Used records

If you are buying used vinyl from a shop, here are a few tips for checking its condition:

• Check both surfaces of the disk in a strong light (an overhead spotlight is best). Look for scratches, nicks, etc. Light scratches or marks that you can't feel with your fingertip may not register when playing. Don't worry too much about surface dirt. It can be cleaned off.
   
• Check the label around the spindle hole area for wear and shiny squiggles (made by rubbing the label against the turntable spindle while centering the record), both indicators of heavy use.
   
• Hold the disk flat in your line of vision to check for warping.
  

If you are buying a record sight unseen (from an internet source, for instance), there is a widely used grading system, described on the Record Collectors Guild site. Of course, any grading system can be abused by an unscrupulous seller. There is no substitute for doing business with a reputable dealer.

These tips are imperfect guidelines. Some clean looking disks have been destroyed by a worn or misaligned stylus, and, unfortunately, you'll only find out when you play them. On the other hand, some worn disks—if the price is right—can provide great musical pleasure once they've been cleaned.