Are scratch LPs part of the game ?

Yep, read them all. I guess I need to be a crackhead to get a better feel for your perspective. Enjoy the week. We're starting with about 3-4 inches of snow, Yipee.

Inspection lamps?

Whoa Nellie.

Surface imperfections/scratches are a part of the game. So long as they do not affect play, it really doesn't matter.

YMMV

I've dropped a few (maybe 3 or 4?) of my LP's...way bummed out but they happened, and the records are out of print so I'll just have to live with it.

I'm with Audiofeil and those who say minor scratches are part of the game. Those who say they have 40-year-old records without scratches perhaps interpreted this question differently from the yes camp. It's rather impossible to prevent any imperfections from getting to the record surface with use. Virtually every brand new records right out of the sleeve will already have some minor imperfections and lines that are extremely fine and do not affect the sound. With use, they will only become more pronounced but still not significant enough to negatively impact the sound with proper handling and care. This is how I interpret the original question. I challenge anyone to a direct light test of their "perfect" records. If you tell me there is not even one blemish or a line on the surface, you're not looking hard enough.

I said 40 plus year old LP.s that were ALMOST flawless . Of course some come with some minor imperfection and don,t effect play and still can and are enjoyed. The poster stated he is puting medium scratches in them just by handling them. Well I don,t feel that is part of the game. Why then are records graded both visually and play grade. Visual inspections are usually done under a bright light or sunlight. Play grade is the most important but according to what is posted "With use, they will only become more pronounced but still not significant enough to negatively impact the sound with proper handling and care." Thats the point you make yourself that you disagree with in the same breath. Anyone who owns or owned lps has had accidents and dropped a few but the poster stated he was putting upto medium scratches in the lps after a couple weeks by handling them. According to some you feel thats normal. Well if it is there wouldn,t be any early or out print lps worth owning and Audiofeils 7000 plus lp collection would be worthless. The poster does not feel its normal or he would not of asked. They do come with some very minor imperfections but anything after that is a direct result of the user. Isn't that why used lps are graded . There is no such thing as a mint used lp but I and others here have bought them NEAR mint with superfiscial flaws and kept them that way. Cheers