Having been buying and selling lps for four decades some simple rules apply:
1). Find a bricks and mortar record store that doesn't stock junk (i.e. dusty & warped copies of all of Elton John's recorded output) and whose employees do not resemble to sociopaths from "High Fidelty". If they grade records well and price accordingly and they discuss music intelligently, stick with 'em.
2). Ebay is an absolutely wonderful resource (as is A'gon)ONCE you have established sellers of repute. If you are buying unseen you might inquire if the seller uses a dedicated lp mailer and bubble wrap rather than pieces of the box his pizza was delivered in.
3). It's been noted previously, a record vacuum - even the Record Doctor's basic model - is essential.
4). Protect yor investments w/quality inner and outer record sleeves.
Best wishes. The music and record buying is where the enjoyment resides in this hobby.
Mike
1). Find a bricks and mortar record store that doesn't stock junk (i.e. dusty & warped copies of all of Elton John's recorded output) and whose employees do not resemble to sociopaths from "High Fidelty". If they grade records well and price accordingly and they discuss music intelligently, stick with 'em.
2). Ebay is an absolutely wonderful resource (as is A'gon)ONCE you have established sellers of repute. If you are buying unseen you might inquire if the seller uses a dedicated lp mailer and bubble wrap rather than pieces of the box his pizza was delivered in.
3). It's been noted previously, a record vacuum - even the Record Doctor's basic model - is essential.
4). Protect yor investments w/quality inner and outer record sleeves.
Best wishes. The music and record buying is where the enjoyment resides in this hobby.
Mike