Are Dust Covers a MUST

A dust cover when not playing music is a must.

No dust cover during playback.

A dust cover during play, is an acoustic feedback pickup, from the sound coming off the speakers.
 

  Always removed the cover from the LP-12 when listening.  Never tried it with it on.
  Bought a new ’table that didn’t come with a cover.  Ordered one from J Display case.  Much cheaper than Gingko.  Need one to keep the dust off.  Thought about just a cloth, or silk cover, but that look I care not for.

I have a turntable with a dustcover. If you saw the dust that accumulates on my dustcover, you wouldn't be asking whether they're necessary, but where to buy one.

I guess you could cut a rectangle of shower curtain and drape it on the record player when you're not using it.

I use quality fabric from the fabric store

also pick up gently from the back
place back on front first

no pets or young kids (22 year old knows better)

Don't use a dust cover...too big and klutzy to fool with every time I want to play a record.  I use a microfiber duster to remove the offenders and am good to go.