2. analog
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How best to eliminate LP warps

I own about 2500 LPs, and I like to think they're flat.  Furthermore, I espoused the view that warped LPs ought to be discarded.  But lately I have found 2 or 3 of my LPs that do have warps but sound too good and are too precious for the music recorded on them to throw away.  So I am in the market for ideas on how to remove warps.  I am aware that there was a device on the market that looked like a large waffle maker, to be used for warp removal.  I think Furutech made it, but I never see it advertised these days.  I am also aware of the DIY method of placing an LP between two glass plates and heating the ensemble.  The question there would be how hot and for how long?  Any suggestions are welcome, especially opinions on the efficacy of the Furutech.  Thanks.  Please no comments on vacuum hold down; I think it's a great idea but none of my five turntables has that feature.

lewm

Showing 1 response by audio_d

audio_d
56 posts
 

I'd say unless the record is unplayable live with minor warps.

I've tried traditional and modern methods of trying to flatten reocrds with varying degrees of success.

Last machine used was the AFI Flat.

Most of the time it works pretty well, but it has ruined several records including a numbered Blade Runner soundtrack on red vinyl and a sonically mint early pressing of Fleetwood Mac Rumours.

The Blade Runner was a strange one as I had successfully flattened many colored records but QRP must have used some non-standard vinyl formulation that made it susceptible to heat damage. After treatment a rough orange peel pattern appeared on the record and it was unplayable. Other owners of this record have also experienced ruin using a variety of de-warping methods.

Caveat emptor when using these devices.

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