Agree with others that you cannot tell from an eyeball inspection. I’ve had records that looked pristine that were trashed, and suspicious looking records with surface marks that have played beautifully. Also agree that deep cleaning can salvage some. Another thing I check is whether the record is warped. You really have to put it on a turntable and spin it. If I am buying online, I engage the seller in a dialogue to suss out as much as I can. For more expensive records, with a return policy, it isn’t worth the time/effort for either party to sell a mis-graded record. For expensive older records, I insist on play-grading, and although that’s not foolproof either, it is another precaution. On balance, it it is still a bit of a crapshoot, but well worth the effort.
How do you spot an overplayed used lp without obvious scratches etc
I'm pretty good at spotting record defects and scratches that will or won't affect sound quality.
Even with a well done cleaning, you play what looks like a good album and it has simbilence, a rough thick surface noise etc.
how do you spot these from a gem pressing?,
Even with a well done cleaning, you play what looks like a good album and it has simbilence, a rough thick surface noise etc.
how do you spot these from a gem pressing?,