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Record & Vinyl Care

Setting The Record Straight

When it comes to handling your record player and vinyl records. It’s important to slow down, it not only helps you be more in the moment with your music, but you are also taking steps to care for your collection!

This isn’t like digital where you can instantly pull up any song. There are various maintenance steps you’ll want to take to ensure your record player is properly prepared to play a record. I’ll also touch on some handling tips for your records as well.

You first will want to make sure your record player is level. An unleveled record player can mean the stylus is contacting the grooves of the record in an unwanted angle. This could cause wear on your style or record, or even distorted noise.

Luckily, many record players have adjustable legs. However, torn paper or other material can provide an alternative to help level.

Speakers come in many sizes and some are small enough to rest close to your record player. We all love playing our music loud, but it’s important to ensure our speakers are not close enough to our record player where it might shake it.

If your speaker is shaking your record that could damage your stylus, record, or experience some skipping. It’s better to keep your speakers at a safe distance that way your records are safe and you can enjoy your music as loud as you want!

The Finer Details

When you are ready to listen to your music remove your dust cover from your record player. Some dust covers are able to simply be lifted up and others need to be removed entirely.

Dust will be your worst enemy when it comes to records, so using your dust cover is just another way to help keep your collection protected.

Take a look at your stylus. See any chips or bending? Any black residue from records? These are some things you’ll want to check to make sure your stylus is still functional.

If you begin to play a record and it skips or bounces, or having sudden static are audio cues that your stylus needs replaced. Taking care of your stylus is vital. This what is generating the noise you hear. A damaged stylus will lead to your records being scratched or worn down.

Before we pull out our records make sure there is a record platter. There are a number of different types of mats such as cork, leather, acrylic, and silicone. What makes them interesting is that each material affects the sound different.

There is no wrong answer for the type of material you use as long as you have a mat. They help grip your record and reduce friction so your record isn’t having any unnecessary movement.

The Needle Drop

Now lets grab our record! Open up the sleeve and carefully put it out. Be sure to only touch the edges of the record. The oils on our skin can seep into the grooves and create issues when we play it.

Check which side is A side or B side. This will be indicated at the center sticker typically with which songs are on each side. Place the center of the record through the medal rod in the center of the platter.

Turn your turntable on and let your record spin. Getting eye level will show you that all records are not created equally. Some are pressed extremely flat and others not so much.

Using a record weight that goes right on top of your record through the metal rod will apply some pressure to reduce any warping. A record weight is not completely necessary, but having warping could lead to trouble.

Every time you are about to play a record it is crucial you clean the record. There are two things you need to be aware of when you do clean, we are getting rid of the dirt found within the grooves, and we also want to avoid creating static.

Anti-static brushes are great for getting within the grooves and removing static. Hold the brush just enough for the bristles to tickle the record. The record is doing all the record since it’s spinning, so after a few spins move the brush at a 45 degree angle off the record. Static can cause excessive pops and noise during play and could also lead to your mat sticking to your record.

Next, set your record speed. The speed is determined on the number of rotations are around the record. 33 1/3, 45, or 75. A typical 12 inch record will be spinning at 33 1/3 while a 7-in single will spin at 45 RPM.

Now it’s finally time to place your stylus on your record. Our hands shake and can be imprecise so many record players have a cue feature. This will allow the needle to slowly fall in a precise location without the fear of a last-minute shake.

Slowly drop the needle on the edge of the record. You should hear a pop then your music! Once the record is finished take the needle off, flip the record, and repeat the cleaning process.

Aftercare

After you’ve played your record it’s important your records are stored safely. New records are often shipped either without record sleeves or paper sleeves. That is no good!

Anti-static plastic sleeves will reduce static build up and offer more protection. The paper sleeves are a static creator and can leave scratches. (You could even can an extra step and get a outer plastic sleeve for the entire record.)

Where we place our records is also important. Staking records on top of one another will lead to warping and damages. They get heavy fast. Instead, place them vertically without over stuffing them on a shelf. Leave some wiggle room. You want to avoid packing the records too tight.

That’s all for some basic handling and care of your record player and records. There are a lot of easy care that can be overlooked or ignored, but if you want your collection to last then it’s important to slow down and really be in the moment with what you are doing.

Noise from a record is created from the fine needle creating vibrations in the grooves of the record which is then amplified and played through speakers.
To set the counter weight, first turn the knob until the tone arm is balanced. Then use the fine adjustment knob with reference to your needle cartridge.
To set the counter weight, first turn the knob until the tone arm is balanced. Then use the fine adjustment knob with reference to your needle cartridge.
Antiskate is a mechanism on a record player that helps to keep the stylus from skipping on the record and from wearing unevenly by counterbalancing the inward force that pulls the tonearm towards the center of the record as it plays.
Antiskate is a mechanism on a record player that helps to keep the stylus from skipping on the record and from wearing unevenly by counterbalancing the inward force that pulls the tonearm towards the center of the record as it plays.
The platter on a record player is the rotating disc that holds the vinyl record in place and spins it at a consistent speed, this allows the stylus to track the grooves and produce sound. Platters come in many different materials.
The platter on a record player is the rotating disc that holds the vinyl record in place and spins it at a consistent speed, this allows the stylus to track the grooves and produce sound. Platters come in many different materials.
Cleaning supplies for records and record players are tools and solutions used to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from vinyl records, stylus, and other parts of the record player. These may include brushes, microfiber cloths, record cleaning solutions, stylus cleaning solutions, and other specialized cleaning tools. Proper cleaning of records and record players can improve sound quality, reduce wear and tear on the equipment, and prolong the life of your vinyl collection.
Cleaning supplies for records and record players are tools and solutions used to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from vinyl records, stylus, and other parts of the record player. These may include brushes, microfiber cloths, record cleaning solutions, stylus cleaning solutions, and other specialized cleaning tools. Proper cleaning of records and record players can improve sound quality, reduce wear and tear on the equipment, and prolong the life of your vinyl collection.
An anti-static brush is a tool used to remove static electricity from vinyl records before playing them on a record player. The brush typically has soft carbon fiber bristles that help to discharge static electricity from the record surface, reducing pops, crackles, and other noise in the audio playback.
An anti-static brush is a tool used to remove static electricity from vinyl records before playing them on a record player. The brush typically has soft carbon fiber bristles that help to discharge static electricity from the record surface, reducing pops, crackles, and other noise in the audio playback.
A brush for a record player is a tool used to clean the stylus or needle of the record player. It is typically made of soft fibers or a velvet-like material that gently removes dust, dirt, and debris from the stylus.
A brush for a record player is a tool used to clean the stylus or needle of the record player. It is typically made of soft fibers or a velvet-like material that gently removes dust, dirt, and debris from the stylus.
The record player post is the spindle-like component on a record player that holds the vinyl record in place while it spins.
The record player post is the spindle-like component on a record player that holds the vinyl record in place while it spins.
To clean a record with a brush, use a soft brush and sweep gently in the direction of the grooves as it spins.
To clean a record with a brush, use a soft brush and sweep gently in the direction of the grooves as it spins.

Setting The Record Straight

When it comes to handling your record player and vinyl records. It’s important to slow down, it not only helps you be more in the moment with your music, but you are also taking steps to care for your collection!

This isn’t like digital where you can instantly pull up any song. There are various maintenance steps you’ll want to take to ensure your record player is properly prepared to play a record. I’ll also touch on some handling tips for your records as well.

You first will want to make sure your record player is level. An unleveled record player can mean the stylus is contacting the grooves of the record in an unwanted angle. This could cause wear on your style or record, or even distorted noise.

Luckily, many record players have adjustable legs. However, torn paper or other material can provide an alternative to help level.

Speakers come in many sizes and some are small enough to rest close to your record player. We all love playing our music loud, but it’s important to ensure our speakers are not close enough to our record player where it might shake it.

If your speaker is shaking your record that could damage your stylus, record, or experience some skipping. It’s better to keep your speakers at a safe distance that way your records are safe and you can enjoy your music as loud as you want!

Noise from a record is created from the fine needle creating vibrations in the grooves of the record which is then amplified and played through speakers.

The Finer Details

When you are ready to listen to your music remove your dust cover from your record player. Some dust covers are able to simply be lifted up and others need to be removed entirely.

Dust will be your worst enemy when it comes to records, so using your dust cover is just another way to help keep your collection protected.

Take a look at your stylus. See any chips or bending? Any black residue from records? These are some things you’ll want to check to make sure your stylus is still functional.

If you begin to play a record and it skips or bounces, or having sudden static are audio cues that your stylus needs replaced. Taking care of your stylus is vital. This what is generating the noise you hear. A damaged stylus will lead to your records being scratched or worn down.

Before we pull out our records make sure there is a record platter. There are a number of different types of mats such as cork, leather, acrylic, and silicone. What makes them interesting is that each material affects the sound different.

There is no wrong answer for the type of material you use as long as you have a mat. They help grip your record and reduce friction so your record isn’t having any unnecessary movement.

To set the counter weight, first turn the knob until the tone arm is balanced. Then use the fine adjustment knob with reference to your needle cartridge.
To set the counter weight, first turn the knob until the tone arm is balanced. Then use the fine adjustment knob with reference to your needle cartridge.
Antiskate is a mechanism on a record player that helps to keep the stylus from skipping on the record and from wearing unevenly by counterbalancing the inward force that pulls the tonearm towards the center of the record as it plays.
Antiskate is a mechanism on a record player that helps to keep the stylus from skipping on the record and from wearing unevenly by counterbalancing the inward force that pulls the tonearm towards the center of the record as it plays.
The platter on a record player is the rotating disc that holds the vinyl record in place and spins it at a consistent speed, this allows the stylus to track the grooves and produce sound. Platters come in many different materials.
The platter on a record player is the rotating disc that holds the vinyl record in place and spins it at a consistent speed, this allows the stylus to track the grooves and produce sound. Platters come in many different materials.

The Needle Drop

Now lets grab our record! Open up the sleeve and carefully put it out. Be sure to only touch the edges of the record. The oils on our skin can seep into the grooves and create issues when we play it.

Check which side is A side or B side. This will be indicated at the center sticker typically with which songs are on each side. Place the center of the record through the medal rod in the center of the platter.

Turn your turntable on and let your record spin. Getting eye level will show you that all records are not created equally. Some are pressed extremely flat and others not so much.

Using a record weight that goes right on top of your record through the metal rod will apply some pressure to reduce any warping. A record weight is not completely necessary, but having warping could lead to trouble.

Every time you are about to play a record it is crucial you clean the record. There are two things you need to be aware of when you do clean, we are getting rid of the dirt found within the grooves, and we also want to avoid creating static.

Anti-static brushes are great for getting within the grooves and removing static. Hold the brush just enough for the bristles to tickle the record. The record is doing all the record since it’s spinning, so after a few spins move the brush at a 45 degree angle off the record. Static can cause excessive pops and noise during play and could also lead to your mat sticking to your record.

Next, set your record speed. The speed is determined on the number of rotations are around the record. 33 1/3, 45, or 75. A typical 12 inch record will be spinning at 33 1/3 while a 7-in single will spin at 45 RPM.

Now it’s finally time to place your stylus on your record. Our hands shake and can be imprecise so many record players have a cue feature. This will allow the needle to slowly fall in a precise location without the fear of a last-minute shake.

Slowly drop the needle on the edge of the record. You should hear a pop then your music! Once the record is finished take the needle off, flip the record, and repeat the cleaning process.

Cleaning supplies for records and record players are tools and solutions used to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from vinyl records, stylus, and other parts of the record player. These may include brushes, microfiber cloths, record cleaning solutions, stylus cleaning solutions, and other specialized cleaning tools. Proper cleaning of records and record players can improve sound quality, reduce wear and tear on the equipment, and prolong the life of your vinyl collection.
Cleaning supplies for records and record players are tools and solutions used to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from vinyl records, stylus, and other parts of the record player. These may include brushes, microfiber cloths, record cleaning solutions, stylus cleaning solutions, and other specialized cleaning tools. Proper cleaning of records and record players can improve sound quality, reduce wear and tear on the equipment, and prolong the life of your vinyl collection.
An anti-static brush is a tool used to remove static electricity from vinyl records before playing them on a record player. The brush typically has soft carbon fiber bristles that help to discharge static electricity from the record surface, reducing pops, crackles, and other noise in the audio playback.
An anti-static brush is a tool used to remove static electricity from vinyl records before playing them on a record player. The brush typically has soft carbon fiber bristles that help to discharge static electricity from the record surface, reducing pops, crackles, and other noise in the audio playback.
A brush for a record player is a tool used to clean the stylus or needle of the record player. It is typically made of soft fibers or a velvet-like material that gently removes dust, dirt, and debris from the stylus.
A brush for a record player is a tool used to clean the stylus or needle of the record player. It is typically made of soft fibers or a velvet-like material that gently removes dust, dirt, and debris from the stylus.

Aftercare

After you’ve played your record it’s important your records are stored safely. New records are often shipped either without record sleeves or paper sleeves. That is no good!

Anti-static plastic sleeves will reduce static build up and offer more protection. The paper sleeves are a static creator and can leave scratches. (You could even can an extra step and get a outer plastic sleeve for the entire record.)

Where we place our records is also important. Staking records on top of one another will lead to warping and damages. They get heavy fast. Instead, place them vertically without over stuffing them on a shelf. Leave some wiggle room. You want to avoid packing the records too tight.

That’s all for some basic handling and care of your record player and records. There are a lot of easy care that can be overlooked or ignored, but if you want your collection to last then it’s important to slow down and really be in the moment with what you are doing.

The record player post is the spindle-like component on a record player that holds the vinyl record in place while it spins.
The record player post is the spindle-like component on a record player that holds the vinyl record in place while it spins.
To clean a record with a brush, use a soft brush and sweep gently in the direction of the grooves as it spins.
To clean a record with a brush, use a soft brush and sweep gently in the direction of the grooves as it spins.