Which LEVEL of Vinyl Record Cleaning are YOU ON??
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There is a lot of information and mis information out there on cleaning vinyl records. In my opinion there are really 6 levels that - as you go on collecting pieces of vinyl - you will find yourself on. This video is meant to help new vinyl collectors get an idea of where to start with cleaning records. Novice collectors can find some helpful information based on whether they should consider spending more and super audiophile collectors are shown some awesome options in the high end range and we also explore record cleaning services that do all the work for you!
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Great Discussion with Norman Maslow and Vinyl Heavyweights on Record Cleaning - • Record Cleaning Debate...
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Time Stamps
Intro: 0:00
Why another record cleaning video? 00:33
Levels 2:11
Who is this for? 2:30
You need to clean your Pieces of vinyl! 2:52
Two main sources 3:23
Level 1 3:52
Level 2 4:50
Level 3 6:44
Level 4 9:26
Level 5 11:49
Level 6 13:47
Levels 15:44
NO’s 15:58
What you need to do no matter what 17:37
Please argue and comment and tell me I’m wrong! 18:00
Thanks! - เพลง
I use the Spin Clean and have had decent results. The key is to only clean a handful at a time and then change the distilled Water. I really would like to get my hands on a Humminguru but just haven't had the money to invest in one because I keep buying more records!
I've used an Audiodesk Systeme ultrasonic for 8 years. Not cheap, but while clean records that sound good is important, the reduced wear & tear of a diamond not ploughing through grime massively extends the life of your cartridge, particularly MC ones.
I started with a vacuum cleaner, but came nowhere near finding the time or patience to clean my collection of over 1,200 titles. I shifted to a Degritter and not only have I cleaned all my records, it’s painless to clean each after each play while I am going about my business. You cannot think that 25 minutes sitting flat on your turntable while playing will not collect micro dust particles. Multiply that for each time you play and you have a dirty collection, whether cleaned by Perfect Vinyl Forever or not. Clean vinyl does not stay clean forever. Carbon brushes are only knocking off the dust on the surface, so it’s for appearances only. I only use distilled water because I do not yet trust the long term effects of surfactants. Yes, cleaning with a surfactant followed with a rinse may have better results, but I lack the patience for that. Either way, my records play wonderfully with only distilled water in the Degritter, so I am not inclined to change course.
The degritter is definitely a good investment. They also go on sale as well. Def some solid points. Thanks!
I am using the spin-clean with the spinclean fluid on really dirty vinyls, for a quick start, to remove and desolve the heavy particels.
Then when the vinyl is still wet, i finish it up in my Humminguru.
I am of cause using destilled water in both machines, and also a little bit of the spinclean fluid in the Humminguru, that softens up the water even more, and i get perfect clean and shiny vinyls that sounds great.
That is what I was referring to that the HG is not just a set it and forget it. Thanks for watching!
I’ve been using the Vinyl Vac based on your recommendation from the other video! It works great and I totally agree that buying a VPI or another vacuum machine doesn’t really makes sense. Also, I’m intrigued about the Perfect Vinyl Forever option. I have some old Brazilian records with hundreds of dollars each and sending away for ultrasonic treatment is probably a better option for those
For really tough cases:
1.) TU-8 + goat hair brush + on spinning turntable + dry with microfiber cloth.
2.) HumminGuru w/tergikleen, no dry (may do again w/no tergikleen/dry)
3.) HumminGuru w/fresh distilled + dry cycle
It has been a really rewarding investment and found excellent results...saving the disc and my cartridge life for sure.
Will have to have a go at making that vinyl vac, it looks pretty handy and would be a good addition to my cleaning setup. I tend to be level 1 at the moment, but have inherited a lot of old vinyl that needs some TLC before I play them on my setup.
This is so helpful! Im new to this i have less than 100 records and i really want to take care of what i have!!
Good luck! With both cleaning and collecting!! It gets dangerous!
iSonic P4875II+MVR10-Pro Ultrasonic, does 10 records at 35 khz. Surfactant treatment, 5 minute run. Then over to iSonic CS6.1-Pro Ultrasonic at 47 khz for a 3 minute run in distilled water for the rinse. Total 8 minutes. Units cost around $1,000 and $900. For a large collection its a smart investment.
Thanks for the shout-out!
For me:
Spin Clean+ Humminguru + Spin Clean with distilled water + vacuum with Record Doctor.
The result is better than any other cleaning procedure.
Solid method.
By the way, thank you for your research and creating those levels, lol. Nonetheless, comparing Spin Clean to those terrible sprays and wood glue, I think it's crazy. I've been using Spin Clean for over a year with great results. It has never crossed my mind that this was the best solution, but it's a genuine way of cleaning your records that actually works and doesn't damage them. I think that this should be your level 2. At least I would rearrange them like that. Now that I have a better perspective, I think I will skip the vacuum cleaning (level 2) and go directly to one of those ultrasonic cleaning machines. Thanks again!
As you say, water alone will not get into the grooves well. The way you make water "wetter" is to use dishwashing liquid. I just use dish liquid, water, and a microfiber towel, wash my discs in the kitchen sink and call it good. My records sound just fine to me. And yes, I have an ultrasonic cleaner, but i use that for cleaning carburetors on small engines that have sat for long periods of time as the cavitation deep cleans all the small holes and jets of the carbs. I suppose I could build a framework to mount a rotation device to the top of it, but I'm just not that ambitious, lol.
Switch to liquinox instead of dishwasher soap. Look it up
Excellent video, an education worth its weight in gold many thanks. Wicked Channel I love it. 😄
Great explanation and common sense. Thank you
thanx for advices, Sir !
Thanks for watching!
May I have another?
Great vid. My top two would be #1. Only buying things that are in EX- NM condition. I've learned patience in waiting for the WONDRFUL copy is the best cleaning practice there is. In my mind the first step in cleaning a record is being beyond overly picky in what I'm willing to pick up. After that I can NOT speak highly enough of the ISONIC ultrasonic cleaner. A local store owner bought one and we did a test one day. We took an average VG+ album out of the dollar bin and cleaned/dried it 3 times with spin clean and then play tested it. When then took it and put it through one 15 minute cycle with the ISONIC. The difference was BEYOND mindblowing! I spent the next few week purchasing NO RECORDS to save up the $800 to purchase one. BEST thing I've ever done for my collection. Even thought my entire collection had been through a spin cleaners, I spent the next month going through and cleaning all 5000 pieces of my collection lol. Pieces that already played EX-NM sounded EVEN BETTER! I do still keep the spin clean around because if you have anything like fingerprints the spin clean is better than the unltrasonic so you give it spin and then put it in the ultrasonic. To this day no record EVER comes into my collection without going through that Isonic first!
Great info. I have approximately 500 records. I'm using one of those manual hand-spinner cleaners. As you said in your video, the water does get dirty pretty quickly, which does tell me that my records are DIRTY. I can hardly believe how dirty they actually are. Even new vinyl has garbage on them. That being said, the motorized types are too expensive for me at this time.
With about 500 records def consider the vinyl vac and setup. It’s less then $100 total and adding it your spin clean solution will be an added bonus. It really is a huge difference for not a lot of money.
I expected some gunk on new records but holy shit, when I cleaned about 30 new records with my spin clean the bottom was so dirty you'd assume they were original presses. The majority was vinyl shavings and cardboard but I could swear there were a few hairs on even unopened records.
I have this perspective: DeGritter AND KLAUDIO is Level 5 (me), KIRMUSS ULTRASONIC is Level 6.......S-Tier is PerfectVinyl Service
I like your reasoning regarding vacuum RCM's. Plus the shop vac can be used for other things so there's even more value there :)
That is an added bonus!
Great info, thanks for sharing. Based on your Identify Levels I’m at Level 3, I have an Amazon Ultrasonic (cheap for $100) and after finish the ultrasonic process I vacuum using the “Vinyl Vac” but here my question, I purchase the TM-8 cleaning solution, I put it into a 1.5OZ sprayer and I spray both sides of the record and on my ultrasonic tank I fill only with Distilled water and after finished then vacuum. Is this a good process to do?? Considering your comments of rinsing the record of a surfactant is used??
Thanks in advance
Sounds pretty good. As long as you are cleaning off that solution or whatever solution you use - you should be fine. Def gonna get good results US cleaning then vacuuming enjoy that!
Degritter Mk2 is ~$3200. I have a Mk1. Love it.
Although I use 99% isopropyl alcohol in my solution, I'm not sure it needs to be 99% instead of more widely available 91% or even 70%. As you say, the alcohol should be diluted with distilled water before using. The other 1%, 9%, or 30% of isopropyl alcohol is water, so you can just adjust the ratios a bit if using 70% and it should be just as effective.
Thanks. I actually should have thought about the fact that you are going to dilute anyway. It’s good to have 99% for other things!
I am a level 3. Using the HuminGuru. However I am going a little further with it. First for the cleaning process I use a surfactant from Groove Washer for Ultrasonic. I do 2x cleaning cycle with that because the water gets warmer and it can get rid of finger prints on used records. 3 I do a rinse process and I do have two reservoirs for that. I think with that I am a 3 and a half.
Here are my cleaning steps:
1. dry brush
2. distilled water (95%) + 99 % Isopropanol (5%)
3.Vacuuming by using the Okki Nokki
4. deep cleaning with Hannl VI3C + Triton X100
5. Vacuuming by using the Okki Nokki (6 Rounds)
6. final rinse with distilled water
7. Vacuuming by using the Okki Nokki (max 2 rounds to prevent electrical charge)
Keep your vacuum arm always clean using a toothbrush!
Spin Clean type of solutions aren't pointless at all but you do absolutely need a second unit for a rinse cycle with just distilled water. Afterwards just air drying isn't advisable as residue can still appear. Microfiber towels when used correctly will take care of that. But you need to know what you're doing. Even how you're washing them is crucial for this. This approach is actually a lot better than the majority of ultrasonic machines with drying cycle that basically end up drying (and hardening) any cleaning solution on the surface of your records. If you think that doesn't leave residue think again. Ultrasonic cleaning is just one step of the process, if you don't vacuum or rinse off the record afterwards then it kind of defeats the point. And if you clean with just distilled water I still don't particularly like the idea of using heat to evaporate what's left of the dirty particles on the surface. The manual process of spreading and brushing in cleaning solution whether via a Spin Clean type of unit or a typical vacuum RCM is not at all worse than the cavitation produced by ultrasonic cleaning machines. But as usual in this industry there's too much information hanging about that everyone takes as the absolute truth and the people benefiting the most from this in the end are the manufacturers that offer those products. If you don't believe me just go and look look up "MM vs MC phono cartridges" and enjoy the show :)
Not to totally hawk the service but the guy has really good real world knowledge. According to PVF you need a multi step process no matter what your process is. Ever step counter acts the cons of the previous step. And usually that involves US cleaning to get into the micron cavities a towel and solutions alone will not. Again his process involves a 3 step soaking process before US cleaning and then continued efforts after the cleaning. If you are after best sonic quality this is the way.
@@PiecesofVinyl Well the part about it being a multi step process is basically what I was getting at too. US cleaning is great but it is not enough on its own. Just like a Spin Clean unit isn't enough on it's own, you need a second one for rince cycle and even better if followed by vacuum RCM. In terms of getting into these micron small cavities, my process doesn't aim to achieve that with towels or solution as you mentioned. The velvet brushes in the Spin Clean are there for that reason, combined with the spinning motion of the record you would be actually surprised how much that agitates the solution in the grooves, you can literally see tiny bubbles when the correct solution is used and again while US machines might do this particular step better it's not better by such a significant margin to deem the alternative approach entirely useless. The towels are just used for drying off water left from the rince cycle.
This guy articulates what I'm trying to say very well: th-cam.com/video/TUGW1JTeZRE/w-d-xo.html
And on the topic of pre-soaking really dirty records prior to proper cleaning steps, guess which record cleaning bath apparatus also works really well for that? 😆
@@werk4408 correct
My way of cleaning my records is a pre soak in water with bit of wetting agent like Ilfosol for 10 to 15 minutes as this softens any dirt in the grooves, then onto my Pro -Ject Vce2 wet vac machine using their own cleaning fluid, after that for final wash in pure distilled water in my humminguru, they come out pristine with zero dirt static etc, just sound terrific.does it take a while, yes but how often do you need to do them, I usually do other things while in the guru as wash and dry takes 15 mins.
Once done put in new anti static sleeves and just enjoy.
I enjoyed this video more than I probably should have. I'm a "1". Actually, I'm much worse: a 1 who sprays and uses the disc cleaner for stubborn dirt. I watched your last video, and after watching this, will be purchasing the Vinyl Vac attachment and a wet/dry vac. Hopefully by next month I'll have everything I need.
I'm a level 2, formerly level 3.
I've gone back and forth with vacuum and ultrasonic cleaning. I've had a spin clean, a record doctor IV, a vinyl vac, a Pro-ject VC-S2 ALU and vinyl stack 4 LP per cycle unit ultrasonic cleaner.
I've gone back and forth and have gotten just as good results with a vacuum based method as I have with an ultrasonic.
Once a record got to a certain level of clean off the vacuum method, ultrasonic made no improvement and vice versa.
My current method is based on the vinyl archivist method, basically a 4-5 step process depending on how dirty the records are on the Pro-ject unit.
Step one: Clean with included wash-it and vacuum off (will try alconox when out of wash-it)
Step 2: Clean with tergikleen/ilfotol mix solution, vacuum off
Step 3: distilled water rinse, vacuum off
Step 4: final rinse with distilled water/Hepastat 256, vacuum off
If the record is really dirty initially I will use a record roller to lift heavy grime. I have never seen it scratch, but it generates an ungodly amount of static, so it's only suitable for pre-wet cleaning IMO.
Thanks for the comment - I have seen his method and it seems pretty solid. Im interested in your comment about once its to a good place vacuum cleaning you have not seen noticeable difference going to an US cleaner - I have one record in particular that Im curious with this - its the only the record that I have not gotten a great result with the vacuum. Im probably gonna send it to the cleaning service just to be sure and take me out of the equation as well! Thanks for watching !
@@PiecesofVinyl I saw a review on perfect vinyl forever a couple months ago but I think the video was deleted. It pretty much duplicated my experiences with cleaning. Certain pops and ticks remained even after the thorough ultrasonic cleaning.
Sometimes you just get a bad copy of a record and there's nothing you can do. I had a copy of Pet sounds that sounded awful no matter what I did to it. Could be a bad/ overused stamper, dirty equipment, machine didn't get hot enough, got too hot etc.
I started with a spin clean type box, but the first mistake I was making was after using it I would rinse in the sink, oops. So I got a Vevor ultrasonic cleaner, as I have a lot of old used records, what an improvement! But, honestly after using the ultrasonic I think using that vac tube you showed would be a good way to final rinse and clean any remaining dirt. As i use the ultrasonic machine but still have some cracks and pops. Is there truly a perfect solution?
Nothing perfect if you include “affordable” in the requirements.
I use a stand alone ultra sonic cleaner with distilled water and tergiclean and rinse with distilled water in my old spin clean and then use vinyl vac and let dry in dish drainer.
This is good method. Combining methods is always going to get good results.
Imo, I think anyone who plans to obtain the number of records you said for level 2, should invest in that kit ASAP. Really a minimal investment. I wish I had done so sooner. About to enter level 3, and about to hit 500 records. Really good advice you have provided.
I spin clean and after that level I determine if it needs a deeper clean then I do in fact use wood glue. I’ve used it for years and besides ensuring I have a good glue that doesn’t dry too brittle, it’s been pretty painless and I’ve gotten good results. Obviously some records can’t be saved due to groove wear or something, but there are a few that didn’t benefit from the glue that I wonder if an ultrasonic clean might fix.
Looking into one so I’d say I’m on level 3
Wow - I could not use that Wood glue - I know I would flake it to death.
I literally almost bought that shirt from target yesterday 😂
Ha! I knew someone would notice.
Academy Lp in Brooklyn does it for free when you purchase off of Discogs.
Also Sonic can cause groove damage.
Plz help .don’t the ultrasonic machines dry by blowing air over the record . Won’t that blow the same some particles that we can’t see right back into the record ?
maybe - but it would be minimal at that point - if you can see a dust particle you can dust it off with a dry brush - that US cleaning is getting into the micro grooves - either way - multiple steps are always needed! Thanks for watching!
I've been using a (crude?) mixture of Jet Dry, isopropyl alcohol and distilled water...it seems to be effective but, after watching this, I am second guessing it.
I would look into tergikleen and distilled water. 10 drops of the TG into the gallon of water and you have a good solution that will last a long time.
I'm on level 60. Fore sixty years I've been cleaning Vinyl way before TH-cam or any social media...
My absolute favorite Seinfeld bit 😂
I may be a little confused here about the Humminguru. It seemed at first it was said it was decent for the price but later it is said to be overpriced for what it does. Anyone use this thing?
It’s good. I think it’s probably over priced but it’s the cheapest for what it does. I think almost all of these machines are over priced but if they do the job then it’s worth it. The HG has solid reviews. I hope to get one and review it.
I still love my VPI machine
Wood glue is my go to. Works perfectly every time.
I can't believe you didn't get a bite 😂
All you need is a Knosti manual cleaning set. Distilled water (your local car parts store can supply this). Tergitol 15-S-9, Tergitol 15-S-3. The only thing i'm missing is a vacuum. If your vinyl is a turd though, you will never make it sounding good. You're welcome.
Where do I begin you dissed the diskwasher brush and the spin clean I've been collecting records for 50 years and I try pretty much tried all the methods and the spin clean and the diskwasher brush to me are just as good as any other method as long as you do it the right way but I accept your challenge prove me wrong with your expensive cleaners let's see who's right😯🤔
I still have the discmakers clean brush - I use it for dry wiping the records. I plan on doing a direct comparison of different cleaning methods - I need to get a microscope Lens so I can show the results - there is another guy on TH-cam that did it too - the results speak for themselves!
@@PiecesofVinyl it's not that simple the only improvement the ultrasonic cleaner does make a Sonic difference the first couple of times you played a record after that well let your ears tell you in my experience the ultrasonic cleaners don't do any better job than this spin clean use probably and the only way you can do that is by getting a group of people in to hear before and afters,!!!
So strange because I have seen a lot of people recommend spraying the record with solution and using a microfiber. I had no idea it could damage the record
It's cheap and seems easy to do - so it can be sold in a record store - but really think about it - there are micro grooves that you are trying to clean - a lot of that liquid won't even penetrate if its just distilled water (who knows what is in most of these solutions - better to go home made) - if it does - then using a micr fiber cloth - which is will leave lint behind - only moves the liquid around and smashes the dirt into the grooves....worst part is if its not thoroughly rinsed - it will build up and cause more damage and even hurt the stylus. Whatever solution you use - you need to remove it thoroughly and quickly. Thanks for watching!
One point to emphasize maybe: Ultrasonic cleaner will not get rid of oils, fingerprint, "real dirt" etc.
So real dirty records (thrift stores, garage sales, etc) will need a "hand wash" before going through the Ultrasonic.
And yes, if you use any cleaning solution and/or surfactant in your Ultrasonic cleaner, you need to do a rinse in distilled water, either on a spin clean or in the ultrasonic cleaner.
I wish I could splurge on a KL Audio or a Degritter but this is unreasonably expensive for me. But I'm getting on the fence with the Humminguru as it's (nearly) affordable but with them being based in Hong Kong, distribution could be a little spotty.
How do you get spare parts? I mean if you need to replace anything or get an extra water tank (that way you use one for cleaning and one for rinsing), you better prepare as it could take a while for those to arrive.
So, it might be best to order extra spares in advance just in case so that you have everything on hand should you need to replace something (btw, not too frilled about the water filters they used...).
I hear you on the spare parts thing - the that is def. something to consider when spending a lot of money on these machines.
KLaudio has excellent service - even when they weren’t making them anymore
This topic gives me anxiety...i think im doing everything wrong and im just too poor to do it right... I can't even enjoy my music. I just think about what dirt I pressed in the grooves etc.
I use the spincare set and I thought I'm happy with it but now I feel like I ruined every record....
I'm definitely getting distilled water for the rinsing step. The fluid I bought drys without residue but now I'm not trusting it. And a brush for my wet cleaning step. Can I use a normal carbon fiber one for wet cleaning? And I'm trying the diy liquid but I'm still afraid ....
First off - records are pretty resilient and nothing should get in way of enjoying the music! I didn't clean any of my records for over 19 years....and some of them were already very used when I got them. I totally understand how you feel and was in the exact same boat when I started down the path of cleaning. with any method - rinsing is probably the most important thing - so def. get some distilled water and rinse - not to push the product - but the vinyl vac ($30) and a $30 mini shop vac solution from Amazon or Walmart is a fantastic and very affordable method and I currently use it on my entire collection even new records. I have a full video explaining that setup and how to use it. For a wet leaning brush I would recommend something like a paint pad or paint edge trimmer - the bristles are soft and fine enough to help with some cleaning but wont hurt the vinyl. Good Luck!
I somewhat disagree with your reasoning for not using the Spin Clean. Yes for what it is, it's expensive. However saying because you're putting your records in dirty water...? I'm not sure what people are doing with the Humminguru, but I assume they are not changing the water for every record you clean. When I clean with my Spin Clean I tend to do all my new records first, and then move to any used and potentially more dirty records. I found out and bought the Spin Clean beforeI heard about the Vinyl Vac. I've been debating whether to pair with a Vinyl Vac or to move up to a Humminguru. I only have about 250 records.Thanks for the video? What's your thoughts on just the cleaning solutions like Groove Washer G2 and G3?
I think you would get good results adding the VinylVac to your spin clean. I think the tub for the HG is smaller and you do have to change out the water more. I was a little simplified with SC but I think adding it to other things is a better use. Thanks for watching!
I haven’t tired those solutions. For solutions I try to keep it simple and since you use so much the more generic the better to mix your own.
Hate that Kirmuss audio didn’t get a mention, liked the video still though
I only didnt mention them because they are SO expensive that is def. the high level!
Degritter Mk II
I use a Kirmuss Audio restoration machine and it has changed my used vinyl experience. It does normal cavitation work as well, so I do a lot of ultrasonic cleaning. The big deal with Kirmuss is the process. He has a solution to get out all the old dirt and grime and will also take out the oils and old cleaning chemicals. It is not a surfactant, which he cleared up with Michael Fremer. Anyway, a great machine for an about 33% the price of a KLAudio. The hertz number is a threshold issue- you do not need medical quality ultrasonic. Most ultrasonic machines make bubbles small enough to fit into the smallest crevices of a vinyl record. I think the moral of the story is that we all agree- 1. do not use chemicals/surfactants; 2. and ultrasonic is the way to go. (There is another question about whether the cavitation is equal among all these machines. The short answer is, they are not all equal.)
Love my Kirmuss…painful process but worth it lol
Klaudio LP200 with a Ramar (German) cleaning brush (picks up the max amount of dust - ask Fremer)
it’s Spinal Tap 11
Have had the KLaudio ultrasonic since late 2013 (it wasn’t $6k then) like a major cartridge upgrade
Got the original version (better) with the self contained rugged tank and silencer.
thousands of lps - not labor intensive - distilled water only
QRP sleeves
new and old lps
You need to see a shrink 😊
I see the shrink wrap and take it off
I think you meant Khz, not Hz when referring to the frequencies of ultrasonic machines.
probably!
I am level 2, I use Squeaky Clean Vinyl Record !
Nice! I have been tempted to get that even though I have a vinyl vac…it’s a little more stream lined and they have a “putty” version from Seinfeld.
@@PiecesofVinyl I got mine last year and never looked back to use my spin Clean.
SOME ERRORS IN YOUR VIDEO.....IMO : 1. The Hummingguru is not a true ultrasonic cleaner. 2. The vinyl vac is best when used with a professional record brush like nitty gritty's or vpi's vacuum record cleaner brush. 3. Ultrasonic is not necessarily the best, a great vacuum record cleaner is best when used with a great fluid that has a dispersant or surfactant to break surface tension of fluid to allow mild detergents and purified water to get "in the groove" along with brush to remove dust and sludge. 4. I've had good results with audio technica's sonic broom in between vacuum sessions dry or if you don't have a vacuum record cleaner it's good on its own. It has bristles that run one direction and fluid is only added to sponge thru handle not directly on cordoroy type surface, when you see it you'll know the bristles escentially sweep against the grain to swoop up dust and dry crap in the grooves. 5. Ultrasonic is NOT the best cleaning, I know cause I've owned one and got rid of it, if I had to compare between a simple vacuum record cleaner and the ultrasonic, I'd pick a good nitty gritty, or a simple record doctor cleaner or even the vinyl vac over a ultrasonic any day......I've done it all and this is my two cents for what it's worth.
I use a vac setup and have no reason to move up from it. I agree the vpi, okki, etc are stupidly overpriced for what they are. I think the vinyl vac is also overpriced, so I made my own, but I still recommend it over those $220+ vac boxes. I did buy and also recommend Tergikleen though. I get used records that are ultrasonically cleaned and it seems like I'm getting close to that level at least..? I can't hear any noise after my cleanings and that's good enough for my ears.
Regarding a couple of things in your hard no list: I blow on my records, but ONLY with a hand pump air blaster, the same one I use for my dslr cameras. And I use one of those sticky rollers almost every time I play a record...that's already been cleaned. With carpet and cats, it picks up all the lint and dust that lands on my record when it comes out of the sleeve, without just brushing it to the side. But no, you should not be using it to "clean" your record.
Collecting for 5 Decades modest 2k of albums. I don't buy used records. No alcohol,VNC 8 , Goat Brush , Mofi Pad, ultra micro fiber cloth on my 1977 Sound Guard record pad.
I've been collecting records on a serious level for 40 years now. But even before that as a teenager I learned what not to do. Those record cleaning kits in the 70's were the worst. Pressing that heavy brush with fluid into your record would could micro scratches. Holding it up to a good light you can clearly see in the dead wax the damage you've done and out to the trash can it goes. So I never cleaned my records for 20 years until I learned of a much safer method. Spray two shots of 99% isopropyl alcohol mixed with 50% distilled water into a lens cleaning cloth and applying that to the record does a light cleaning. I would never use a machine that uses brushes. So when ultrasonic cleaning machines came into the market, that seemed like the perfect choice. Currently I'm waiting for the Degritter reference model to be released. It's been delayed a few times now. It can be seen at 11:30. th-cam.com/video/j3dMaSN6TRY/w-d-xo.html
Degritter is worth its weight for sure.
Ugh! This subject has been discussed ad nauseum!
Well yeah. If I end up getting a different cleaner or change my process I will probably make another video! Gotta clean That vinyl!
I just lick my vinyl clean. Like a cat.
works for all the different types of records too!
The things I will say about this video is my views from my personal findings only. 99% isopropyl alcohol will make vinyl brittle over time and hurt your records more than just distilled water. The spin clean is a great product for the majority of collectors. It is overpriced for what it is but especially when paired with 100% cotton cloths or even better a vacuum suits the needs of most collectors. The issues from it come from not using distilled water, not changing the water enough, or letting water dry on it. However new records make up the majority of my collection and the water is significantly dirtier when cleaning old records.
So many of my new records are SO dirty. I just cleaned one last night - it was a mess. Never would have thought it was brand new.
Just because it's triggering me. When he has written "Hrtz" and keeps saying Hertz. He means Kilohertz, KHz
120Hz or 220Hz is very much in the Sonic (audible to the human ear) range. 220Hz is A3 on a musical scale.
120KHz and 220KHz however is way outside the Sonic (audible to the human ear) range, hence ultrasonic.
You are correct. I always confuse the KHz stuff. Thx.
OK, hold on there buddy. I was 100% on board with all of this until you took a shit on the SpinClean. I've been collecting records since the eighties and have been cleaning records for about 10 years, most recently at the rate of 50-100 per day for my record store. Not only do I use the SpinClean in my store, two of them actually, but I've sold dozens to satisfied customers. You know why? Because I've learned how to use it properly and pass that knowledge on to users. Firstly, it's not just a vat of dirty water. If you have a very dirty, gritty, thrift store record, it's best to rinse it off in the sink first. Yes, this can be done safely, I do it every day. Second, a majority of the filth will settle to the bottom of the tank. I only wash my drying cloths after dozens of uses, and they barely look dirty. Thirdly, if you're cleaning as many records as I do, a second SpinClean with just distilled water is perfect for a spot-free rinse. And lastly, the SpinClean isn't expensive. It's a quality product, made in the US, and will more than pay for itself in short order. I made a good motorized wet/vac system, similar to an OkiNoki or Record Doctor, which works as well or better, for under $100, but try making a SpinClean yourself! There are several record stores in town, and I routinely have customers tell me I have BY FAR the cleanest used vinyl in town. Now, all of that being said, I do plan on adding a Huminguru to my arsenal, soon, to take it to the next step, at least for more expensive records, my own personal collection, or for customers who pay for the service.
My main issue with the spin clean is the extraction/drying or lack there of. If you don’t have a vacuum to suck out the liquid leaving it to dry is a bad choice and slow for me. I would personally recommend the VinylVac and a $30 shop vac solution before I would recommend the spin clean. All that said ultrasonic cleaning with a drying or removal process is def. Better then both a vacuum or the spin clean. Here’s to both of us upgrading to a humminguru!!
@@PiecesofVinyl I use the supplied drying cloths and a rack. Dry and ready to sleeve in just a few moments. I’ve used the VinylVac, it’s excruciating to use without a motorized platter and spindle clamp. A lot depends on how many records your trying to clean in a space of time.
Step 1
Don't buy grotty records in the first place.
Step 2
If you go beyond Step 3 on this video you definitely have OCD and should probably see a psychiatrist
If you've got the $ to put a high end system together to hear the difference between a clean record and a "SUPER" ultra clean record what are you doing buying grubby enough records that will require this level of cleaning?
The amount of really grubby records that you should have in your collection that would require this type of cleaning should be so small that it doesn't make sense to need any method above a Hummingwhatever.
If your records are clean all you need to do is maintain them by removing superficial debris, you shouldn't have to "clean" them again, records aren't like the paint on your car that is exposed to road grime and the elements everyday.
Some people are way too fussy, how dirty can a record get?
If I ever get to a point where I'm sending off 16 records in a mailbag for someone else to clean them for me somebody please shoot me then give away my entire collection and stream.
Check out the video where I talk with the guy from the PVF service - the higher cleaning service is actually better for brand new - and even "audiophile" type records - its not the dirt its getting rid of - its a layer of PVC containment residue that is getting into the grooves of the records during creation that all records have and is audibly affecting playback. You might say - My records sound good to me - well, they CAN sound better if you CHOOSE to do so - If you are happy where you are - GREAT - same advice would go for any level of record listening/stereo equipment - Other people have heard really clean records and they prefer that. I usually don't buy really dirty records - but - if something comes along that is worth having and its a little dirty -it'd be silly not to try to and clean it - I have saved a TON of records from VG status to VG+ - Records can collect a lot of dust after 50-60 years - and I DO buy records that are 50-60 years old. Even well kept - they can get pretty dirty.
@@PiecesofVinyl
Hopefully you caught my bit of tongue in cheek in all that.
Us record "collectors" and "audiophiles" can take this hobby a little too seriously so I like to stir the pot a bit and "take the piss" so to speak.
Why only 6? why not 34.784, so you don't clean shellac? Bother to learn any chemistry. Wrong, it's NOT about quantity of records but about the value
$8 a record is really stupid
in the eighties NOBODY cleaned there records with an ultrason, even a simple microfiber cloth didnt exist. we cleaned only when it skipped or when there was beer spilled on them with some glasscleaner and a soft cloth . i took my newwave punk and hardcore records to every party in the late eighties, i stil have those records, and they crackle yes, and now i clean my records with a home made alcohol solution, but most of the time i play my records instead of sitting there cleaning them. play them loud and enjoy the crackling sound vinyl has. otherwise play a cd.
In the 80's people smoked on airplanes too!
We all know about opinions. He like the liberal record guy. SMH