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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I long ago owned the Keith Monks record cleaner but sold it when I moved into a smaller house. I then tried the first VPI then the Nitty Gritty. I then went back to a series of VPIs. Then I heard the benefits of the Loricraft. I bought one and did a string of records that had previously cleaned with the VPIs. On listening to them first and then after recleaning with the Loricraft, I decided that all needed to be recleaned.

The vacuum head on the Loricraft where it rides on a string like the Keith Monks keeps the cleaning machine from scratching records as my VPI once did when I somehow got a very small piece of metal stuck in the vacuum head.

The more expensive Loricrafts have greater vacuum power which is tempting I must say. Perhaps this would clean all records in one cleaning.
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
...agre with Dan_ed. I use a Wet/Dry vac with a modified attachment that I by hand. It really sucks.

;^)
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I am trying the eBay Groovmaster along with a used Record Doctor. I got it here for $60 plus shipping. I still think records DO need some soaking time, so the Groovmaster will take care of it.

Groovmaster

I am awaiting delivery of Audio Intelligent cleaners.

****
njaferi
45 posts
 
I Would suggest that you also look into the Disk Doctors Cleaning Fluids, they are manual as well as can be used with machinces. I personally use multiple processes to help clean the records, as I do have very old records most of them came from the attic of old shops and relailors.

I use the Following Steps:

1) Removing the dust, dust grains that can damage the LP surface, so a very soft brush should be used for that.

2)Than I Use the VIP 17 F with VPI stock fluid for the first time. Usually clean each side twice or as need be.

3) Use the Disk Doctor manuls process using their Cleaning fluid and that a distil water wash.

4) Than use the VIP Fluid mixed with 99% Alcohol. The ratio is 80% VPI Fluid and 20% alcohol. Use the VPI 17 F for this as well.

5) On last wash by distil water.

6) Leave the record to dry for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Than use a new Sleeve to store it.

If I use a new record, I do not do the steps 1 and 2 but the rest of the procedure I follow.

Always remember to use an anti static brush befor playing any record, this will enhance the life of your investment both Record and Stylus.

I hope this will be help ful and you will feel the difference.

Happy Listening
calgarian5355 OP
146 posts
 
2nd Update: I previously had the entry level Nitty Gritty RCM and most recently have acquired the VPI model that seems to work much better; there are no longer any more lines of dust on my freshly cleaned records.

I have a question to all the RCM owners and the fluid that they use. I have read some posts on this forum regarding the fluids, and as I understand it, the liquid is designed to get into the grooves of the lp to help dissolve the grunge trapped inside. I've noticed that some fluids bead up on the record surface, while others seem to coat the grooves like a big puddle. Am I wrong in assuming that the fluids that form the puddle are better for dislodging the dirt? It just seems a bit strange that fluid manufacturers would intentionally make a liquid that beads up; this doesn't allow the the entire record surface to be covered in liquid and thus doesn't help to dislodge all the dirt on the entire surface. Any comments?

calgarian
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