Caring for your PJ Vinyl

ckravitz

Wasn't sure which forum was best so I chose Lost Dogs given the amount of vinyl related traffic here. Mods, please move if I have made a boo boo.

Does anyone have any good tips/best practices/etc in terms of care, conditioning, and storage. I've finally got all the proper studio albums plus a few other odds and ends, but I am not very knowledgeable about the dos and don'ts of vinyl so was hoping for some suggestions.

For example, my Yield and Self Titled have no visible scratches but I get a skip every now and then. The application of the slightest amount of pressure to the needle "fixes" the problem but I am figuring (hoping?) there is some TLC I can apply to permanently fix the problem as I am certain I should not be applying extra pressure to a spinning record! A preferred solution or cleanser? I have read distilled water works but I have also read that it needs to be something alcohol based (which scares me).

As to storage, do any of you remove the records from the Pearl Jam gatefolds and sleeves and store in generic inner and outer sleeves? I thought this was a good idea to avoid "ring wear" but perhaps the sturdy packaging is best?

MT132914

your vinyl player will need some downward force to track properly, that is if it has a counter balance on it, I have a debut carbon and it has a suggested setting of 15 grams, which is labeled on the counter balance weight. You only need to clean them if you spill something on it, which really should not happen unless you also use the records as a placemat.
I always give the records a light cleaning with a proper vinyl brush before playing to remove any dust. I also have taken all my records out of the paper sleeves and put them in plastic sleeves, or you can go one step further and get the archival paper sleeves that are lined with plastic, they cost a little more, but I guess when you are talking about $150 plus to replace the record then they are cheap. Get some good quality outer sleeves too to save the covers.
other than that, keep them out of reach of children and pets, be careful when you handle them, fingernails are good at scratching the vinyl, and you should be all good.

ckravitz

MT132914 wrote:

your vinyl player will need some downward force to track properly, that is if it has a counter balance on it, I have a debut carbon and it has a suggested setting of 15 grams, which is labeled on the counter balance weight. You only need to clean them if you spill something on it, which really should not happen unless you also use the records as a placemat.
I always give the records a light cleaning with a proper vinyl brush before playing to remove any dust. I also have taken all my records out of the paper sleeves and put them in plastic sleeves, or you can go one step further and get the archival paper sleeves that are lined with plastic, they cost a little more, but I guess when you are talking about $150 plus to replace the record then they are cheap. Get some good quality outer sleeves too to save the covers.
other than that, keep them out of reach of children and pets, be careful when you handle them, fingernails are good at scratching the vinyl, and you should be all good.

Wow, great stuff, thanks!

As to the force, it sounds like i need to upgrade my table. It was quite the budget model (Audio Technica LP60) and doesn't seem to have any sort of adjustable counterbalance on the arm.

matttaylor78

A worn or dirty stylus can track dirt into the grooves of otherwise clean record so I would look into replacing at least that portion if your turntable is old or bought used. But it definitely sounds like your tracking force is not adjusted properly. If you can't do it yourself find a dealer in your area that can adjust if for you....much cheaper than replacing your turntable.

dankind

Keep it away from PJ_Soul!

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=225236

:P :P :P

RoleModelsinBlood31

I've gone through many a turntable and fixed the internals of a few also. Try just taping a nickel to the top of your needle/arm.... Adds the weight and sure beats spending more $ for a new one.