Humminguru record cleaner


Almost all of my records are in NM condition, so I didn’t think I needed a record cleaner to replace my VPI 16.5. Also, my record surfaces are virtually silent.. But I was intrigued by the ultrasonic cleaners out there. So I bought one with the probability of a return. The results are amazing. This device cleans the records so well it’s like adding a new component to my system. And it’s only $500. With my already clean records I didn’t need the Degritter which is several times more expensive.

I recommend it highly.

128x128rvpiano

@davey and @aberyclark that's what I'd like to see. A "mid-priced" model offering the higher power of the Degritter without as many bells and whistles.  I already have a decent homemade vacuum RCM so I can use it to rinse and dry the records after they are ultrasonically cleaned.  Hopefully Degritter or Guru would eventually address the market in the $1000 to $1500 range for those of us who love vinyl but only have a few hundred albums, and mainly now listen to streaming services.  I can't justify $3K on an ultrasonic machine.  I'm actually pretty happy with my vacuum RCM (total cost around $500), but figure adding a good ultrasonic machine to the cleaning routine would be a step in the right direction. 

How much power is actually required to generate the bubbles that do the trick? I’ve had medical equipment cleaned by CLIA compliant machinery that essentially used a wall wart. We are just cleaning records here, not fracking. I am willing to believe that a”cheap, plasticky” Ultrasonic Device does the job and given the maturity of the technology if it sells for $500 I suspect the manufacturer is doing just fine in the profit area. As to the machine not being a piece of audio candy, I’m alright with that. I don’t need the mop that cleans my expensive hardwood floors to be sitting in an expensive Greek pottery from Republican Athens.

I have a HG and a VPI 16.5.

The HG does a great job. My favorite part is that no pads or brushes come into contact with the record. 

I’ve cleaned 300 records since getting my HG a year ago. RO tap water and six drops of Ilfotol wetting agent. Problem-free and a joy to use. SO much better than my previous vacuum RCM setup. NO need for additional rinse. I have enough invested in my record collection to justify a Degritter but I have yet to find compelling evidence that it does the job that much better than the HG to justify the price. With the $3K I’ve saved I buy better copies of favorite records that I can’t get acceptably clean. 

"I have enough invested in my record collection to justify a Degritter but I have yet to find compelling evidence that it does the job that much better than the HG to justify the price. With the $3K I’ve saved I buy better copies of favorite records that I can’t get acceptably clean."

This speaks to me.

I'll be hitting the "buy now" button for my own HG.