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Brush/scrubbing ideas for VPI 16.5 record cleaner.

After missing several 16.5's on eBay and here, I broke down a bought one new. What's it like? In a word: excellent. I am really amazed how some albums really come to life after a good cleaning. Not only is the fizz and pop gone, but you move a couple of rows closer to the performance.

What I have noticed is that the supplied VPI brush needs to be used lightly. A heavy hand will leave faint scratches seen on the clear inside groove area. I can only assume this is not a good idea and these scratches affect the complete album. I do use copious amounts of cleaning fluid, so I assume the problem is with the brush and/or my technique.

Do you have any suggestions on scrubbing or cleaning generally dirty (i.e. thrift shop) albums. Do you let them soak? If so, how long? Do you worry about the alcohol content on long soakings?

Are you a scrubber? My tendency is lean in and use some elbow grease on a dirty album, but after seeing the tiny scratches, I need to rethink this technique. Any suggestions on a "kinder, gentler" brush; the cheaper the better.

Thanks,
rrick

Showing 1 response by rrick

rrick OP
23 posts
 
Thanks the all the ideas. I finding that cleaning albums is something that takes a touch. While I'm truely impressed with the 16.5, it also has its limitations. I think just using VPI cleaner and vacuuming is good for new and lightly soiled records. When it comes to 20 year old fingerprints, it time to pull out the detergent, mold killers, whatever.

The VPI brush is good, but do be careful. The tiny scratches I saw only showed up on the inside smooth groove and never dulled the rest of the album. I also read in another thread that someone had a similar complaint.

I'm going to experiment with some more cleaners. The VPI stuff seems to be a bit lite for the tough mold and finger prints. 5 minute soakings have helped, but the grunge is still there. DiscDoctor sounds good, but ouch, those brushes are expensive. I might just get the DiscDoctor goop and try the above mentioned brush.

Good luck,
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