Is A Warp, Any Warp, A Complete Disqualifier

[hrtshpdbox]

I've got two NM Charles Spurling's, so I was in the process of listing one when I noticed the merest hint of a "body warp", i.e. the slightest rise and fall of the stylus while recording the clip for Ebay, and a small section of the record that lifts a fraction of a fraction of an inch off the turntable pad during spins. So, disappointed that my "keeper" copy would now have this slight warp, I fetched the other one to sell - same slight warp. They both play perfectly, and I can't imagine any turntable having any trouble with them, but I guess once you say the word "warp" there's really no qualifying it so that it's acceptable to a buyer, right? Needless to say, I've checked out many of my other King's, and everything else looks OK.

[boba]

I've got two NM Charles Spurling's, so I was in the process of listing one when I noticed the merest hint of a "body warp", i.e. the slightest rise and fall of the stylus while recording the clip for Ebay, and a small section of the record that lifts a fraction of a fraction of an inch off the turntable pad during spins. So, disappointed that my "keeper" copy would now have this slight warp, I fetched the other one to sell - same slight warp. They both play perfectly, and I can't imagine any turntable having any trouble with them, but I guess once you say the word "warp" there's really no qualifying it so that it's acceptable to a buyer, right? Needless to say, I've checked out many of my other King's, and everything else looks OK.

you can write very slight warp NAP. I've noticed many sellers won't even note such warps, probably because they don't see them themselves.

[Premium Stuff]

I like my records to be totally flat - which is soooo picky given they are 40+ years old

Edge warps tend to get mentioned mostly, but slight dishing (my pet hate) often goes unmentioned.

For me a warp of any kind affects the value - even if it does not affect play. This is partly because of the visual pleasure I get from my records (ooooer! ) - I just love the look of them! (took me years to appreciate DJ writing - which I now like - and I turned down some great opportunities in search for the clean label), but also because I think that an undulation in the playing surface will eventually wear and so affect the play later, even if it is classed as NAP now.

I'm a picky bugger - but these vinyl antiques are expensive!

Whenever I get a new record the first thing I do after checking the vinyl and label condition is to hold it up edge ways and turn it looking for warps! If more people did that they would spot them too.

Just got a great 45 in the post from an excellent dealer in the USA - several hundred pound 45 - got a good price on it too - straight out of the packet I spotted it has a very slight warp like the one you describe - it wasn't mentioned - not sure whether it's a problem either What to do?

Your call I guess whether to list it. This post has been not much help I'm afraid

Cheers

Richard

Edited March 29, 2009 by Premium Stuff

[boba]

I like my records to be totally flat - which is soooo picky given they are 40+ years old

Edge warps tend to get mentioned mostly, but slight dishing (my pet hate) often goes unmentioned.

For me a warp of any kind affects the value - even if it does not affect play. This is partly because of the visual pleasure I get from my records (ooooer! ) - I just love the look of them! (took me years to appreciate DJ writing - which I now like - and I turned down some great opportunities in search for the clean label), but also because I think that an undulation in the playing surface will eventually wear and so affect the play later, even if it is classed as NAP now.

I'm a picky bugger - but these vinyl antiques are expensive!

Whenever I get a new record the first thing I do after checking the vinyl and label condition is to hold it up edge ways and turn it looking for warps! If more people did that they would spot them too.

Just got a great 45 in the post from an excellent dealer in the USA - several hundred pound 45 - got a good price on it too - straight out of the packet I spotted it has a very slight warp like the one you describe - it wasn't mentioned - not sure whether it's a problem either What to do?

Your call I guess whether to list it. This post has been not much help I'm afraid

Cheers

Richard

I actually find it very difficult to notice any warps that are only slight by holding the record at the edge, i tend to see them when they don't exist, especially if reflected off the light. I mainly see them by playing and seeing if the needle moves up or down.

[Kris Holmes]

if it is a gentle warp that doesn't affect play then it shouldn't affect value. IMO.

[Val (Chunky)]

which Charles Spurling is it?

[hrtshpdbox]

which Charles Spurling is it?

King 6115, "She Cried Just A Minute"

[Geoff Whitfield]

I would list it and be honest and mention the warp and that it NAP .

should only reduce value by about 10-20%. imo

Then let the people who want the record decide to buy or bid on it

geoff

[Guest bazabod_downunder]

Honesty is the best policy, list it as NAP & then it's up to the bidder, I'm sure you'll get plenty of interest, it only pisses people of when things are not listed or graded correctly, I have a copy of Lorretta Williams - Baby Cakes on UK Atlantic & when it arrived I was very dissapointed because of the edge warp (which was quite pronounced) luckily it plays perfect even on my ultra sensitive deck, it was just annoying that the seller didn't mention it.

KTF

Baz

I've got two NM Charles Spurling's, so I was in the process of listing one when I noticed the merest hint of a "body warp", i.e. the slightest rise and fall of the stylus while recording the clip for Ebay, and a small section of the record that lifts a fraction of a fraction of an inch off the turntable pad during spins. So, disappointed that my "keeper" copy would now have this slight warp, I fetched the other one to sell - same slight warp. They both play perfectly, and I can't imagine any turntable having any trouble with them, but I guess once you say the word "warp" there's really no qualifying it so that it's acceptable to a buyer, right? Needless to say, I've checked out many of my other King's, and everything else looks OK.

[hrtshpdbox]

Thank you kindly, everyone, for your comments!

[Dave West]

Thank you kindly, everyone, for your comments!

List it as very slight warp, NAP, and offer full refund if not satisfied, that way you cover all bases....

Westy

[Dranny]

I like my records to be totally flat - which is soooo picky given they are 40+ years old

Edge warps tend to get mentioned mostly, but slight dishing (my pet hate) often goes unmentioned.

For me a warp of any kind affects the value - even if it does not affect play. This is partly because of the visual pleasure I get from my records (ooooer! ) - I just love the look of them! (took me years to appreciate DJ writing - which I now like - and I turned down some great opportunities in search for the clean label), but also because I think that an undulation in the playing surface will eventually wear and so affect the play later, even if it is classed as NAP now.

I'm a picky bugger - but these vinyl antiques are expensive!

Whenever I get a new record the first thing I do after checking the vinyl and label condition is to hold it up edge ways and turn it looking for warps! If more people did that they would spot them too.

Just got a great 45 in the post from an excellent dealer in the USA - several hundred pound 45 - got a good price on it too - straight out of the packet I spotted it has a very slight warp like the one you describe - it wasn't mentioned - not sure whether it's a problem either What to do?

Your call I guess whether to list it. This post has been not much help I'm afraid

Cheers

Richard

Got a Bobby Shannon "I Get My Groove From You" its got a massive warp , surfers would love it , but plays without any problem , might be the ortofon on a 1210 (better grip than Jenson) ,as they seem to play anything , but agree its nice to see a record play dead flat , but how many mint looking british copies of any 7" or 12" record play with a modicum of surface noise and thats worse imo

Dranny

[Dave West]

I guess once you say the word "warp" there's really no qualifying it so that it's acceptable to a buyer, right?

Hasn't one of the Frank Wilson copies got a warp ?

Think that'd be acceptable to a buyer....

Westy

[chrissie]

its got a massive warp , surfers would love it , but plays without any problem , Dranny

I have a record like this, wont say what it is for fear of being arrested by the soul police, but found it about a year ago when I was sorting a box of records not touched since about 1975, you would get sea sick just watching it go round but plays fine, but if i had bought a record in this condition without it being mentioned in the listing I would be little unhappy to say the least. Honesty is best NAP with money back guarentee I think is your best route.

QoFxx

[Guest carl_p]

I think an engineer would tell you no record is perfectly flat. A very slight gradual rise or drop in the needle is perfectly normal. edge warps, obvious visual warps or any sudden needle fluctuations should be noted. make sure the label is flat and your turntable is clean. often a light dish will play very flat but should be noted. turntables differ as well if it sits on the label it might play different than if it's sitting on the play grooves. a super thin pressing with a light dish warp can be weighted down by the tonearm itself. i played a record and it played fine at .7 grams and my friend needed 3 grams on his turntable so there was quite a difference in sensitivity between the two turntables.

[Guest geomcewan]

Don't forget that even extreme warps are fixable - something I have experimented with for a while - it's relatively simple, so shouldn't be too much of a problem