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Vacuuming every time? LAST revisited?

I suppose that the answer is that it's up to me and that I might as well just read record playing rituals but

I have four cleaning systems

LAST soundcare
a spin clean
a nitty gritty 1.5
an okki nokki (new!)

I used to go LAST 1 + LAST 2 once, then LAST 3 every time.
Then I bought the nitty gritty and would use that for used LPs.
I would still do LAST.
Last year I bought a Spin Clean, I would add a wash in Spin Clean.

But the Okki Nokki looks better (I did like the funky look of the Nitty Gritty, but it's still not that great) and thus can sit right next to my turntable. Plus it really is easier to use!

I think I'll keep the Spin Clean in my system for incoming LPs.
But I'm wondering if I shouldn't just vacuum each time I play. It's not a big deal to do and it'll keep the records nice and clean.

Should I still keep the LAST system? I've subjected every one of my records for over 2 decades to it. Seems uncomfortable to stop. I could, I suppose, do it once to all of my records but I wonder if I'm not stripping System 2 off when I do it. But the Okki Nokki (esp. with spin clean) really seems to bring things back to life too. Any thoughts?

Please discount any ideas about wasted labor on my part. It's really easy enough.
128x128intermediatic
markpao
519 posts
 
"I don't think so, as you have not acquired an ultrasonic cleaner, the true
hallmark of a 'nut'. ."

I have one but don't consisder myself a nut (yet, but that's just my opinion).
Just for those who don't care to spend a good part of our free time cleaning
records instead of listening to them.
robdoorack
63 posts
 
I'm not sure which LAST products you're referring to with the numbers 1, 2, 3; I've always seen the stuff called by names like "record preservative" or "stylus cleaner." In any case, back in the early 1980s I called the LAST company and was put through to the (now deceased) chemist who created the stuff. He told me that LAST preservative is not a coating and it chemically bonds with the vinyl. He said the only thing that could remove it was a nasty industrial solvent that is unavailable to consumers. On the other hand, Duane Goldman who formulated the Disc Doctor cleaners said that his cleaners could remove LAST. I'm not sure who to believe. For whatever its worth, Michael Fremer has been using LAST on his records for three decades.
intermediatic's avatar
intermediatic OP
72 posts
 
Yes, an ultrasonic cleaner would be the true hallmark.

But then where does that leave cable lifters, thing to sit on top of your components, and the blackbody ambient field conditioner?

Schippo, why would you say I'm overkilling my vinyl? And what do you mean by that?

Robdoorrack, Last 1 is extra strength cleaner, Last 2 is preservative, Last 3 is the cleaner you use every time you play.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
No need to clean everytime. One goo d cleaning and then storage in good MoFi inner liners is all that's needed. Then a carbon brusing to remove surface dust before playing. The thing you don't want to do is buld up any residue, and I decided that LAST products did this years ago. Simply the Super Wash from MoFi(formerly RRL) and you're done.
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rauliruegas
13,066 posts
 
Dear Intermediatic: The " best " LP cleaner is the cartridge stylus where you have to put attention in a deeper way than the LP. IMHO each time you lift up your cartridge have to cleans it before next LP playback.

No, I'm not saying that's unimportant to cleanse the LP everytime under playback because it's important but not at he same level, the Stevecham advise is very good.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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