Great Thread! I recently picked up a used VPI 16 and upgraded it to the 16.5. Thing is, the instructions that came it leave a bit to be desired (basically, turn it on, wet LP& brush, scrub & vacuum a couple turns).
I've developed my own 'ritual' but it's not as involved s some I've read here (although now mine might become more so ;). I use VPI solution and Last preservative. While I've been leaving the LAST treatment on (as my last step) it sounds to me like I should be cleaning the LP once more after I've applied the LAST?
At the end of the cleaning I then replace the orig liner with a new rice paper one and the Album cover in a new plastic sleeve.
Also, my particular VPI has a foam cell mat. I see the replacements are cork. Wouldn't cork retain dirt/grime on the surface (whereas dirt/grime would 'fall'into foam cells)? What kind of mat do new VPI's have and/or what would you recommend as a replacement?
Finally, I use a couple nylon record brushes I had laying around to 'scrub' the LP's. One is somewhat stiff, the other is softer. What kind of 'scrub brush' are the experts using?
I've developed my own 'ritual' but it's not as involved s some I've read here (although now mine might become more so ;). I use VPI solution and Last preservative. While I've been leaving the LAST treatment on (as my last step) it sounds to me like I should be cleaning the LP once more after I've applied the LAST?
At the end of the cleaning I then replace the orig liner with a new rice paper one and the Album cover in a new plastic sleeve.
Also, my particular VPI has a foam cell mat. I see the replacements are cork. Wouldn't cork retain dirt/grime on the surface (whereas dirt/grime would 'fall'into foam cells)? What kind of mat do new VPI's have and/or what would you recommend as a replacement?
Finally, I use a couple nylon record brushes I had laying around to 'scrub' the LP's. One is somewhat stiff, the other is softer. What kind of 'scrub brush' are the experts using?