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Warped Records

I would say about 75% of the new records I have purchased online or in some of the local shops are warped. The outer edge will almost always have a big hump in it, I can't tell if it is really affecting the sound but it is very disappointing.
I got four new records last night all but three were warped & the one that was not warped skips. Also they seem to be very noisy, The new 200g Led Zeppelin's all have some large pops in them. On a earlier date I took back some warped ones to the store & they put it on a turntable & told me it was normal.
ANother time I sent five records back to amusicdirect.com & they exchanged them for five more warped records.
What's the deal? Anyone else seem to have the same trouble?
krellm7
jbatlanta
97 posts
 
The warp on one especially "Sex Machine" by James Brown, was warped badly enough to bounce my tonearm JMW 12.5 and cause audio distortions to the Lyra Titan-i.

The VPI ring did help tame it immensely (the whole new Super Platter with HRX center weight and outer ring were very worthwhile upgrades to my Aries for audio reasons as well).

Guess it's just the thrill of vinyl. Still, for $50????
kbamhi
39 posts
 
I purchased a 50.00 double album from Acoustic Sounds that arrived defective in the way of globs of plastic on one of the LP's. I call for an RA number only to be told I would be responsible for the return shipping charges and they would process the return in a few weeks. It did indeed take over 3 weeks for them to ship me a replacement. I don't fault them for the defective record but what kind of customer service is that ? The fellow who issued the RA said " well we ARE going to replace it".
mantooth
3 posts
 
,,,I have the best,and most foolproof solution for repairing warped lp's,STEAM!,using a handheld steamer,I prefer ''living solutions'' steam cleaner available at Walgreens.Place the lp on a flat,and clean surface,than blast thoroughly with steam for about 30 seconds using distilled water only, til heat is distributed on the entire lp.This process will also clean it.
While the vinyl is still warm,and malliable,place weighted objects around the perimeter of the record [4 glass jars are ideal],and keep them there til the vinyl has cooled off completely. And ''Walla'',out comes an impeccably flat record,this beats the oven method,as lp's sandwiched between two plates of glass can cause severe damage to the vinyl by distorting the grooves,
cheers,
Paul
sonofjim
557 posts
 
Mantooth,
This is an intriguing idea. How long would you say it takes the LP to cool completely? Why glass jars? Would books work just as well or better?
mantooth
3 posts
 
,,,I would never use books as a means of securing a wet lp,
glass is clean,and doesn't absorb moisture,plus you want areas of the lp exposed to expediate cooling, this method is foolproof,and again,is not as contingent as the oven and glass technique.
This method can severely distort the vinyl's grooves,as well as bond any debris permanently to the lp.I even experiented with a hair dryer,while leaving lp in its sleeve with moderate success.

I allow a 10 min cooling period,than remove jars [drinking glasses work as well]trust me,it works.
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