New LP Returns


I have recently begun buying a lot of new LP's, new pressings that is. In general they have been great, but in a couple of instances I have had problems that I never encountered "Back in the day". I got a version of Tres Hombres with a dimple in the vinyl. I took it back immeadiatly, and the guy was great, ordered me a now one, which sounds great by the way, but told me that they manufacturer does now warranty the records and he will have to eat it?

Is that right?

At another shop, which I frequent and really try to give them a lot of business, I got a 180 version of Zenyota Mondata recently, and it had a scratch in the groove from the first playing. No cleaning could get the scratch out, he of course took it back and gave me store credit, but did say it looked like a "needle burn" scratch (not from my needle!!) but he also said he would have to eat that cost.

I find that a bad business practice if the record companies are doing that. I am at a quandry as to what to do with my favorite record store because when I brought in the Police album for return I picked up a new 180g version of the Joshua Tree and it is the worst pressing of an album I have ever gotten. Marks all over it across the grooves. The 4th side has a loud rythemic rasp from the mark in it. No amount of cleaning has helped.

Should I bring this back? I feel weird doing that, but I don't think I should eat the album, I won't play that side again. They all look bad, that is the only side that plays poorly. What should I do? Can I go to the record company? I really like the relationship that I have struck up with this guy, he has ordered me some great stuff, and will call me if he gets something used in that he knows I will want. Great guy, I don't want to stick him with these records, so what's the solution??
macdadtexas
Hi new to collecting records, just started last year and Ive noticed more and more larger chains picking up LPs as a collectors items and such, Ive picked up some of the Radiohead reissues and a few other major ones(Mars Volta and NIN) and fortunately I haven't had any of issues listed so far.

I work in a print store and at one point we had bought 2 bad rolls of vinyl(graphics film) from different brands too, we had to tell them that it happen before they started checking batches. bottom line they wont do anything about it unless they hear there is a problem, they wont do anything.

though I heard good things about the new Hendrix axis reissue and I was pleased with my Radiohead, though Ill admit I have only been collecting for less than a year and Im still learning stuff.
Although this takes some leg work and a few headaches...I would scrounge for used original copies of your favorite LPS which can be had for song...for example the original Police albums are cheap and sound very good...if you like some and dont like others...you could then go the premium audiophile route...and still be ahead...Santana lps sound great and often outperform the new reissues...for a fraction of the cost...however....used Lps for FLoyd,stones,zep,beatles,etc....are often way overpriced...and in spotty shape...so going new would be a better option IMHO...
Phasecorrect:
Ive been doing a lot of flea market bin diving, and yes floyd stuff is always overpriced, but thankfully I wrapped up my collection for the most part. but the bad thing about flea markets is the prices are always volatile, some stuff I would like to just buy the original(ie love's four sail, cheapest used ive seen was 30$ and it had the edge slit) but sometimes I get lucky like the time I found a mint unplayed looking copy of super tramps breakfast in america in the $1 bin I try to go with witch ever is the better deal price/condition wise.