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Confused About LP Warps...How Can I Tell??


Hello Good People,

What are the different types of warps you find when inspecting an LP? How do I know which is which??

Is it bad for my cartridge (Dynavector 10X5) to play these??

Most importantly - when I'm shopping for used LP's, how can I detect a warp when I'm viewing the record at the store??

Seems like a lot of the used LP's I bring home lately are making my tonearm "surf some waves" - so I'm trying to avoid this!

Any help is most appreciated - and feel free to call me ignorant!
theunderlyingtheme
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
If I am suspicious of a warp, I look at the LP edgewise and line it up with a corner. Then turn the LP a quarter turn and check visually again. This is 'good enough', as if I cannot see any problem, it will play just fine. (The 'lay it flat' is good too.)
davidsss
43 posts
 
I've found the only fool proof way to check for a warp is to place the record on a turntable and spin it around - very obvious when you do this. Unless I really want the record I don't buy warped records as they are virtually impossible to dewarp. That said, I do own a few warped records and as long as the warp is not severe they play fine.

DS
theunderlyingtheme OP
90 posts
 

Thanx for the suggestions...so playing a slightly warped record is not going to shorten the life of a stylus or do anything else harmful??
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