Over here records are played only to record onto reel to reel tape. The LP's are played wet with isopropyl alcohol using a 1/2" wide flat brush to distribute the alcohol. The alcohol seems to lubricate the stylus while eliminating all but the most egregious of hurdles in the groove. Be certain to not apply too much alcohol toward the outside edge of the LP as that can be a mighty mess. A custom machined brass record clamp is used as well. This 'ritual' is tedious and is not being recommended but the result is a CD-quiet very high-quality copy of an LP.
Cody
Cody