I like the local used record stores here around Lancaster, Pa., and the Pa.Record Expo that meets here monthly. I also like the guys that grade the records and I go for near mint, mint or VG+. Having said that, I look for a record that has no visible scratches. Dirt is ok, as I can clean it off. I went to the local Goodwill, and got some as a result of reading posts as well. Got a record that looked as though it met my criteria, cleaned it and lo and behold it sounded terrible. Pitched it. Also, if the person who owned the record previously put in a new sleeve, I tend to feel real good about it. I recently bought about 7 albums for a quarter a piece, with the covers pretty beat up. But the records were in new sleeves or at least looked good, and they sounded great(Record Expo). So, I haven't answered your question specifically, but I don't know the answer to your question specifically. Find some places you trust and enjoy yourself. Check other posts for cleaning procedures.
What do I look for in used records?
I've been absent from vinyl for years. Actually, unless I resort to my 25 year old Pioneer SX-850 and Technics SL-1400, I'm still absent. But after reading some of the posts here, I dropped in the local Goodwill to see what might be found, and picked up a 1955 copy of Brahms Violin Concerto - Heifetz/Reiner RCA Victor Red Seal LM-1903.
I'll admit, I don't really know what I'm getting with this. I'm not even sure this is stereo, since the label just states: A "New Orthophonic" High Fidelity Recording.
Is this good? There were several others that I could have also grabbed, but thought I'd ask here what to look for before proceeding. thanks
I'll admit, I don't really know what I'm getting with this. I'm not even sure this is stereo, since the label just states: A "New Orthophonic" High Fidelity Recording.
Is this good? There were several others that I could have also grabbed, but thought I'd ask here what to look for before proceeding. thanks