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Record Cleaners / RCMs

I've been reading with interest in previous posts about how important it is to have a record cleaning machine. I can understand the great importance of cleaning records using the scrub/vaccuum mechanisms of these RCMs if the records are filled with finger prints, or were purchased second hand (and require a deep cleaning) but what about newly purchased vinyl? If one has purchased vinyl new, and has taken extreme care of his records in the past(ie..not touching the playing surface with dirty fingers, lightly cleaning the playing surface with an old discwasher pad, etc) would it be benficial to use an RCM. I've not seen these RCMs up close, but it would appear that the scrubbing and vaccumming of these machines might possibly do more damage than good.

When I purchased my Linn Axis many years ago, I was told by the Linn dealer that one did not need to clean the records (if you didn't smugdge them up with finger prints,etc). He had said the time that cleaning pads such as the discwasher did more damage than good. Armed with that advice, I stopped using the discwashwer as well.

I'm about to bring out my record collection again after storing them the past 15 years. Should I clean them using the discwasher?....or perhaps get an entry level RCM? Or should I continue to do what my Linn dealer told me before and not clean them at all?

I would appreciate your comments.

calgarian
calgarian5355
calgarian5355 OP
146 posts
 
This question to all Nitty Gritty RCM users. After using the RCM on an LP, the machine seems to be leaving a very small band of dust on the record (right where the velvet pad/vaccum slot is located). I didn't notice this band of dust previously, so I'm thinking that the recent cold weather we've had (creating a very low humidity level) is the cause of this dust accumulation. How are other users getting rid of this last bit of dust on the record? Any suggestions?
calgarian
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Once the velvet lips are moistened, do you still have this problem? If I don't use the little bristle brush on the lips when they are dry, I sometimes see a line of dust when I flip the record over to do the second side. But once the second side is cleaned, there's no more dust, if that's clear. Dave

PS -- A hint, to extend the life of the velvet lips. Alternate the way you turn the records you're cleaning. First clockwise, then counterclockwise on the next one.
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
Try it. When you don't hear a diference, then it's ok for you. When I would have the decision between a expensive Cartridge AND NO RCM or a cheaper cartridge and a good Cleaning Machine I need no time to go for the last. The difference in my System is huge.
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
Thomasheisig, buy the good cartridge and clean your records by hand. You'll have a great cart and records cleaner than any macnine can get 'em.
hdm
1,062 posts
 
Calgarian: My thoughts are that you just may not have noticed this before. When doing your final vacuum on the machine, just make sure to turn it off, leaving the record on the Nitty Gritty until the vacuum has completely (or almost completely) cycled off. I think you will find that this will completely take off all moisture and any possible "debris" in the moisture along the vac slot, resulting in a clean record.
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