HI, Dfelkai,
I believe you are looking for pressing and production quality rather than assessing vinyl condition. I also wish to locate a website which addresses and rates new and old releases. I would like to add to Elizabeth's comments regarding visual determinations of lp play quality. I have purchased lps, typically older and heavier, that have looked awful, yet played noise-free. The contrary holds true, where a piece of vinyl appeared pristine, but was riddled with surface noise. When grading an lp prior to purchase most shops have flourescent lighting, which often hides the true condition. I have come home with a bag of lps, look under a bright incandescent bulb, only to find mars and surface scratches. The incandescent, as with sunlight have been the most truthful declarations, short of listening, in my decision making.
I believe you are looking for pressing and production quality rather than assessing vinyl condition. I also wish to locate a website which addresses and rates new and old releases. I would like to add to Elizabeth's comments regarding visual determinations of lp play quality. I have purchased lps, typically older and heavier, that have looked awful, yet played noise-free. The contrary holds true, where a piece of vinyl appeared pristine, but was riddled with surface noise. When grading an lp prior to purchase most shops have flourescent lighting, which often hides the true condition. I have come home with a bag of lps, look under a bright incandescent bulb, only to find mars and surface scratches. The incandescent, as with sunlight have been the most truthful declarations, short of listening, in my decision making.