2. analog
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Mold-damaged copy of "Live at Leeds"

Hello there,

I have come across a copy of "Live at Leeds", original pressing, with all of the inserts except for the poster (sniffle). While there are no scratches, there are some nasty mold blotches on one side. The label on that side shows evidence of water damage, as do several of the inserts.

I have tried evrything I can think of to get the vinyl clean. I use a VPI HW-17F cleaning machine with Nitty Gritty fluid. I even tried a second cleaning with Last "Power Cleaner". No luck. Anyone know what I should try next?
gthrush1
brianw
373 posts
 
" ...records are more durable than one assumes."

Depending upon the vinyl pellets purchased, or recycled in the case of most U.S. pressing plants during the era mentioned; bleach and alcohol CAN affect the plasticizors used in the vinyl composition, even in weak mixtures. Plasticizors are usually based on dibasic fatty acids, which bleach will permeate.

I have had tests ran on various LP pressings (about 40 in all), and have found that most used plasticizors in the vinyl to make the pressing more flexible and easier to tool.

If sound quality is an issue, I think that I'd try either the discontinued and controlled Last Freon based "First" solution. The freon won't permeate the vinyl, yet will clean the vinyl well. The down side is that you will need to purchase a pair of industrial gloves that will protect you from the freon, which is thought of as a cancer causing agent by the state of California.
jimbo3
304 posts
 
It's not that valuable or rare. Just find a good copy of the record without all the "extras" and put the good record together with the "extras". For $10 or less your problem is solved. With alot of luck, you'll find the missing poster to boot. Of course, it might be a good exercise to try to fix your current LP to gain the experience....

Regards
Jim
catalogwiz
15 posts
 
I'd try a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water...
deano
77 posts
 
Theoretically speaking I would believe that bleach has an affect on the vinyl but to what extent? Let's remember the big picture here and that is to save an otherwise useless record. If you cannot get the mold off then your only alternative is to toss it. I do have another product you can use which I also have had success with but I did not mention it last time because it is not as readily available as bleach. It is Shakley Products "Basic G" It is a germicide that kills mold and it will calm the fears of those who would rather not use bleach. If you do not kill the mold, it will come back. Hey! If all this fails, I have an original Live At Leeds that I scooped up. I believe it has all the goodies. Never been played! Interested?
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