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Play Testing
Usually a record will be Play Tested if I am asking a significant price and/or claiming a high grade. Sometimes a record will be play tested because I am transferring the album to CD. In either case I am listening for any noticeable audio defects.
One thing that can be misleading about play testing is that a record can be visually graded NM, and still pop occasionally. I'm old enough to remember pulling out a brand new record in the 70's and hearing a pop because of a dust particle. As vinyl became thinner, it became more critical to keep them dust-free. That is not an excuse, just an example. I cannot afford the high-tech cleaners, so I have to rely on old-fashioned elbow grease (with care, of course). I may miss a dust spot or two. So an occasional light pop may be attributed to dust if the record has no apparent visual defect, and will not be noted.

I will also use terms such as light pop because there are some pops that some people can live with. Some may not mind a muffled pop or light defect on one song if the rest of the vinyl is in exceptional condition. It just depends on the collector. I personally have bought justifiable VG+ LPs from reputable record dealers that had a very light scuff causing an occasional light pop. The kind of pop that doesn't have the hard "snap" caused by a scratch. I kept the record. Either way if I hear it, I'll let you know about it, and then the choice is yours.

I realize that collectors want the best condition record for their dollars, but unless the record is still sealed, please understand it is difficult to report perfection. After all, NM is just that, near mint. Close to perfection. Records were never perfect in the first place. It is why we moved to CDs, and now mpg's. Once again: no excuses, only reality. Our promise is that Turntable Treasures will give you an honest evaluation of the record with as many details and images as you request, always with a money back guarantee. Thank you for your interest and business.