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Record Cleaning Backlash

I bought myself a Nitty Gritty RCM about a year and a half ago. I started out using NG Pure2, applying it to the velvet lips and cleaning as per NG's instructions. It seemed ok, but as all things in this hobby, we wonder about the next step. So I bought some Disc Doctor and some AI pure water and started a multi-step process. Applying the DD with the DD brushes, taking it off with tissue, using pure water, off with tissue, another pure water rinse and vacuum it all off. I also tried L'Art Du Son and kept the mixed portion in my fridge. Also, the same multi-step procedure as Disc Doctor. I never went as far as Walker.

Well, I think I just got sick of spending so much time cleaning and went back to a very simple procedure. Nitty Gritty Pure 2 one-step fluid, applied with a DD brush, and then vacuum off with the NG. I will tell you - it works great and it's fast, easy and clean. I play the record after cleaning and there's nothing on the stylus tip.

Caveat - I'm talking about new or almost new vinyl here. I'm not trying to get 20 year old Pepsi out of the grooves. For that, the procedure would be more involved. So I ask you to free yourself of the tyranny of record cleaning and get sensible again. Or not! Whatever makes you happy. I'm just reminding myself and you that you can effectively clean both sides of a record in three minutes with great results and not having to clean 6 brushes when you're done. Enjoy.
chayro

Showing 4 responses by chayro

chayro OP
3,021 posts
 
When you remove the velvet lips on the NG, you have to make sure you get off all the gummy residue off the plastic underneath the velvet. I use a bit of Goo Gone on a Q-Tip, let it set for a minute and then wipe off any residue with a cloth. After that, clean the lips with isopropol alcohol and replace with new ones. I see no reason it shouldn't adhere as good as new. Anything to do with gluing is surface preparation, IMO.
chayro OP
3,021 posts
 
There's also the possibility that your capstan (if you have one) is adjusted too low, pressing the record against the lips too hard. This can be adjusted by turning the two small screws behind the capstan, raising it slightly.

People rave about Walker and I'm sure it's very good. It's all a personal choice as to how much time and effort you want to spend and whether you believe the results justify the labor and expense. I think you should try these other things. Then when you're done, go back to your old way and see if there's a difference.

I was a professional musician for 20 years and I learned something about hearing. Hearing is like eyesight - we all hear different, just as we see different. Some have better ears than others, just as some have better eyes than others. We just have a hard time accepting it.

I would never doubt what someone claims to hear, just because I can't hear it. The whole process is too complex and subjective.
chayro OP
3,021 posts
 
Based on the number of apparently satisfied customers, I don't doubt that steam does a very good job. But I've watched that You Tube video and it looks like a huge PITA and a mess. Apply and brush cleaning fluid, steam, steam again, add water and rinse, rinse again. That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid here. Power to those who want to deal with it, but I've just had enough. That's why this is a "backlash" thread.
chayro OP
3,021 posts
 
Whether static has a "sound" is really not the issue. I have had highly-charged vinyl on dry days and playing the record caused huge static-discharge "pops". If I touched the arm base while the record was playing I would get a shock. I treated the record with Gruv-Glide and the symptoms were gone. Conceptually, I would rather not put any additional substances on the record, but I found it necessary in some cases. The records were unplayable without it. Besides, GG is easily removed by a subsequent cleaning.
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