2. analog
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is it possible to repair a Record?

I own maybe 4 or 5 hundred records: all of them have been in my record cleaning machine, the used ones 2 or 3 times.  So, I'm enjoying a gem I found on Discogs, the surface noise is inaudible, and all of a sudden there is a pop that rattles the windows.  Attached is a YouTube video by a guy that talks about repairing a record.  Is this really possible, do any of you have experience doing this?

 

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alwynlarryv
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,830 posts
 

There might be something stuck on the vinyl which can be carefully removed with a toothpick. It’s also possible you are experiencing static build up and discharge causing the pop. Sometimes it’s just damaged. I have no experience with repairing records but I do use an ultrasonic cleaner which helps a lot.

big_greg
6,646 posts
 

Most of the time when a record "skips" it's because there is something stuck to the surface of the record that keeps the stylus from continuing its journey in the groove.  If it doesn't skip, it might play but make a loud pop. 

Turn off the motor and turn the platter by hand to figure out where the offending particle is.  Usually it's a small piece of something white and easy to spot.  Once you've located it, take a thin piece of lint free cloth and gently go back and forth with your fingernail through the cloth to see if you can remove it.

This works more often than not but may leave some scuffing marks on the surface of the vinyl. 

I've tried sticking stuff (toothpicks and needles) in the grooves with a 100% failure rate.

If that fails, it's time to return the record.

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