What to Look for When Buying Used Records

When I do spot an album I’d like to add to my collection what do I look for? You can’t always judge an album by its cover. A Near Mint cover might contain and awful sounding record. By the same token, a battered and stained cover, while ugly to look at, might actually be hiding a flawlessly cared for record.
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Written & Produced by Rick Coste
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[@joealberti8553]

Great advice Rick. If I may, I'd like to add another point. Always check the record to make sure you are getting what you paid for. Many times I have found in thrift stores and yard sales, that the record jacket is for one album, and the record it contains is totally different.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Great tip! That would be heart-breaking if it was an album you were excited about - say a Zeppelin album only to get home and find out it was Jim Nabors (no offense to any Jim Nabors fans out there!).

[@CarlosPCmx]

Once I got a flexi-disc and a 45 for free when purchasing an LP! I did not check the contents and got more tha I bargained for. But it was just luck. Always check the record!

[@BuckyFuller44]

Yes, good job, I was going to mention that. Also, it's always nice to find the original inner sleeve. That's often an indicator that the record was seldom played and/or well cared for.

[@davesdream]

I have 2 copies of Van Halen first album. When I got the first copy I was getting crazy trying to figure out what edition I had... Then I realized that a previous owner switched the inner sleeve and put the one from the second album on it... The one I got... 😂

[@dave631bnetzero]

When holding the record in the light at an angle (Changing the angle back and forth, side to side), also look for "Rain-bowing" . Warn records will have a colorful rain bow effect at a certain angle.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Ah, good tip Dave! Forgot about that.

[@alanrogs3990]

I don't think this is a hard and fast rule. Some have it and some don't no matter how much or little they were played.

[@rbdreamsart]

I live in Maine and the closest record stores to me are 30 miles away. One of them will sell anything for ridiculous prices. I looked at an old used copy of the Beatles Something New. It was pretty beat up in the jacket( yellowed tape, ripped seams, ring wear..) the vinyl was dull and pretty worn. And that’s one thing I look for, is the vinyl shiny or dull.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

We go to Portland quite often and I still haven’t found a record store to visit on a regular basis. Bull Moose in South Portland wasn’t bad.

[@rbdreamsart]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I go to the one in Waterville and it’s nice!

[@chessnord7934]

Another good topic --> "What to Look for When Buying Used Records [Online]" I use Discogs, only buy "near mint", and with very few exceptions always check seller's rating (avoid anything below 99.7%), make sure they have sold more than 100 records, read the negative feedback if any and sometimes ask for pictures, etc.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I do the same thing as you. I stick to near mint and have a few favorite sellers I will return to.

[@alanrogs3990]

I am not sure if it is still like this but Japanese sellers are often overly cautious with their ratings. It is easy to buy a VG record only to find out it is NM just due to a very slight issue that makes no difference in the sound at all. I have had this experience almost every time. Yes, check the seller's ratings and how many records they have sold.

[@JWD1992]

Great points. Part of the problem with dirty records is that you really can't judge the condition properly. I have seen so many records that are very dusty but there are no scratches visible. They look like they'll be NM under the dust, but then the dust comes off, and all the light hairlines and sleeve scuffs are now noticeable. They'll usually still be VG+, but sometimes they only wind up a "strong VG" (at least by my standards; I am a super-strict grader) if there had been a significant layer of dust. I love that you point out the pressing flaws that have been on the record since it was pressed. Those really get overlooked, and are often just kind of accepted. They can create a lot of trouble, though. And to go off my other point, sometimes those are also not so obvious under the dust.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

It’s gotten somewhat worse too with new records. I’ve never had so much trouble with quality. I have to hold my breath and check for warps.

[@fredjohnson9856]

As you said, sleeve condition can be a good indicator of record condition. I'm lucky in that my local used record store, Savvy Vinyl Records, is always generous on their ratings. That said, I always buy VG+ or better. As far as warps - if I can't hear it I'm good. It's all about the music.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Buying VG+ or better is good advice. Many of the records in my collection that I bought new 40+ years ago would be rated NM by some sellers (although I consider them VG+ because I'm more discerning).

[@michaelhendricks6991]

All good points that help that record journey.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks Michael!

[@adamlemons7909]

I’m quickly realizing that much as with my guitars I prefer used over new, but unlike my guitars where I own both new and used, I don’t plan on buying anything new for my vinyl collection. There is just something special about owning and playing a previously well used guitar that can’t really be explained or duplicated, of course that was before bringing home my first record. For me vinyl already has a more “personal” feel then tape or CD and the mystery of its history adds to that connection all the more. Then when you find treasures like a name lovingly written on the sleeve or little notes written on the liner it brings your curiosity into overdrive thinking about what this album has brought to all who previously gave it a spin and where it traveled all these years? I look forward to your next video, blessings. Ps. Next on my list is Boston, Boston 1976 and Ricky, Ricky Nelson 1957

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Boston is one of my favorite records. Easily one of the best debut albums of all time too. Also a fan of Ricky Nelson. "Garden Party" is a great song. Every once in a while I'll pick up a used record with a name on it. An old Stones album, original pressing from the 60s, has a name on it and I've even looked online to see if I could find the person. Would be a thrill to let them know where it ended up and that it was being cared for.

[@adamlemons7909]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yeah, I don’t think you could argue that Boston’s first album isn’t one of if not the best debut offerings of all time. It’s literally like a greatest of greatest hits album :-) The Chicago Transit Authority album that I purchased has a name written on the inside of the double album cover. Though in good playing condition, it has definitely been well loved over the years and though I thought about doing some Facebook snooping, I figured it’s better to let the ghosts be and my imagination fill in the blanks :-) Also, I want to thank you for your video on greatest hits albums. Though The Best of Bread will always remain in my collection and be one of my favorite albums. I have decided that for Jim Croce I’m going to pass on Photographs and Memories and simply buy every album that I find on my adventures. I never really thought about it before but you are absolutely correct. If you love the greatest hits then you can probably assume that you love the artist. With that in mind how many songs that never made it as popular hits are just as amazing and unheard? A simple run through Rotten Tomatoes Can easily show you that just because the critics didn’t like it surely doesn’t mean it isn’t some of their best work. I’m looking forward to all of the unknown, unheard treasures :-)

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@adamlemons7909 - It happens to me constantly. I hear an artist I appreciate and I end up buying their discography so as not to miss those hidden gems.

[@TheReal1953]

It's a balancing act. There were a LOT of artists back in the day that only had maybe three decent songs on an album and the rest fill/crap. That's why if they made it long enough, their best hits albums were the way to go. But the caveat there is that don't buy a best hits album that's loaded with hits beyond the record's audio potential. IOW, no more than 17 minutes of music per side if you want to maintain fidelity and music dynamics on a LP. An exception to that would be like in "Alice's Restaurant" where Guthrie does a lot of talking during the track. However, as was said, I do have some albums with a few recognizable hits with the rest of the songs virtually unknown, but very good. Handful only of those though......

[@TheReal1953]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords In the early '90s (on Prodigy..lol!) I met the pilot/co-pilot (can't remember which) survivor of the plane in which Ricky died. It was from a faulty heater that caught fire and since a lot of the plane was made of magnesium, fire spread rapidly. It was the fire/smoke that killed everybody because the plane did make an emergency landing. The plane had just been fully restored....might have been a DC-3 if memory serves me. Tragic loss for music because that was a great comeback time for Nelson.

[@grindinggears43]

Great info thanks 😊

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Welcome!

[@russputin6294]

When used record shopping I always take the following with me: A carbon-fiber record brush, L.E.D. torch and a pair of magnifying spectacles. The torch is invaluable in a dimly-lit store and will (literally) illuminate the general surface condition of a record. The brush is useful to see what may be hiding under a surface dust covering and the magnifying spectacles speak for themselves. Having said that however carefully you inspect a record you still come across the paradox of a visually beat-up album that plays "as new" and things that look mint that sound like an explosion in a pop corn factory. C'est la vie......

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

"an explosion in a pop corn factory..." Perfect. I can't can't the times I've run into that with used records I've taken a "chance" on. You LED recommendation is a great one. Thanks for that!

[@russputin6294]

You're welcome and thanks for your comment. A downside of inspecting records too carefully is I've frequently had a vendor say "Here I'll clean it for you", grab it from me then attack the precious vinyl with a rag and furniture polish while I quietly die inside! Thanks for the great videos and I hope you have a brilliant New Year @@TheJoyofVinylRecords

[@russputin6294]

Forgot to mention! You can get some great tiny L.E.D. torches that hang on your key ring and then you're never without one. Believe it or not it can also be used for other things beside inspecting records such as finding your keyhole in the dark or use in the case of an emergency power cut. Power cut's are the worst kind of emergency, of course, because you can't play records until the electricity's switched back on 😅

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@russputin6294 😂😂😂

[@calvinnapier9977]

Yeah I've took some risky chances on vinyl. But live and learn as we do!

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I will take chances now and then but always hold my breath when I open it.

[@neilfisher7999]

I think you hit on most of the important things to look for. The only other one I can think of is the smell. I know that may sound weird. But I was looking at a record that appeared in excellent condition but it smelled moldy, like it had been stored in a barn. I bought it anyhow. Then when I cleaned it, I noticed the water in my spin clean was very dark. I cleaned it twice and it does play okay. However, I think I'll stay away from the moldy smell in the future. It smells good now. Do they make record cologne?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That's another good point Neil. I discarded some free "old albums" that someone had found in an attic. The first thing I noticed was the moldy smell. The records were in bad shape as well. Made me laugh - "record cologne".

[@sandysmith9869]

For myself, I don't care too much on album cover condition. If the record looks really good, and no scuffs, then I'll buy it. I might be deaf, but I know how annoying the snaps, crackle, and pops are..😁

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That happened to me last night. Bought a used record over the weekend - looked ok under the store light. Brought it home, cleaned it... and still had pops and clicks. Need to clean it again and see if I can reduce it.

[@jimmyBside]

Hey Rick…great advice. Like you said , sometimes you just don’t know until you drop the needle; (just never gets old). I had a new record, that came with a CD- slide in the jack against the paper sleeve….That sucker was waving like one of used car lot things.😂

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

🤣🤣🤣 Thanks Jimmy! Made me laugh.

[@TheReal1953]

Good descriptions of what to look for! Not to bring back the ire of the poster who told me I couldn't tell how a record plays by visual inspection...you really can if you practice. And DO look for record imperfections like creases/bubbles etc and of course warps. Nice historical record store here that has lots of records/CDs and all kinds of audio pleasures. BUT....he heat shrinks all his records so you can't pull them out to examine. And he fixes the prices as the Net sets for NM records. They are mostly VG-VG+ with just a smattering of NM so I quit buying from him. His excuse is that idiots pull out the records improperly and damage them with oily fingerprints, or scuff them. I'm sure they do since downtown now is a complete tourist trap. He also puts those really 'tough-to-get-off' price labels on the jacket itself. Your chances of ruining a jacket getting those price stickers off is high. I told him about that and he said he'd do something about that.....never been back. It's a shame too because he has interesting vintage stuff and he's close by.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That's really too bad. I suppose I get not wanting folks to mistreat the records before they land in the hands of buyers like you and I, but I won't purchase a used record I can't see first. My local used record shop also puts labels on some records which, I have to say, is very annoying.

[@TheReal1953]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Exactly, if I can't examine them, I don't buy. I think he figures he has enough traffic that he can get away with shrinking them all. More power to him and his fight with the tourists, but he won't get my business.

[@tonykiiskila1797]

Yeah I don't hire Chefs till they cook for me

[@yorkemar]

I went to a sh fair. Only one seller had what i call decent surface condition lps..and he wasn't expensive. Im only going to look at his for now on.

[@patrickroberts8702]

Hi Rick, over 80% of my collection is used so with over 500 albums I have a few duds. I will not go below VG+ and try to aim at NM- recognising that these are often the same in some sellers’ eyes. I don’t get fussed over minor warps or spindle marks if the vinyl is in VG+ condition. I do feel more strongly about cover condition. I clean every sleeve before the record gets into my collection. It always surprises me when a record store puts on display a dirty sleeve, it’s a 5 min job to clean. I put a new sleeve outer on every record, any old ones get recycled with my local record store along with any cardboard mailers. Paper inner sleeves are removed, l keep all of them and if they are specific to the record then they are kept inside the sleeve. If they are generic then I have a box for them. The first of your comments about checking what pressing or issue you are buying is high on my list. I have most of Genesis releases and trying to recall the order of colour and size of the Mad Hatter is a memory test. I clean every record on a Project cleaner so dirt and no scratches isn’t too much of a worry. I don’t buy many records over £50 so the risks are pretty low and they can always be sold on if I find a significantly better copy at a later date. Interesting topic as always. .

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

It sounds as if you and I go through a similar process Patrick. I'll also keep the sleeve if it's not generic. And I just picked up the the Pro-Ject VC-E2 (replacing my Record Doctor VI). I plan to post a short review maybe next week. I've cleaned a handful of records on it and want to do a few more. Are you using the Wash It cleaning fluid that came with it?

[@patrickroberts8702]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Hi Rick, I have been really happy with my Project cleaner. A friend has the early wooden example but mine is the aluminium version without the exhaust outlet under the record. I used the supplied cleaner which worked well, to the best of my knowledge. I purchased a replacement bottle to mix up myself but wow was it expensive. I was recommended to make my own from Tergitol. Google it and you will see the method, ingredients and mixing formula. It is much cheaper but does utilise rubbing alcohol. I just clean with my machine then lightly polish with an appropriate soft cloth. I think it cleans well, it certainly removes the dirt, gives a nice shine to the vinyl and removes static and crackles. I have seen those who wash first, then vacuum clean then rinse and drip dry. The noise of the machine is not domestic friendly, drying record across the kitchen would be one step too far. Tergitol comes in two very small bottles which is enough to make gallons with alcohol and distilled water plus a drop of washing up liquid. Good luck, Pat

[@stevenmoormann3644]

How do you clean the sleeves?

[@patrickroberts8702]

My solution is to use a kitchen wipe which is nearly dry. A light wipe over will remove dirt but not leave the sleeve wet, dry and damp with kitchen roll then a light buff with a soft cloth. Laminated sleeves are more robust and can take a tougher clean. The non laminated have to be treated more cautiously. Try a few preowned sleeves and you will be horrified at the dirt that comes off.

[@Madjed2024]

Thank you Dirt is not a show stopper for me because with the variety of cleaning tools and units It is possible to remove most As for warps my Denon TT has so much tolerance Regarding the invisible part ( grooves) I usually go to the stores with a 30 or 60 X portable magnifier with light (12 dollars on Amazon). I am curious what town is the store in NH as I live in MA Thank you

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Welcome! It's Skeletone Records in Rochester.

[@Madjed2024]

Thanks much

[@metilaful]

I have two used record stores near me. One just slaps a $20 price tag on anything and sells it as is. The other cleans every record, takes the time to grade it, and then prices it based on a brief discogs Look-up. I used to buy from the first one, trusting the “professionals” knew best. Now I only buy from the second one, and still check every record myself, first. (Even the good people aren’t perfect.) None of those dirty records from the first place ever ended up being any level of quality.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That’s heartbreaking. I’ve gone through something similar with a used record shop nearby. I was excited at their selection but over time ended up replacing everything I bought for them due to quality issues. I honestly don’t think they really look at them when they acquire them.

[@kevinj8236]

Good tips. Thank you for sharing. I’m curious what your strategy is for deciding whether to buy used or new.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Kevin,! It depends on the album. I prefer a near-mint used copy of an album to a reissue in most cases. If it's unavailable, rare, or very expensive, I'll settle for a new reissue. There have also been some reissues that are superior to the original (a recent reissue of Elton John's "17-11-70" is a good example).

[@alanrogs3990]

at@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes, I want this but it is expensive, right? Speaking of Elton John. I have never heard a CD of his self titled album have the deep bass on Take Me To The Pilot as it has on vinyl.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@alanrogs3990 Such a great record.

[@PJHVols]

Something I’m struggling with and I’ll pose the question to you. How important is jacket condition? I have no local record store within 2 hours so I buy a lot of used records online. When I get them in the mail and they have creases or big corner dings I die a little on the inside. Most of the time I can’t return so I just have to grit my teeth. What’s your philosophy on the condition of the jacket? No big deal as long as record plays well? Needs to be flawless? I’d love to know all your thoughts.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi there! For me, jacket condition isn't as important, although I would care should it be in extremely bad condition. The condition of the record is all I really care about. That being said, if I were in the business of selling records it might bother me as it would play into the sales price, but as a collector who never parts with what I own, I'm not too bothered by creases. I'd of course prefer it not be in bad shape. Mold, however, would bother me immensely. I hope that helps!

[@OnkelPeters]

Al Jolson, they’ve got Al Jolson here!

[@user-oe1jz3hx7i]

Any thoughts, just bought the new stones record Hackney Diamonds on clear vinyl for £29.99, the black vinyl variety sells for £35.00, is there a defining difference in sound quantity?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hello there! I have the black vinyl pressing - and can't speak to the clear vinyl, but I will say I have a few clear vinyl records in my collection and I don't believe anyone would be able to tell the difference between the two.

[@alanrogs3990]

Sometimes, clear or colored vinyl can have more surface noise. I have noticed this on some records but others were just a quiet as black so it is a thing to think about. I find colored vinyl is just a selling gimmick. But they do look cool.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@alanrogs3990 I have noticed that as well with colored records. Hard to judge their condition as well given their colorization. They will always catch my eye though, and I have some that sound flawless (and some not so much).

[@alanrogs3990]

If it's rare or uncommon and not expensive I am more forgiving about it not being in great condition. I also take chances on cheap $1 bin records and I am often surprised about the sound and what the music is. Buy something without looking it up (if it is cheap) just for the heck of it and find out if you like it. I have a lot of records and now that I am older I am very happy with cheap 'beautiful music' records from the 60's and 70's. They are often mint. Readers Digest Box sets are very good pressings and sound excellent, no joke! It's great stuff to relax to. I recommend it. You WILL get tired of listening to the same warhorses time after time. But I still will buy a Beatles White album pressing I don't have or another copy of Led Zeppelin III that's unusual, haha. I also recommend buying an original first or early pressing of any older record over the new modern pressings, if possible. I don't mean rare jazz titles. I mean classic rock records and such.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I'll occasionally take a chance on a record in a $1-$5 bin in an antique store. I came across some really good records in Very Good condition that cleaned up well when I brought them home. As you mentioned - I've found myself searching out early pressings of records I want to complete an artists' catalog with. As a matter of fact I just ordered an original 1971 Lee Michaels album to replace the one I've had for years (which has a scratch).

[@alanrogs3990]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords the journey is half the fun

[@davesdream]

Hi Rick, what I look for a used record is what we say in Spanish the 3 B's "Bueno, Bonito, Barato" (Good, Pretty, Cheap) so if one of those 3 vertex of the triangle fail i"ll probably pass (e.g Good band you like, record is VG+, but they overprice it. Time to pass), unless is something that you really wanted or looking for a long time. 😉 In addition, a little warp is not a big deal now that I have the "Vinyl Flat". I recently got a NM record that sells for aprox $20 for only $8 because of the warp. Put it in my Vinyl Flat and now is like new.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Dave! Does it take 4 hours or does it vary? I'm extremely interested in it (and wary).

[@davesdream]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Rick, First I have to say that I got the Vinyl Flat AND the Heating Pouch. There are some variables. Time, temperature setting, type of record. You have to play around with it as not all pouches are the same and temperature may vary. I got it before Christmas and only tried 2 records. The first one at low setting for 2 hours didn't do much then I used medium setting for 2 and 1/2 hours and worked. The temperature on high setting for my pouch I think is above the recommended. The second record (the one I talked in the early post) came nice at medium for 2 and 1/2 hours. Actually I recorded some videos that I am editing to upload, so I'll post it soon ;)

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@davesdream Great! I'll look for the videos when they're up. Thanks!

[@eddybooth1]

Hi Rick I know this sounds impossible but how the record sits on the spindle tells a story … sloppy and loose = well played……… I’ll get my coat Great channel keep it up fella. Oh on your cartridge recommendations Dynovector XX 2 have had this for a year now,if you can give it a blast.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks Eddy! And also, thank you for the cart recommendation. Just added it to my list.

[@user-tx3zx2yf8h]

All great info...my advice, been listening to vinyl lps for over 40 years is to play them!!! Don't forget they are made to be played not just sitting somewhere

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Exactly, Patrick!

[@coolmickey68]

so I went into a record store once and the owner was spraying records with windex! he wasnt even trying to hide it. He said it makes the record more shiny. Beware, even though records look nice and new, it does not mean they dont sound like crap. great vid..

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Cheers Robert! And that's horrific!!

[@coolmickey68]

it lives in my brain man hahahah have a good one@@TheJoyofVinylRecords

[@chrisrees7054]

I have a record that was used as a Frisbee at Woodstock, any idea how much it is worth?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Roughly $5000.00 if it can still be used for disc golf. 🤣

[@neub4321]

What strikes me about the narration is that you come across as a former DJ moreso than other channels I listen to. Did you work in radio?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Not at all, but I have been podcasting for a bit over ten years. Maybe that's why?

[@tonyvaldiconza3914]

One good telling sign is when removing the record is the inner sleeve has been replaced with an anti static one. You know someone took the care to do this. Back in the day, I bought a sealed Joni Mitchell "Aisle of Miles" double LP and when I opened it a receipt fell out. I still have the album and maybe the receipt 🤣

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Yikes! So they re-sealed it?

[@tonyvaldiconza3914]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yup 😬. I bought it at Sears. So they must have had a machine for re-seals. I wonder if this was a common occurrence?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Unreal @@tonyvaldiconza3914

[@bronkonovak6555]

Don't forget to check for thickness of the record, grab record from outside edges and shake it up and down if the center shakes a lot and you can hear the shaking loudly the record is very thin and was used Alot, avoid those..

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That's the first time I've ever heard that bit of advice. Thanks for that!

[@lawrence5368]

That's such BS. Brand new RCA dynaflex are very thin. You can shake them back and forth and they sound great. Do you honestly think that a record gets thinner over time as you wear it out?

[@lancebusch8346]

Would have been nice if you could have visually shown us what to avoid, but I don't imagine you have any bad records laying around. Thx

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I actually don’t but since making that video I’ve saved a couple bad used records I’ve received in case I need them for future videos.

[@KRO519]

Where are u in NH? I’m in Manchester

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Kai! Rochester here. Cheers!

[@Lalito401]

I found the Sanyo G 1212 in my dad's garage.

[@briandeeley1599]

Warps can be fixed, take two glass plates put the record in between and expose to the sun for a length of time then let it cool.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Definitely tried that. I know some folks have that mastered - I , on the other hand, melted the record when I tested that out... 😱. That's a me problem though. I'm sure others are more adept at it.

[@alanrogs3990]

What's worse is when you get home and find there is a small heat damaged spot on the record. That can't be fixed.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@alanrogs3990 So true! I've run into that myself

[@briandeeley1599]

@@alanrogs3990 I am talking about an hour or so not while you are out and about or at work. It does not take much heat, I had a new pressing right out of the box that was warped and all I did was put on to a flat surface with books on top and a few days later it was flat as a pancake.

[@alanrogs3990]

@@briandeeley1599 I was talking about another type of heat damage.

[@NoEgg4u]

Rick, you covered every valid point masterfully. For the warps, I believe I had commented in one of your other videos about the Clearaudio Outer Limit weight. Skip to the 30 second time mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYvJi4SKjZt7n9U I do not know if that ring will work with non-clearaudio turntables. The ring has good heft, and will flatten all but extreme warps. Warps aside, the ring gives your record the effective weight of the platter. It is a win / win for any record. Well, it is another step to take when playing and changing records, and you have to be careful to not drop the stylus on the ring, when playing the first song on a side. You also have to be careful to not whack something with the ring, when not paying full attention during placing it and removing it. That ring cost me a grand, 10+ years ago. A quick look shows them selling for $1,500. A fair amount of the rent money. But specialty items will cost a bunch. Note that there were (at least) two versions of the Outer Limit ring. The first one used a locater. It fits over your spindle, and has 3 arms to set it up. Do not get that one. I have read that it is a pain to set it up, and you have to do so for every record. The one I have (which looks to still be the current version), comes with a plastic guide that fits around your platter (you place it once, and leave it there forever). The ring then sits on that plastic guide. So it is a matter of whether or not your platter's diameter's measurements are the same as Clearaudio's platters. I have no idea if there is a standard platter diameter. My platter measures exactly 12", with a tape measure, butted alongside of my spindle. It is hard to measure going over the spindle (but looks like another ¼", raising the tape measure and holding it over the spindle). If that ring will fit your turntable's platter, and you can budget it, I think you will be a happy camper.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Yes! You did mention it before. I'd even looked it up and hesitated at the price. Good question re: if it works with other turntables - like my Thorens. When you say "effective weight of the platter" wouldn't the ring also add to the strain on the belt?

[@NoEgg4u]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes, the belt and motor will work harder. Clearaudio turntable's components are designed with that in mind. I liken it to your car working harder when you have 2 or 3 passengers. You are still not straining anything. I imagine that any quality turntable would not strain from the additional load. The belt for my turntable is like a rubber-band. It is not of the flat variety. It has been working for over a decade, with my using the ring for 98% of my listening sessions. The only time I do not use the ring is when I am testing a new purchase (not a new record, but new to my collection). Since I toss most records for their sub-par sound quality, I do not waste time putting on the ring to evaluate new additions. I play 10 seconds on each side, and that is enough to know whether or not I am keeping or tossing the record. If a new purchase gets my ears dancing, then I will use the ring for future listening sessions of that pressing. The most strain would be at starting up the platter's rotation. Once spinning, inertia takes over. But, yes, there is more work for the motor and the belt at all times. My motor will not start my platter spinning from a stopped state. I have to give it a nudge. I am a bit surprised at that design. It is not a lemon motor. It is simply how it was designed. I am guessing that my motor's design is focused on maintaining speed accuracy, and it would have cost more to have it be able to also start the platter on its own. Each thing you ask it to do involves some level of engineering, and pricing and trade-offs. But even with the ring, and my nudge, it gets up to speed in 3 or 4 seconds. By the time you can get the tonearm lowered, it is up to speed. A loose analogy would be cars that compete for world record top speeds. Those cars cannot start moving on their own. They have to be pulled up to 60 MPH (or something like that), before their lowest gear can accelerate the car. With your Thorens turntable, if the ring fits, I don't think that you would have any problems. And you can bask in the pleasure of playing warped records in a nearly flat fashion, under the ring. ;-) Belts last for ½ of forever, in my experience. So if it wears out a few months sooner, it is a small price to pay for the benefit of the ring. See if the Clearaudio vendor knows whether or not the ring will fit your platter. And see if the vendor will accept returns, if you run into any issues.

[@TheReal1953]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Don't do it on the Thorens. Do use a record weight in the center and call it good. The problem with those outer rings that almost no one mentions is that some 'low rider' MC styli bodies hit the ring on the first track. And you won't know until you try it......

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Great info @@NoEgg4u ! Thanks again!

[@David-xl9cp]

It’s bad enough buying a good new record, nether mend an old battered one 😵😵😵

[@dawnpatrol700]

You left out thrifting. When it comes to thrift stores, its more important knowing what NOT to buy. Unlike the 90s, when great used records were at every thrift store, nowadays 99.9% of thrift stores have junk. Pains me to say that, because the majority of my collection came from thrift stores, before the revival hit

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Good point. I don't think I've bought a record from a thrift store but I have a buddy who makes it a habit to look. Glad you brought that up!

[@mafi211]

Let's put it right, what you are buying is recordings stored on vinyl, you are vinyl media buyer which is inferior to CD , recordings stored on CDs reflects master sound better than vinyl