record brush

[cat9]

Hi everyone,

Recently back into vinyl - pulled my old collection out of storage and have been enjoying adding to the collection - both new and used vinyl. I am not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination - decent equipment and everything taken care of with great joy.

I have limited funds and will never own any of the high-end fancy record cleaning machines - it's just not an option for me. My own vinyl is perfect and all lp's play clean and quiet and when I purchase used vinyl I generally stick to mint or near mint and I have been served well with that.

I have for years used the Nagaoka Record Roller and a 2-row carbon fibre brush before each play.

I have read good things about the AcousTech Big Record Brush. I like its size and reviews say it is a good performer. I realize there are better brushes out there like the Furutech brush but again that is more than I am willing to spend.

Any of you use this product? Any helpful thoughts on this product?
Other suggestions besides what I am considering?

Thanks for the input!

cat9

[ripblade]

As you already have a complete decktop cleaning kit, why do want to expand it?

I suggest some sort of a wet cleaning regimen at this stage, preferably one with a vacuum to remove the contaminants and dry the record. As good as the nag roller is, it's not as good as a wet vac setup.

[cat9]

Thanks ripblade!

I can see why you may ask that. It's a fair question. I just thought the AcousTech Big Record brush might be a step up in performance to the carbon fiber I am presently using.

Although some have suggested the Spin Clean system may be a good next step for me. It is quite reasonable ($79) and offers something I presently don't have. The Big Record brush is about $40 so I'd be half way there. As stated in my initial post I will never purchase the more elaborate and expensive wet/vacuum systems out there but the Spin Clean might be a good place for me to land. It is a little more time consuming being totally manual but I have the patience and the time to make it work well.

I'll give this due consideration.

Thanks again,

cat9

[hezagenius]

I saw a youtube clip of a guy using steam to clean his records. Seemed like a good idea in theory, but is it safe to use something that hot? Is there any concern of melting or warping the record?

Here's the clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTmjz3M5ukk

[ripblade]

If it's safe to use steam or not is a controversial subject. I've done it, and can attest to it's effectiveness. In general however, it's not a good idea to heat the vinyl, but the steam is actually not that hot. As shown in the video, it doesn't scald the record....but it will warp it slightly during the process. The warp is temporary, and in some instances I've noticed the treatment will relax the vinyl, helping to flatten any existing warps.

With all that, I currently only use steam to warm the cleaning agents I apply to the grooves. My philosophy is that cleaning records - with all it's obvious benefits - will also wear the vinyl as assuredly as playing it. Consequently, I do as little as possible to achieve the desired result.

[crofk]

With all that, I currently only use steam to warm the cleaning agents I apply to the grooves. My philosophy is that cleaning records - with all it's obvious benefits - will also wear the vinyl as assuredly as playing it. Consequently, I do as little as possible to achieve the desired result.

Me too. That's why I use an ultrasonic cleaner. It has the ability to warm the solution and is completely no touch with the exception of drying off.

kc

[ripblade]

I've been thinking seriously of taking the plunge on one of these, but they're pricey. I do wonder about the effect cavitation might have, though. I've noticed with a glue peel that sometimes a cleaning can be too effective.

Which cleaner are you using?

[cat9]

Hey crofk,

I have no idea what an ultrasonic cleaner is - could you explain? And what kind of solution are you talking about? Your own formula or store bought?

Thanks.

cat9

[LousyTourist]

If I was in the market for what a spin clean costs, I'd consider saving up another twenty or so and getting one of those merrill gem dandies. No fluid contamination, water as warm as you want it, etc.

Down sides are that you don't seem to be able to scrub the record that much with one (same as spin clean) and you still really need a distilled water rinse to remove the hard water contaminants.

[Shadowman82]

I was curious as far as that "Big record brush" is concerned I can see how it's size would be an advantage but how do you clean the thing ? I'm currently using a Project "Brush-it" brush which you can just turn in the metal handle to clean the collected dust away .