Brand New Vinyl Static and Pops

Just about every new vinyl purchase needs cleaning when first opened.  It’s like the packaging plant is dusty or something.  Clean before you play.  

@oldaudiophile 

Sorry, but you're showing your age.  Most turntables these days don't have a dustcover, particularly at the high end.  I exited my last table with a dust cover, a Linn, in the mid-80s.  For a while I used to put a sheet of newspaper over the turntable when not in use but pretty soon I didn't bother.  I have no problem with static or with dust.

It occurs to me it is possible that cleaning fetishists create static on LPs with all the cleaning.  I only clean a record if I hear noise - Nitty Gritty, not US.  I then put it in a fresh Nagaoka inner so I know it's been cleaned.  I almost never have to clean it again.  I have c.3000 LPs and have only bought a few 100 Nagaoka sleeves, so I haven't had to clean many.  Most of my collection is second-hand but I am VERY careful to buy only records that look pristine and little played.

You're right, clearthinker! I am showing my age. I've been spinning vinyl since 1959; mostly 45s in those days, on my parents' early 1950s Grundig console. You'll probably have to look that one up.

In cany case, as my love of music grew, I got more sophisticated about my stereo equipment starting in 1972. Since then, my vinyl spinning has been virtually exclusively LPs. My collection, or library, if you will, consists, mostly, of well cared for LPs that I purchased new in the early 60s through to the mid to late 80s. A handful of them are considered collectors' items; some worth serious cash. The large majority sound as good today as they did when I purchased them. I have, recently, been buying new good quality LPs to add to the collection/library and some to replace a few all-time favorites.

I trust that you are probably correct about super high-end TTs not having or coming with dustcovers. Although my home and sound room aren't particularly dusty, and I don't have much of a static electricity issue to worry about, even if I were fortunate or wealthy enough to have a super high-end TT (e.g.  Continuum Caliburn; TechDas Air Force; etc.), I would still endeavor to protect it from environmental dust, especially when not in use. I'm sure you eventually discovered that a sheet of newspaper was probably not the best idea in this regard.

Keep on spinning!

I certainly agree with cleaning all your records--new or used.

But, "static" or noise in general can also be caused by less than optimal table set up. (table meaning=the whole shebang.) My experience is that there is a lot to be said for truly nailing the setup. It takes time, experience and the right tools--or the right person (with all of those things).

Bottom line: don't underestimate how perfectly your stylus is getting into the groove. (And even then, clean your records!)

@oldaudiophile     Thanks for the reply.

Well I'm not far behind you.  From 1962 I was using my father's mono rig, a Goldring turntable, big old pre-war valve amp and Goodmans speakers, starting with the Beatles of course.

In 1965 I got my own stuff Garrard transcription, Rogers amps and two speakers I borrowed from my father, a Wharfdale and another Goodmans (OK they're not the same!).

I'm on LPs too but I have most of the early Beatles and mid 60s Dylan 7 inchers.  I don't play them now but it's something to look at 'She Loves You' and 'Like a Rolling Stone'.  I bought quite a few rock 12 inch singles from the 80s.  With more space for generous cutting, most sound better than LPs with loads more dynamic range.  Played loud they're around the best sound you can get.

And I agree with you about sound quality of old LPs.  I have handled them carefully and no way do they need cleaning all the time.