How do i care for Vinyl records?

[thestorm]

Hi all

I'm looking for advice on how to maintain the quality of Viny
records. I used to buy loads of dance music on vinyl in the
early 90's but soon after that genre got popular the music started
coming out on CD.


What I'd like to know is, what is the BEST way to clean vinyl
what cleaning products should i buy?

I find that once the record is finished , the needle looks
like a cotton ear bud!

And the "crackle" sound on the record..is it due to dust on the
record or perment damge to the record itself?

I hope there are still people out there that listen to Vinlyl!!

Cya,
Shaz

[slingshot]

I still buy vinyl, I reckon the best thing is blow any large clumps of dust away, then play it afterwards clean any crap off the needle.

If you have really mucky records then a quick browse on the we should give you a load of recipes for cleaning fluids.

If you can't find any give me a shout and I'll dig some out.

Cheers

Slingshot

[gringottsdirect]

thestorm,
I play more vinyl than anything.
Now I never clean discs with anything, I find regular playing is the ultimate.
In the past I've used various anti-static treatments, Cecil E. Watts dustbugs, Pixall rollers and stuff.
If a disc has had something spilled on it, they used to say gentle washing in barely warm soapy water was best.

[thestorm]

ok thanks for the advice guys!
Its really nice listening to vinyl..it feels special going through
all the rtrouble of lining up the needle, hearing the crackle...
and then sitting back into the sofa and enjoying the sound.

[alan8477]

1. Ensure there is always an inner soft plastic lined sleeve (used to be able to buy them from WH Smiths)(when playing the LP place the inner sleeve back inside the outer sleeve with the open edge facing in).

2. Never leave an LP outside its sleeve or on the turntable when not in use.

3. Use an anti static gun before playing.

4. Use a soft felt based pad to remove the dust before playing.

5. Always play with the record deck lid closed.

6. Always store LPs upright (not flat).

7. Never store LPs against an outside wall (cold can create damp).

8. Never wash LPs unless with a specialist cleaning unit.

9. Never touch the playing surface.

Most damage is done to an LP when it is inside its sleeve, assuming you are careful with them in the first place.

This is what I do with LPs, and is one of the reasons I now use mainly CD.

[TheDufster]

I have around 1500 12" singles and about 400 CDs.
I have had more problems 'scratched' or damaged CDs than with vinyl!

At first I thought it was because when CDs first came out people thought they were 'indestructable' but I look after my CDs now. They are actually quite delicate.

[alan8477]

Keep saying it and people will believe it.

[thestorm]

thanks for the helpful advice guys, i'll keep it in mind.

[TheDufster]

Originally posted by alan8477
Keep saying it and people will believe it.

Keep saying what?

[ReTrO]

The only thing that we have continued selling for the past 15 years to clean vinyl are special brushes. It's not something I am into much but I think they are carbon covered or something. Cost around £15, and do a good job.

We have a professional record cleaning machine at work. There's not enough demand for it's usage anymore though.

[gringottsdirect]

ReTrO,
Is it the Keith Monks cleaning machine, I remember using it decades ago, with Genesis "Foxtrot".

[ReTrO]

I'll be honest and say I've no idea!

Its a big (2'x2'x1.5') black box that's been siting in the corner of the kitchen at work every since I started there.

I suspect it can be sold if anyone wants it.

ReTro, can you find out which machine it is? I might be interested,

[ReTrO]

I'll find out for you.

[lynx]

Originally posted by ReTrO

I suspect it can be sold if anyone wants it.

Let me know how much (little ) they want for it.