overwhelmed by record rituals


Hi all-

I'm new to vinyl and starting to build a collection. Because I am just buying new audiophile quality vinyl (so far) it never occurred to me I should be washing the vinyl before I play it. So far my process has been to use a bit of Last stylus cleaner on the stylus (maybe after every 3 or 4 plays) and to use an Audioquest brush on the record before dropping the needle. I am starting to get some pops and clicks, though, so wondering if I should be doing more. I read through record rituals and I am a bit overwhelmed and looking for a simple process. My first question is if I should invest in a record cleaning machine before I invest in more vinyl? Is VPI a decent (modestly priced) one? Second, this article in Stereophile on Last record preservation made me wonder if I should be doing that?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/last-record-preservation-treatment
So I guess that would mean my process might be VPI (or other record cleaner) for a new record (and periodically, I'm assuming, after that) followed by a one time treatment with Last record preservative. Using the carbon Audioquest brush and Last stylus cleaner as I have been all along?

Any guidance?

Thanks!

mc
mcanaday

Showing 11 responses by mcanaday

Hi BDP24 and all-

Yes, it does sound like a lot of work! But as good a place to put my OCD tendencies as anywhere! Thanks, guys, for such incredibly helpful advice. I'm thinking I will go ahead with the VPI HW 16.5--among other things, it's exciting to think I might be able to get into collecting used records this way. Just to ask a few follow ups then, if you all don't mind. Would this make sense for procedure:

For a new acquisition:
1) clean in VPI machine
2) treat with LAST record preservative

before each play:

1) clean stylus
2) use carbon brush
3) shoot with antistatic gun (DO I SHOOT THE VINYL ONCE PER SIDE? WHERE EXACTLY SHOULD I 'AIM' THE GUN? DO I ALSO SOMETIMES SHOOT THE CARTRIDGE???)

and then periodically dust the platter. [CAN I ALSO VACUUM OFF THE FELT MAT OR IS IT BETTER JUST TO GIVE IT A GOOD SHAKING OUT?]

Am I getting close? Thanks!
Thanks, Al.

One question regarding the gun, what do you mean when you say the last release is not performed on the record? You kind if shoot across the record horizontally rather than aiming straight at it? Or something else? And do you ever use the gun on the cartridge?

Also, I am wondering if my felt mat isn't creating a lot of dust and static too. I have a Rega RP6. Any Rega owners have any tips on this?

With thanks!
Wonderful responses, Audiogoners! I'm excited to get a RCM and to start experimenting with this. Thanks to all for your help! I am grateful! Margot
One other question about best practices: After applying the cleaning solution and vacuuming, is it also a good idea to rinse with distilled water? Perhaps apply with a spray bottle so as not to get the paper label wet? And then vacuum again to dry? Also, would it make sense to have two brushes? One for the cleaning solution and one for the rinse cycle?

Thanks!
Hello, Whart. I'd love to read your piece on this! Could you also clarify what a separate vacuum wand might mean? Do I need another attachment to vacuum up after the rinse stage? Would VPI or Nitty Gritty etc sell that as an accessory? Or am I misreading your message?

with many thanks! Margot
Hi, Whart. This is super helpful and I am looking forward very much to your piece, including your interview with the Library of Congress restoration specialist. I'm a professional historian, so I love the archival angle here! Thanks! Margot
Hi, Whart-

Is this what you mean by wand and pillar?

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-3560-vpi-pickup-tube-holder.aspx

Thanks again!

Margot
Great piece, Bill. I love the interview with the Library of Congress specialist. Fascinating!
Hey, thanks! I just purchased the VPI 16.5. Looking forward to cleaning some records this weekend, I hope.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions here!
Just now saw the photo essay, Whart. Fantastic! Thanks very much for doing that. I need some audiophile approved butter dishes!

cheers, Margot