How to Buy Used Records

Again, this year’s summer was so hot that even records seemed like they would melt. How is everyone doing? This time, I want to share what I know about buying used records and what to watch out for.

Condition of Records

Used records are, literally, records that were once owned by someone else. Therefore, the condition of the record varies depending on how the previous owner handled it. If the condition is poor, the record may not play correctly, leading to unfortunate situations like: “I finally bought the record I wanted, but when I got home and played it, the sound started skipping and I couldn’t even listen to it!”
To prevent such troubles, make sure to know the condition completely before purchasing, and carefully check the surface of the record before playing it.
Here, I would like to list some examples of records in poor condition and countermeasures you can take with them.

Scratches

Some records have surface scratches caused by their previous owner. Scratches can be divided into those that affect playback and those that do not. I will explain the difference using the photos below as a reference.

First, scratches that do not affect playback, like those in the photo below, are often as thin as a strand of hair and may appear or disappear depending on the reflection of light. These usually do not produce noticeable noise when the record is played.

On the other hand, if there are scratches like those in the photo below that are always visible regardless of light reflection, not only can these types of scratches cause loud noises occur during playback, but they may cause the record needle to bounce or hop, which will then cause it to play unintended sections. This is a condition known as “needle skipping”.

Even in the case of hairline scratches that were previously mentioned as not affecting playback, if the scratch runs along the groove of the record or is a straight line across it, there is still a possibility of needle skipping occurring.

As a countermeasure, carefully inspect the record itself before purchasing and check whether there are any scratches. Additionally, some stores allow you to listen to the record before buying. If possible, try listening before purchasing to confirm whether the scratches affect the sound.

Warping

Records are broadly made from two types of materials: "SP records" made from a material called shellac, and "LP records" made using vinyl chloride.
The majority of records in circulation are "LP records", and one of the characteristics of LP records is that they are vulnerable to heat. Due to this heat sensitivity, depending on storage conditions, the record may become deformed in a wavy manner.
If the warping is severe, it can cause needle skipping or make the rotation during playback unstable, causing the pitch of the music to sound wobbly.

If you are purchasing from a store where pre-listening is available, place the record on the player during the trial and observe from the side to check how warped it is. Watching the record as it spins may make it easier to see.

Mold / Dirt

Some used records have fine, invisible dirt or mold built up in the grooves due to cigarette smoke, fog liquid, or natural oils from hands. Such records not only negatively affect sound quality but can also shorten the lifespan of your record needle.
Before playing a purchased record, prevent damage by cleaning it with commercially available cleaning solutions or sprays.

As an example, records with labels that are brown and stained like the one in the photo should be treated with caution.

Recommended Goods

Finally, here are two products that are useful to have! With these, you will take perfect care of your records!

audio technica / AT6012a Record Cleaner

NAGAOKA / CLSET-2

These are the points you want to check when purchasing used records.

Before purchasing and before playing after bringing them home, be sure to check this blog page again and prepare so that you can buy used records with confidence!