been told this a hundred times already. Joey Molland was the rhythm guitarist for Badfinger though he did play lead on a few tracks. The Pilgrim is a great album, After the Pearl is Molland's debut solo album and is just as good to my ears. I don't know how familiar you are with Badfinger, but Ass was the album Molland kinda dominated. Great songs by the rest of the guys but Molland was writing a lot of tunes during this time. After Molland left Badfinger he started a band called Natural Gas, and they released a S/T album. It has been reissued on CD but sounds awful, which is a shame as it is a decent album. Tom Evans was the bassist for Badfinger, a great singer/songwriter who sadly hanged himself 8 years after Pete Ham I believe. Such a great band that made great music despite all the hardships they faced.

[@ARAMP1]

It drives me UP THE WALL when I finally find a CD I'm looking for and the insert booklet is crimped by the cover tabs. It's like "just spend an extra three seconds and put it back in correctly!"

[@daniellothgren157]

Maybe I'm a fraud, but there's not much that will stop me, assuming the price is right, of course. For $1 ones I'm okay with anything, even if they don't play (hasn't happened yet!) or have big cutouts (I just display the side that wasn't cutout.) Worst ones I've found: I bought a copy of Girlschool - Take A Bite that had horrible water damage, but it's rare and the disc is in perfect shape. And my copy of Yngwie Malmsteen - Eclipse looks like it's been used as a doormat (how do people get them so scratched?), but it still plays. Finally, I don't like slipcase editions, but about the only thing that does bug me is when the slipcase is missing (very hard to tell when buying used.)

[@arturodouglas2484]

Another great and informative video Brendon and it also awesome to see you on Sea Of Tranquility with Pete Prado recently 😃🎸

[@peterkarlsson1825]

Always try to get the original CD not the remastered ones. (because the loudness war, that started around the mid 90s).

[@BrendonSnyder]

Never had an issue with that. There are lots of albums that sounded so muddy but were cleaned up considerable with a remastering. As a rule I prefer a remastered copy except with the artwork is altered.

[@geraldseltzer101]

How about your cat I own a bunch and having more than one is a joy

[@BrendonSnyder]

One cat is enough for me and he does make life better.

[@gdwatts7407]

You’re shunning good CDs 💿 because of the jewel cases booklet and inlay cards. Performance is more important than the appearance of the artwork

[@BrendonSnyder]

That’s like saying you don’t mind driving a beat up car as long as it runs fine.

[@georgeprice4212]

I remember seeing copies of “Cracked Rear View” by Hootie And The Blowfish, and 99% of them looked like toast, with at least three having paint splatters (!!!) on the playing surface!!!

[@georgeprice4212]

Also, the worst CD pressing I ever owned was Bad Company’s 1986 return album, “Fame And Fortune”, on Atlantic. Why was it the worst? Well, I went through at least three copies of the original “Pressed In Japan by JVC” editions, and not one would willingly play between tracks 2 and 7!

[@anthonypalese3153]

​@@georgeprice4212 yep, i resell and I know that one is a problem of production, I dont resell that title.

[@georgeprice4212]

@@anthonypalese3153 I know there’s a Wounded Bird pressing….I wonder if it has the same issue.

[@dennisginajordan3611]

My pet peeve doesn't have so much to do with used cds, but i hate when the "teeth" on the jewel case that hold the cd are sooooo tight that it feels like you're going to snap the cd in half when trying to take out.

[@anthonypalese3153]

In those cases, spin the disc as you pull it up so you don't crack the inner hub

[@johnbramley9037]

I always check the booklet for 'rusty' staples - it's a pet hate!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Never had that happen yet. But if the staples are rusty then there had to be water damage of some kind so maybe I put it back before noticing the staples were also rusty.

[@melprophet1936]

Back when I owned my used CD shop one of the biggest issues I used to run into when people came in looking to sell their CD's was CD's kept in smoking households. I don't imagine its as big of a problem with less people smoking these days but it was a problem then. People would come in with jewel cases that were yellowed from years of sitting in smokey homes, and the discs were sometimes covered with a film. They'd still play, but they wouldn't sound right. -- I still see CD's like that once in a while at garage sales. Never buy them.

[@moc5022]

The smoke effected the CDs? Any thoughts why or how this happened?

[@johann_casparbaumgartner6972]

Thank you for bringing this topic up! I was gonna mention it myself: Even more than minor damages it makes me puke (almost) if I open a bought CD I was looking for a long time on ebay, and I finally get it, open the case and the smell of 20 years of chain-smoking comes to me!!! (Probably sold by the son / daughter of the now dead chain-smoker...) I had known one guy like you decribe above and I had one of his CDs and gladly returned it cos of "That smell" ( It wasn't even a Lynyrd Skynyrd disc) and never wanted to have another one from him! Basically his WHOLE collection is kinda "damaged" (totally agree with covered with a film!) and all booklets even more than less 'defect' because of the terrible STENCH!

[@melprophet1936]

@@moc5022 The smoke just seeps into the jewel case and onto the disc I suppose. If you know a smoker who smokes in their car and doesn't clean their windshields regularly, their windshields end up with a film from the smoke which in turn impairs vision. Takes longer I would imagine to build up onto a CD because it's in the jewel case but is the same concept since the cases aren't air tight.

[@melprophet1936]

@@johann_casparbaumgartner6972 Yep! Smokers used to get so mad at me for not buying those. They'd walk in with a box of 100 CD's expecting to walk out with hundreds of dollars and I'd pass on all of them because of the smoke issues...it wasn't personal. I learned that if I bought them, they usually wouldn't sell so I stopped buying them.

[@superunknown2812]

Man i always go for jewel cases when it comes to cds doesnt matter to me if its remastered or not im not a fan of Digipaks at all,they feel cheap and just not the way a album should be done for any artist.

[@nickvickers3486]

I reckon CD jewel cases were just not well designed. I recently bought the new Mudhoney album on CD, which totally rocks btw, and that comes in a lovely lp gatefold style sleeve and the disc is in a card innersleeve. Why didn't they put all cds out like that back in the day?!

[@wildbill3006]

I much prefer the good old standard CD jewel case. If a jewel case gets damaged, I can replace it cheaply and the CD looks brand new. I hate any of the alternative packaging methods, such as digipaks, cardboard sleeves etc. If any of those get damaged, you either replace the whole package including the CD or you have to live with the damage. I get most of my CDs online, and it's not unusual to get CDs damaged in shipping.

[@Maoilios]

Here I am trying to identify my Tool CDs and the guy is wearing a tool shirt!

[@cdman40]

A question for your question and answer session. Do you purchase CD's from record Clubs Or with a promo mark or stickers. Not Promo only releases but regular titles with Promo stamps or markings.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Since I already filmed the Q&A and it will be posting tomorrow, I’ll answer your question here, I’ll buy anything but prefer regular barcodes and not music clubs if I have a choice.

[@cdman40]

@@BrendonSnyder Thanks I did buy a lot of record club stuff earlier might be replacing at some point but the promos I stay away from if I can unless they're promo only releases.

[@lukasjacobi627]

I threw away tons of jewel cases and replaced them.

[@BrendonSnyder]

We all have. But it’s better than having a damaged digipak and having to buy a whole new copy of the album.

[@lukasjacobi627]

@@BrendonSnyder Oh yeah ... I sinehow got addicted to refurbish used CDs. I ordered them online for 2-3 EUR/USD and change the Jewel Cases which makes them look just like new in most cases. So very easy and no costs for delivery. After havinh bought about 500 used ones since aboit 10 years now prices go up. I use 10 IKEA white boards with each 180 CDs upside. Great storage. Flexible.

[@TheTomryan123]

Well, since they're only $1.00 a piece, I wouldn't spend much time doing that.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I wouldn’t shop from a dollar cart to start with. I’m talking about regular used CDs that are worth more and therefore priced higher than a dollar.

[@TheTomryan123]

@@BrendonSnyder Oh. I was thinking of the estate sales I go to in retirement communities. CDs are $1.00 except for the last day of sale. Then they're $.50. And I think I've seen almost everything. I do the same with vinyl. I found treasures in VG to EX condition for $1.00. Except just this year they've gone up to $2.00. Unless I come back the final day and they're still there. Just found Sinatra's LP "Point of No Return" in VG good condition for $2.00. Put it through my LP cleaning machine and it's even better. Side 2 is pristine.

[@sheldonshields9920]

Saw cuts are from "Stolen" albums. Some stores get them back. And then sell at cheaper price.

[@OozeSlime]

Bro you're 15 years late

[@johann_casparbaumgartner6972]

One topic you forgot ( or have not seen yet?) on some Promotional CDs sent out by records companies ( I am talking about the finished product here, but sent out after release or for the release not the advance pro-CDs before release) they were cutting up a (corner) part of the whole booklet on one corner so the press guy receiving it doesn't resale it! ( Some of course do anyway as we all know) - I have one they were cutting up a really too big portion of the whole booklet so you don't have some lyrics completely. Other nutcases were punching holes to invalidate it (is that the right english expression?) through the whole booklet, so you got it, but all sides just have a whole!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes that’s another way that promo copies were designated. That’s probably my least favorite way. I didn’t mention it because it’s so overt when looking at the cover that it’s clear something is wrong where as the other things I mentioned can sometimes be so minor you don’t notice them until it’s too late.