ultrasound cleaning?

I haven't heard of those before, and my Japanese is nonexistent. Any chance they have an English site?

John Chapman at BentAudio is working on an ultrasonic LP cleaner. He showed a prototype at VSAC but he hasn't released it yet.

I'm waiting like you...

There is an article in recent Dec-03 issue of Analog(Japanese magazine) on this machine. More pictures and explanations, specs. I can do my best to translate/summarize(will take some time though). But can not share photos due to copyright stuff. I will see if Analog magazine has a web-site of course will be in Japanese but at least can see. It has a + (cross) on the bottom each with 2 brushes on each of the 4 arms top, bottom, left, right, seems they are offset to provide full coverage. There is a manual unit and an automated for spinning. about $200 dif.

More to come. I may be the guinea pig. If I can confirm these types of devices are really effective. I have read varying opinions. Most say concept is sound:) but overkill and regular washing is just as good with vacuum most important. One person mentioned a concern over micro bubbles left over, could theoretically damage stylus, but not sure anyone has ever experienced. Stylus are more expensive not to mention the hassle of getting installed.

I am personally using a ultrasonic bath tan for cleaning medical/dental supllies in cleaning LPs. They are great. Buy one large enough and it would not caused more than 300. After that , get a VPI 16.5, vacumn dry the LPs. I assure you, this will be cleanest LP you ever have.

Greatly appreciate the suggestion and feedback on the effectiveness for this technology.

I am eagerly waiting to see John Chapman's invention suggested earlier. Why? A slight digression, but Coz very strangely on same day, different forum, he was suggested on another product I am very interested in FAL speakers. These are full range single driver speakers. I stumbled upon, literally, shopping for other equip. What was meant to be a quick view 5mins, turned out to be an enlightening after-noon.

The VPIs are nice but very expensive in Japan 2X US prices and since heavy will cost a bit to ship from US. I believe I can make a vacuum machine with nominal effort/cost.
http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/cleaner/cleaner.html

The ultra-sound LP cleaners in Japan are not much more than an off the medical/optical cleaners, but have base brushes, spindle and label cover included. Costs $200+ for the motor to spin, which I am struggling with the value on something so simple, but alas convenient.

Well I am leaning towards one of these devices, whether Chapmans, the JP model or medical/optical machine. Just want to increase my comfort level they are worth it.

John Chapman's design is interesting. You mount up to 7 LP's on a sort of rotisserie spit, kind of like baking a chicken. :) The motor rotates the records VERY SLOWLY through the bath. Only the bottom portion of the records is submerged, and the motor goes so slowly that the solution slides off the record and doesn't wet the label. John suggests a 5-10 minute cleaning cycle. No vacuum included, so if that proves necessary a second device will be needed.

ysping@vol.net,
What solution do you like best? How necessary is vaccuming.