Common Faults To Watch Out For When Buying New Vinyl Records

 

Common Faults To Watch Out For When Buying New Vinyl Records

 

When purchasing new vinyl, it’s crucial to be aware of potential faults that can affect your listening experience. In this article, we will explore common faults to watch out for when buying new vinyl records.

 

Warped Records

Warped vinyl is an issue that can significantly impact playback quality. Warping can occur during the manufacturing process or due to improper storage conditions. When inspecting a vinyl record, place it on a flat surface and check to see if it lays flat. If you notice any unevenness or if the record wobbles when spinning, it most likely has a warp.

When it comes to vinyl record warping, there are two primary types that we see: dish-warp and edge-warp. Each type of warp affects the vinyl record differently and can have varying degrees of impact on the sound quality and playback experience.

 

Dish-Warp:

Dish-warp, also known as bowl-warp or centre-warp, refers to a type of warping where the centre of the record is raised or elevated compared to the outer edges. This creates a concave shape, resembling a dish or a bowl. Dish-warp is typically caused by uneven cooling during the manufacturing process or exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight after it. It can also occur due to poor storage conditions where records are stacked improperly. When playing a record with a dish-warp, the tonearm and stylus may have difficulty tracking the groove accurately, resulting in skipping or mistracking. The sound quality may also be compromised, with fluctuations in pitch and an overall distorted playback. Moreover, repeated playback on a dish-warped record can put additional strain on the turntable’s stylus and motor, potentially causing damage over time.

 

Edge-Warp:

Edge-warp, also known as rim-warp or edge-curl, is characterised by the record’s outer edge being raised or bent upwards compared to the centre. This creates an uneven or wavy surface, and the record may not sit flat when placed on a turntable. Edge-warp occurs for a variety of reasons, including improper storage, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or mishandling during shipping.
While edge-warp can cause similar issues as dish-warp, such as skipping or mistracking, its impact on sound quality tends to be less severe. Depending on the degree of edge-warp, the stylus may encounter uneven grooves, leading to minor fluctuations in pitch or a slightly distorted sound. However, many edge-warped records can still be played without significant problems, especially if the warping is minor.

It’s worth noting that both dish-warp and edge-warp can vary in severity, ranging from subtle to pronounced. Minor warping may not greatly affect the listening experience, and some turntables equipped with adjustable tonearms can compensate to a certain extent. However, severe warping should be avoided, as it can lead to significant playback issues and potential damage to your vinyl collection and turntable.

 

Bubbles/Pressing Pimples

Have you ever seen a very small raised circle on one of your records? Bubbles or pressing pimples are imperfections that manifest as raised spots on the vinyl’s surface. These flaws occur during the pressing process when air gets trapped between the vinyl and the stampers. They can affect the playback quality by causing repetitive clicks or pops as the stylus encounters these anomalies. To identify bubbles or pressing pimples, visually inspect the record under good lighting conditions. While minor imperfections may not impact the sound significantly or at all, records with excessive or deep bubbles should be avoided.

 

Off-Centre Pressing

Off-centre pressing refers to records where the spindle hole is not accurately aligned with the centre of the vinyl. This fault can lead to issues during playback, causing pitch fluctuations or a wobbly sound. To check for off-centre pressing, observe the rotation of the record while it plays. If you notice the tonearm moving closer to the centre or away from the edge, it’s a sign of an off-centre pressing. While slight misalignment is common, significant deviations should be considered a flaw that may impact your listening experience. You should return these records.

 

Excessive Surface Noise

Vinyl records are susceptible to surface noise, which includes clicks, pops, crackles, and hissing sounds. While some level of surface noise is expected, excessive noise can be distracting and diminish the overall listening pleasure. Surface noise can result from poor pressing quality, scratches, dust, or static electricity. When purchasing a new record, inspect it visually for visible scratches or smudges. Additionally, consider cleaning the record thoroughly before playing to minimise surface noise caused by dirt or debris.

 

 

When purchasing new vinyl records it’s crucial to be mindful of potential faults that can impact your listening experience. By familiarising yourself with some of the more common faults you can make informed decisions and ensure a better buying experience. Remember to inspect the records visually, listen carefully, and, if possible, play them on a high-quality turntable before making a purchase. Remember, all retailers need to have a robust system in place to deal with returns, so don’t be afraid of contacting them again should you have any problems and requesting a replacement.