Vinyl Care


I just got a new turntable and cartridge after not having one for years.

I need a recommendation for a relatively inexpensive record cleaner.

I really never took proper care of my records,and would like some basic advice on how to keep them clean on a regular basis.

I also need some guidance on care and cleaning of my cartridge and stylus.My currant cartridge is a Rega exact.

Please know that I don't have a big collection of valuable records,just a bunch of old rock recordings amassed over the past 50 years.

I have started buying some new records,but only select prized albums that I have lost or have been worn out.

Thanks.

twangy57

Showing 2 responses by drmuso

@twangy57 

If you don't want to wait until you can get a VPI, you might consider a Nitty Gritty or Record Doctor vacuum record cleaner.  My Nitty Gritty 1.0 still works like new after over 30 years.  It does take 3 manual turns to remove all the cleaner.  I'm currently using MoFi liquid cleaners, but I've never been convinced that one cleaner is better than another.  But perhaps the MoFi have an edge in that they leave less residue.  You can test this by placing a drop of cleaner on a horizontal mirror and see how much residue is left after it evaporates.

I use a Zerostat anti-static gun and then an Oracle carbon-fiber brush to clean each record before play.  (The Oracle may be unobtainium, but many use a Hunt Decca carbon-fiber brush or other brands.) It's also helpful if you use rice-paper sleeves to lower static charge on the record. Whatever sleeve you use, if you cut open two sides so it can be opened like a book, that will also reduce static.  I use LAST preservative on my LPs, and I think this also reduces the static charge on some.  (Static charge increases dust adherence to the vinyl, so it's very important to reduce it, especially if the humidity is low in your listening room.)  Many of my records play so quietly, you'd be hard pressed to tell they're vinyl.  Unfortunately, a lot of US '70s vinyl was of inferior quality, so they may never be that quiet.

The good thing about many rock LPs is that the music is so uniformly loud, that surface noise is less audible during the music.

@twangy57 

tI think Music Direct may stock anti-static guns, maybe even the Zerostat.  You might also look on eBay--there may be used ones there.  Just make sure there's a return privilege in case it doesn't work.  You can hear, feel and even smell (ions) when they do work.  Also, they used to come with a little attachment with a small light that would light in response to pulling the trigger of a working gun.  You can test static easily by taping a bit of styrofoam to a thread and watch if it is attracted to the vinyl.