How to maintain and use second-hand vinyl record players?

Vinyl records are made of plastic and do not decompose naturally, but they are easily deformed, scratched and moldy. This is the Achilles heel of vinyl records. The causes of its Achilles heel are dust, static electricity and moisture.

Therefore, it is necessary to have a safe and feasible method for maintaining records.

1. Let’s talk about daily storage first

After buying a record, the first thing to do is to remove the shrink tape on the outside, because the tape is susceptible to thermal expansion due to temperature changes. Cold shrinkage will cause the record to deform.

Then there is placement. Improper placement can easily deform the vinyl, which would be a waste of effort.

The best way to place vinyl records is to place them vertically, just like the way books are placed. It is best not to have any gaps in the cabinet. If there are gaps, you can fill them with cardboard. A large number of records are arranged one by one. , is the most beautiful scenery~

The place where you place it is also important. In places with heavy humidity, mechanical steel will rust, and the same goes for records. If the humidity is too high, it will become moldy. , directly shortening the life of the record.

So it usually needs to be placed in a dry and refreshing place. If necessary, you need the help of a moisture absorber. Nowadays, there are many professional record racks and vinyl cabinets, which save a lot of troubles in placement.

2. Foreplay before playing is essential

Don’t think that taking out the record from the paper sleeve and putting it on the record player is just a matter of words. You really have to appreciate the perfection of vinyl. Regarding sound quality, there are still many things that need to be prepared before playing.

The most precious part of a vinyl record is the groove. It is a huge stage where the notes are about to beat. All preparations are to make it perform perfectly. Then when taking out the record, try not to touch the groove with your hands, not only to prevent scratches, but also to prevent the sebum secreted from your hands from causing the record to become moldy.

So how to get it? Hand-held lotus pose? Rock ROCK style?

I don’t know how big your imagination is. There is no need to go to great lengths. I will teach you step by step in four simple steps:

1. Take out the inner envelope

2. Take out the record along the edge, hold the edge of the record with your thumb, place the other fingers on the middle paper circle, free the palm of your hand, and remove the inner cover with the other hand (if your hands are too small, my suggestion is to find a hand The big ones are here to help you)

3. Put down the inner sleeve and hold the edge of the record between the palms of your hands

4. Keep the gesture and place the record on the turntable

It cannot be played at this time! Don't rush and remove your hand holding the tonearm! Don’t forget to dust!

Most vinyl records are classic second-hand collections. After decades, they will accumulate dust to some extent. Even a brand new record will inevitably have dirt in the grooves after a few plays.

Before the record is played, it needs to be cleaned with a "record cleaning brush". Let me teach you the correct posture step by step:

1. Place the record on the turntable

2. Place the cleaning brush on the turntable at a 45-degree angle (yes, the best angle for selfies), start from the middle, and slowly pull outward, gently

3. The above Use this method to brush the entire record (remember to turn it over). If it is not clean enough, you can repeat it again.

By the way, this kind of dust removal method is needed before and after playing~

3. Cleaning is healthy

Actually, I don’t advocate it If you clean your records frequently, excessive cleaning is unhealthy.

If there is mold or dirt on the record that cannot be brushed off, or if you have not cleaned your record in a long time, please do a comprehensive cleaning regularly.

There are many kinds of special detergents on the market now, as well as special record washing machines. If you have enough budget, you can buy a professional record washing machine once and for all~

Budget Friends who don’t have enough, don’t worry, we can also DIY, the wisdom of the people is always infinite, here comes the step-by-step tutorial:

1. Preparation tools: distillation, disinfecting alcohol, special record brush

2. Dilute with 9:1 mixture of distilled water and alcohol

3. Place the record on the turntable, and apply the solution on the special record brush

4. Still 45 At an angle, place the brush gently on the record, and slowly pull it outward starting from the middle

5. Use the above method to brush the entire record (remember to turn it over). If it is not clean enough, you can try again Repeat.

Do not rinse directly with tap water, and do not use non-volatile detergents such as dish soap. It is too rough and hurts the record.

Then, wipe the water droplets on the record with a dust-free soft cloth, or place it in a dust-free place to dry in the shade.

Finally, put a new inner cover on the record. After all, you won’t wear dirty clothes again after taking a shower. Return to the storage at the beginning of the article, perfect~

This is a simple way to clean and maintain records. Why not save your records?