about being able to tell ok used vinyl from ruined used vinyl: I think it is an acquired art. M. Fremer from Stereophile and other audio magazines said once he brings a jeweler's loup and one of the those headbands with a lamp on it (that doctor's use) to scrutinize used records. Of course, that still leaves unanswered as to exactly *what* he is looking for. Dweller above is all too correct: sometimes a record can look fine, but can actually be ruined. All it takes is a few plays with a horridly old ragged needle, I suppose, to do untold microscopic damage.
But my local used-vinyl store dealer tells me he can tell by looking ata record whether it is in ok shape or not. Not sure if he uses a microscope or what. He won't tell me!!!! (He is trying to keep my business, hehe)
BTW, never judge a record completely until it has been thoroughly cleaned. You would not believe the mold and gunk that can lodge deep into a records grooves if that album has been sitting around for 10 or 20 years in some damp garage.
pcanis
