[78-L] FW: Question about a record

[Michael Biel]

In the early LP days, Sam Goody would let people exchange a record if it 
was only played once.  The clerks would look at the spindle hole and see 
if there was more than one mark.  I think that he might have influence 
some of the companies like Columbia to use a dull finish label to make 
the marks more obvious.  Of course if you were very careful or if the 
record had been a middle of the pile on a changer, you could have a 
record with no marks.  Occasionally there might be a little flap of 
vinyl or paper in the spindle hole and it might tend to cover the hole 
until it was deflowered.  Movie rental companies would sometimes put a 
label over a film reel spindle hole whenever they had run the film thru 
a cleaning and inspection machine. 

I have recently read articles from the 1930s about perceived differences 
when playing a mint 78 -- I'll post references when I find them in my 
notes -- and there was one dealer which mentioned playing a record thru 
before listening to it.  And as has been mentioned in other recent 
threads, the British liked "fibred" records, records which had been 
played with a fresh juicy cactus thorn needle, and there were dealers 
who advertised in the 30s that they fibred each record before selling it.

Mike Biel  mbiel at mbiel.com 

Ron L'Herault wrote:
> I don't think it is a problem.  I suspect he may not want to play it on a DD
> machine if it is unplayed, or may make an electronic transfer first.
>
> Ron L
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: 78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com
> [mailto:78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com] On Behalf Of David Lennick
> Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 4:46 PM
> To: 78-L Mail List
> Subject: Re: [78-L] FW: Question about a record
>
> This is a problem how....?
>
> Actually, lots of DDs look shiny clean if they've been well treated and kept
>
> away from dust and crud and moisture.
>
> dl
>
>
> Ron L'Herault wrote:
>   
>> A friend who is somewhat new to collecting has asked me the question
>>     
> below.
>   
>> Any thoughts from our memebers?
>>
>>  
>>
>> Ron L
>>
>>  
>>
>> Subject: Question about a record
>>
>>  
>>
>>
>> Ron,
>>
>> I have a question that I hope there is an answer for.
>> I received a Edison record today # 52136 the problem is the record looks
>> like it has never  been played.
>> The only marks on the record is some minor marks from the  paper sleeve.
>> Is there a way to tell if a record has ever been played?
>>
>>
>>