record cleaning

[QWERTYPHIL]

are the commercially available machines really worth the expense?

[itwmharris]

quote:[hr]Originally posted by ARMITPHI: are the commercially available machines really worth the expense?[hr]

I suppose that depends on you! I have had a few records cleaned on these machines and there certainly was a SIGNIFICANT improvement. But thusfar not so much as to make me want to spend ~ £400 on a machine, though the DIY Moth machine seems to be pretty attractively priced if you have the time and inclination to build it up! Certainly if you own a lot of records or buy 2nd hand then it seems worth it IMO. Martin

[Piotr]

I think that they are worth the expense, atleast if you have alot of old records. The improvement in sound on many old records are far greater than for example if you change your cartridge. There are some machines that aren´t that expensive, for example the Moths and the KAB EV-1. For the KAB: http://www.kabusa.com/ev1.htm

[bopzee]

Vinyl deserves the best you can afford, and sometimes maybe a bit more. In my case I could afford an old bicycle front wheel hub (sans spokes), a plastic window planter, some pieces of alumninium and steel and two large (label sized) O rings. Oh yes, and a fine lady's makeup brush (which I nicked during a fast exit). ASK NO MORE!! A friends lathe did the turning for the record holder/spinner and I apply cleaner with a misting bottle, also for rinsing. But it works!!

[Piotr]

As long as it works it´s great. Perhaps you should try to patent it Piotr

[JaS]

I'm building one of my own at the moment so if my new digital camera ever shows up I might write up my experiences. Can't say I ever thought of using a bicycle hub - I'd love to see some pictures, did you keep the pedals and chain attached for turning the record? JaS

[ianphillip]

Vacuum cleaners are the best way to get dirt out of the grooves. The Moth kit is well priced and easy to assemble if you know how to use a jigsaw. To really get your records perfectly clean, I recomend using an Orbitrac to wet and scrub the disc, and a vacuum machine to get it dry (and remove the dirt in the process). Bear in mind that your stylus will last twice as long, and your records wear much less, if the grooves are free of dust. So yes, they are worth the money.

[bopzee]

Heh heh JaS You cheeky man you! The real problem is the saddle and the bell  ;D. Pictures in the near future. But I should mention that an airbrush does a better rinsing job with a little black stain to improve the cosmetics just prior to selling. Only kidding!!

[islandflavah]

Record cleaners are highly recommended if you have to listen to older used records,there is an amazing difference to the sound ,less clicks, pops and especially surface noise. You can hand clean them with simuliar results. But a machine with a vacuum feature is the best way. Enjoy The Music... By the way,there are home remedies for record cleaning solutions that are ALOT less$$$$..

[Marcsten]

Although I live in the US, I always try to get English pressings. To me they have the warmest smoothest sound. Anyway, some years ago I bought a Bryan Ferry album used in English pressing. I rushed home and only ever played it once as it sounded awful. A friend had bought an old Munks (sp?) machine, much like todays vacuum machines. It has since been one of my favorite albums of all time. Any truth to the rumour I have heard that the cleaning brushes in these machines way cause groove damage? Marc

[bopzee]

I have yet to see a record damaged by careful cleaning, more likely to get chemical damage due to cleansing mixture. But any excessive mechanical force will damage the grooves. A velvet pad is way less likely to exert sufficient force. Just be careful!

[Piotr]

No, the cleaning brushes can't cause groove damage.

[willbewill]

I built one using details from this site: http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/cleaner/cleaner.html it works very well and cost less than £40 including buying a new wet/dry vac.