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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 1 response by dlcockrum

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dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
I have a VPI 16.5 and use the Walker Prelude 4-step system. It is a pain in the @#$ no doubt, but you get good at it after a few tries. The VPI 16.5 is a great machine. I've never had to do anything to it since I bought it new in 1995. Works like a champ every time.

Anyway, I heard a cut off of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Couldn't Stand the Weather" (Tin Pan Alley) at RMAF that sounded killer, so I dug out my old copy of the LP when I returned home. It looked pristine (new), so I gave it a quick on-platter rub with my Hunt EDA brush and a wave of the Talisman and sat down to listen. The surface noise was so bad that it was unlistenable.

I immediately cleaned it with the Walker Prelude system and the 16.5, put it back on the platter and, voila, the surface noise vanished. Dead quiet. This is far from the first time that I have experienced this since buying the Walker system.

It might be a bit of trouble, but I consider the Walker Prelude system (and a good RCM) to be a must-have for serious vinyl lovers. Just my two cents FWIW.
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