Now Playing: 5 Basic Hacks for Vinyl and Turntable Maintenance
Just like in music, vinyl is more aesthetic and precious than any compact disk existing. More than the vibe it gives, vinyl produces good music once it started to spin on a turntable. However, just like with any other stuff we own, these two require proper maintenance to secure a satisfactory performance in the long run.
Below are five simple tricks on how to prolong their excellence. Better not to skip, read while enjoying your music!
Be Meticulous, Polish Your Stylus!
Once eaten by dirt and dust, a stylus can bring some severe damage to your vinyl. Such reason begs you to clean your music stuff regularly. A stylus brush is available online or in a music shop nearby, but a paintbrush is an alternative if you are on a tight budget.
Gently rub the tip of the stylus from back to front. It is important to do the cleaning this way to avoid bending the needle. If still not satisfied with the result, rubbing alcohol will do the job for deeper cleaning.
But whatever kind of cleaning you do, there will come a time when you have to say goodbye to your stylus. For longer life and quality play, try JICO styli as replacements.
Keep Your Turntable, Able!
Since most of the turntables are exposed, it also needs regular cleaning. A microfiber anti-static dusting cloth is the best tool to use. If it no longer works, moisturize the fabric with rubbing alcohol and start wiping from the center of your record player, going outwards. Make sure to leave the whole surface dry to avoid damage.
For The Record!
To keep your vinyl last for a long time, it is important to have it polished before and after use. A carbon fiber brush is highly recommended to stay away from scratches. Once in a while, a thorough cleaning is also needed to record cleaning fluid (mixed in distilled water) and microfiber cloth.
The Art of Letting Go
Consistent cleaning is not a hundred percent guarantee that every component will last for a lifetime; there are instances that you need to let go and replace what is broken. A good example is the turntable’s belt which needs a replacement once it stopped spinning.
Before placing a new belt, make sure that the record player is off. Right after, lift the platter and remove the plastic cover. If afraid of doing so, you may call a professional to get it done.
Protect At All Cost
To avoid frequent cleaning, keep the entire surface covered when not in use. Preventing unwanted dirt, molds, and dust will help you save time and money. Moreover, keep any liquid (e.g., water and chemicals) away from any of these components to maintain the internals and externals look good and do good.
To sum it up, having the proper knowledge together with the necessary cleaning materials will help you maintain your turntable and vinyl records in and out. Some of these may sound complicated in the beginning, but you will get used to them.
Vintage is class. Make it last!
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