One more thing: the 'bad' scratches can be nearly invisible in flourescent light. They are thin but deep, like a knife cut, usually the needle causes these. They almost always have a harsh 'tick' sound.
The 'non-scratch scratch' (called 'scuffing')are broad marks from brushing the LP against an object. These marks often make no noise at all. (if you cannot feel it with your finger or fingernail, it will probably play without a ticking noise)
Cleaning is all important. The dirty looking ones often are easier to clean, wash 'em and play! The clean looking ones sometimes have an overdose of dreadful grunge buried in the grooves, that is really hard to get out. they sound terrible until they are properly cleaned. They need to soak! to get that stuff out.
The 'non-scratch scratch' (called 'scuffing')are broad marks from brushing the LP against an object. These marks often make no noise at all. (if you cannot feel it with your finger or fingernail, it will probably play without a ticking noise)
Cleaning is all important. The dirty looking ones often are easier to clean, wash 'em and play! The clean looking ones sometimes have an overdose of dreadful grunge buried in the grooves, that is really hard to get out. they sound terrible until they are properly cleaned. They need to soak! to get that stuff out.