For many audiophiles, listening to vinyl remains the ultimate experience in music reproduction. While digital has advanced greatly, it's essential binary nature means the original analog sound is never fully reproduced, just recreated. Vinyl, as an analog medium, reproduces the original sound in full. Vinyl has its own problems, including pops and hisses, but these can be reduced significantly by properly caring for your vinyl.
Record Cleaning Machine
A record cleaning machine is an indispensable piece of equipment for the serious vinyl lover. An RCM has a platter driven by a motor and a vacuum suction tube that removes dirt and debris. Brand new and newly purchased old records should be cleaned with an RCM before playing. Place the record on the platter and secure it to the platter, then turn on the motor. Apply some record cleaning fluid (available from most vinyl collecting stores), then use a brush to lightly scrub the record as the platter spins the vinyl. Finally, place the suction tube over the record and turn on the vacuum, and the machine will remove the cleaning fluid. Let the record turn once as it does this, then turn off the vacuum.
Dry cleaning
While wet cleaning is recommended on new vinyl and periodically on old vinyl, you do not have to do it every time you play your vinyl. A record cleaning brush is helpful for removing any loose pieces of dust. Carefully remove the record from its sleeve, being sure not to get fingerprints on it, and place it on the turntable. Take the record cleaning brush and lightly brush dust off the surface, starting on the inside and working toward the outside. Use a Zerostat antistatic gun to remove any static charge from the record surface.
Stylus care
Making sure your stylus is in proper shape is the final step in caring for your vinyl. A damaged stylus can destroy your record collection. There are many stylus cleaning products on the market, and your stylus should be cleaned fairly frequently to remove dust and other particles that can build up on it. If the stylus is out of alignment or worn down, replace it immediately.
Tags: record cleaning, your vinyl, brush lightly, caring your, caring your vinyl, cleaning brush, cleaning fluid
