Best Turntable Mat? +Other Questions

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman I actually do a wet-clean with some bugtussel fluid once a month on the records I play - I use a thick brush to spread it, wait 15 seconds, and then use a very light brush to clean the record of any excess fluid. Before playing, I do a sweep of the light brush first for five or six rotations, and then do another sweep of the thick brush for five or six rotations. My records appear to be very clean - but I'm sure that it's not. Would saving for a record cleaning machine (such as the nitty gritty 1.0) be a smarter buy? Thanks in advance! -Andrew

You do realize that the Bugtussel fluid is an enzyme cleaner that is only effective for removing organic contamination?

I use Bugtussel when I clean records, but I follow that with Record Research Labs cleaner which works on fingerprints, oils, etc... followed by a distilled water rinse.

I am using a record cleaning machine for the initial cleaning, but for daily cleaning before play all you really need is to do is dry brush your records with a carbon fiber brush.

A record cleaning machine is the best thing to have, but a more affordable solution might be the Orbitrac, which is supposed to work very well.

Have you tried an anti static mat like
this one?

 

[Todd R]

A few further comments on the Record Research Labs products.

If you use the Super Deep Cleaner, it must be followed by the Super Record Wash.

I also use the LP-9 stylus cleaner. This stuff works the best!

I happen to own a microscope and occasionally I'll check out my stylus for wear. I did a shoot out amongst some stylus cleaners that I had on hand, both on my good cartridge, and on an old crusty needle that was on a second hand table we picked up for my son.

The other cleaners (who will remain unnamed) did some cleaning, but not a complete job. Only the LP-9 got the needles totally clean & shiny.

Put a few drops on your short stiff stylus brush and give it a few strokes. Quick & easy.

 

[Aman]

So a record cleaning machine really isn't even necessary then for my purposes?

How does this cleaner look?
http://www.amusicdirect.com/products...t=340&sku=AMCP

I could get that and the LP-9 (since I have not had the chance to get a stylus cleaner yet either) for a relatively good price and a nice/low shipping cost.

I really appreciate your help, by the way! Thanks a million!
-Andrew

EDIT: Oh, I didn't notice your link to the Orbitrack. Would you recommend I buy that as my primary record cleaner? Or would I be better off with the Record Research Labs cleaner, or the one I linked to above?

 

[Mr.Radar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd R The other cleaners (who will remain unnamed) did some cleaning, but not a complete job. Only the LP-9 got the needles totally clean & shiny.

Did you try the Magic Eraser too?

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman So a record cleaning machine really isn't even necessary then for my purposes? How does this cleaner look? http://www.amusicdirect.com/products...t=340&sku=AMCP I could get that and the LP-9 (since I have not had the chance to get a stylus cleaner yet either) for a relatively good price and a nice/low shipping cost. I really appreciate your help, by the way! Thanks a million! -Andrew EDIT: Oh, I didn't notice your link to the Orbitrack. Would you recommend I buy that as my primary record cleaner? Or would I be better off with the Record Research Labs cleaner, or the one I linked to above?

Andrew,
Since record cleaning machines are expensive, I was making some suggestions for products that you could use if you didn't have the $$$ right now, but a machine is the best thing to have.
The RRL cleaner is really for use with a machine, it's non alcohol based so it doesn't evaporate very quickly.

If you're not buying a machine right away, I'd suggest the Orbitrac, LP-9 and a good carbon fiber brush.

Never tried the Micro Care, looks interesting. I think you could use the Micro Care and Orbitrac together.
TR

 

[tanfenton]

I owned two Orbitracs and never thought they did much good. The cotton pads are so small that they saturated even before I finished using them. Cleaning especially dirty records meant getting even less use out of a single pad since the grit would stick and need to be washed out.

You would end up spending only about $8 more buying a set of Disc Doctor brushes and drying clothes and ultimately have a much more versatile system. The brushes can be cleaned easily without wrecking their surfaces (the Orbitrac pads like to bunch and run in the plastic frame if enough pressure is applied to thoroughly rinse them); the clothes can be tossed in the dryer. I would be happy to send you enough DD cleaner to get started should you decide to go this route. That alone would save you about $24.

NGF