Confused About LP Warps...How Can I Tell??

To check for warps when browsing the used bins: pull the LP from the sleeve (which you do anyway to check for overall condition, right?), lay the jacket and sleeve on reasonably flat surface, lay the LP on top of the sleeve, see if the LP generally makes contact with the sleeve/jacket around its circumference. Any significant warping will be reasonably apparent.

As to playback, I follow Jaybo's advice.
.

I've found the only fool proof way to check for a warp is to place the record on a turntable and spin it around - very obvious when you do this. Unless I really want the record I don't buy warped records as they are virtually impossible to dewarp. That said, I do own a few warped records and as long as the warp is not severe they play fine.

DS

Thanx for the suggestions...so playing a slightly warped record is not going to shorten the life of a stylus or do anything else harmful??

No, they are all correct. A severe scratch on the LP would be WAY more harmful than a slight warp. It will not damage your stylist at all, It will just track the LP groove slightly up and down, unless it’s a huge warp! It’s kinda like your car driving up and down hills in the road. The car tracks straight, but a big tree limb in the road would damage your car as a big scratch on an LP would potentially damage your stylist. Was that a good analogy? Only one that comes to mind. You’re good!😃😃