How to Use a Loupe When Buying Vinyl Records
A loupe is a monocle-like magnifying glass commonly used by jewelers for a general inspection of precious gems and by photographers for inspecting slides on a light table. A loupe can also be used for a detailed inspection of vinyl records before buying. The magnification of a loupe typically ranges from 10x to 30x, which makes it an ideal tool for inspecting vinyl records before buying and adding to a collection. Use the loupe to look for imperfections both as a guide to determining the value of the record and as a tool for haggling price with used record dealers.
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Instructions
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Place the record on a flat, protected surface such as a clean, white cloth, with a good light source overhead.
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Look through the narrow end of the loupe while holding it about an inch off the surface of the record to check for gouges, scratches and pit marks, which may resemble tiny craters.
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Direct the beam of an LED flashlight at a 45-degree angle to the record surface while looking through the loupe to inspect the record for smudges, dirt, dried residue of any kind (spilled soda, beer, even food stains) and any cuts or scrapes running perpendicular across the grooves, indicating damage.
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Raise or lower the loupe to increase the clarity and focus of the magnification.
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Hold the record by the edges and use the loupe to view the vinyl from the side to check for nicks along the edge of the record, as well as warping of the vinyl. The record should appear straight and true when viewed from the edge. Curving or warping, as though the LP resembles a manta ray cruising through the water, are sure signs of permanent damage and cause for negotiating price.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the record grading guides linked in the reference section to determine the approximate value range for different records. That way, inspecting the actual condition of the record can be the final step in determining a fair price.
Inspecting a record with a loupe can help determine the extent of any damage, but it is no substitute for actually playing the record and listening to the grooves.
