How to tell if the record is worn out?


Hi
On my recent trip to WFMU annual record show i encountered a problem that i've never dealt with before.Out of 50 records that i bought there 30 turned out to be worn out to a point where you can't even listen to them.Visually they look perfect though as if someone carefully played them from the beginnig to the end a 1000 times on a bad turntable,not a single scratch or fingerprint.I don't know if i's just a bad luck or since the show became annual instead of twice a year maybe many dealers do not care about returning customers any more?Is there any way to tell if a record is in bad condition?Maybe i should bring a big magnifying glass with me next time,the problem is:i don't know what to look for.Any opinions on this one?
overhang

Showing 2 responses by g_m_c

I am afraid that these practices have spread to Ebay. I have seen several records that show up looking good. They have been cleaned and possibly shined up. They play dead...heavy surface noise and terrible distortion. These records often have long, detailed and flowery descriptions. I do not like buying cleaned records!
Dewald,
I always clean/reclean, even new albums. I have a lovely Loricraft, so it is quiet and easy. I use any of 4 or 5 chemicals depending on dirt or mold issues. The last 2 passes are always RRL Deep wash followed by the Vinyl wash.
After all that, you can still have a crappy pressing. I was heart broken yesterday with a 1st pressing UK St. Pepper mono. It has to go back to England. The is seller is a nice guy and all, but I after 2 songs I knew it was shot.