Has anyone tried this?
(From SlickDiscs | Why are my vinyl records noisy? (https://slickdiscs.co.uk/why-are-my-vinyl-records-noisy/))
QuoteRoadblocks
Damage to vinyl that stops your music in its tracks. Some deep imperfections can cause the stylus to keep playing the same passage of music over and over again or even jump out of the groove entirely.
If you experience this, sadly there is a good chance your record is ruined, but you could still try the matchstick method:
- Play your record, make note of where the stylus is hitting the 'roadblock'.
- Grab your record and a matchstick (or any small piece of softwood will do).
- Using the 'butt' end of the matchstick, rub the problem area of the record in the same direction as the grooves.
- Test playback of the record to see if the stylus now tracks as it should.
- Repeat the above steps if necessary.
If successful, you should find that your record is now able to play from start to finish by itself. You will still have some noise where you carried out the repair but at least you won't need to get up to advance the stylus!
I did this with a toothpick, but have yet to play the record to check the outcome. This record was not skipping, but had some kind substance on the surface that did not come off with cleaning.
I purchased a Tomlov digital microscope to help with this and it was a big help. It still has a $60 off coupon making the cost $239. With the microscope it was obvious that I was breaking loose something deposited on the surface.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFSXMJ79?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
I know some people have been successful at using a sewing needle to fix a repeat or skip, but that would require a microscope for sure.
Pics are taken with the Tomlov microscope.
FP01_DirtySpotAt1.0Zoom_01.jpg
FP01_DirtySpotAt1.5Zoom_01.jpg
FP01_DirtySpotAt4.0Zoom_01.jpg
.
Are you cleaning your albums??? I'm using a method that was developed by a technical expert for the Navy. He was involved in all the clean systems on board ships, such as oxygen, nitrogen ......etc. It is quite the read at around 200 pages.
You don't have to do everything in his article, you a pick the steps that work for you and the time you want to spend cleaning.He gets into ultrasonic cleaner if you want the cleanest vinyl and don't mind spending some money.
Page down to the bottom of the web page to download the PDF file.
https://thevinylpress.com/precision-aqueous-cleaning-of-vinyl-records-3rd-edition/
I use 14 inch cake pans and 4 different cleaning and rinsing solutions. I added one more step since the photos were taken.
FP01_CleaningSetup01_04105.jpg
FP01_CleaningSetup02_04095.jpg
FP01_CleaningSetup03_04099.jpg
FP01_CleaningSetup04_04108.jpg
.
Quote from: Indy33 on October 24, 2025, 04:44:11 PMAre you cleaning your albums??? I'm using a method that was developed by a technical expert for the Navy. He was involved in all the clean systems on board ships, such as oxygen, nitrogen ......etc. It is quite the read at around 200 pages.
I can see that it might make sense for large batches, but for a few records at a time it makes less sense for me. The protracted procedure and large number of cleaning product and containers all needing storing would put me off that. Also, turning the kitchen into a lab full of toxic chemicals would not be popular.
But a single-box ultrasonic cleaner with good liquid handling would be much more practical for me.
This topic is a bit old but in case anyone is still watching.
I use a combination of a Squeaky Clean Vinyl
https://squeakycleanvinyl.com/
It looks like he has everything listed as out of stock currently but he 3d prints them so it is probably worth sending him an e-mail to discuss?
Connected to a small wet / dry vacuum and a Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner which compared to what is out there is a great deal.
Here is a link to the Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner:
https://www.vevor.ca/ultrasonic-cleaner-c_11064/vevor-6l-ultrasonic-vinyl-record-cleaning-machine-stainless-steel-w-drying-rack-p_010265133877
The vevor even comes with a really nice drying rack. It might not be as automatic as some of the more expensive (over priced) ones out there but for a fraction of the price I will live with the lack of automation.
Carl.