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Record Cleaning Backlash

I bought myself a Nitty Gritty RCM about a year and a half ago. I started out using NG Pure2, applying it to the velvet lips and cleaning as per NG's instructions. It seemed ok, but as all things in this hobby, we wonder about the next step. So I bought some Disc Doctor and some AI pure water and started a multi-step process. Applying the DD with the DD brushes, taking it off with tissue, using pure water, off with tissue, another pure water rinse and vacuum it all off. I also tried L'Art Du Son and kept the mixed portion in my fridge. Also, the same multi-step procedure as Disc Doctor. I never went as far as Walker.

Well, I think I just got sick of spending so much time cleaning and went back to a very simple procedure. Nitty Gritty Pure 2 one-step fluid, applied with a DD brush, and then vacuum off with the NG. I will tell you - it works great and it's fast, easy and clean. I play the record after cleaning and there's nothing on the stylus tip.

Caveat - I'm talking about new or almost new vinyl here. I'm not trying to get 20 year old Pepsi out of the grooves. For that, the procedure would be more involved. So I ask you to free yourself of the tyranny of record cleaning and get sensible again. Or not! Whatever makes you happy. I'm just reminding myself and you that you can effectively clean both sides of a record in three minutes with great results and not having to clean 6 brushes when you're done. Enjoy.
chayro
xiekitchen
821 posts
 
I've been using my Nitty Gritty since around 1990, replaced a few parts but now the 'velvet lips' won't stay put and will not stay glued down.. I had replaced these I think twice now.. and had been thinking of going to a brand new VPI machine... any thoughts ??

I have been considering going whole hog into the Walker process but wonder if it's worth it.. I have been a 'single step' cleaner forever now, using the record wash from the music direct site (forget what it is now)
chayro OP
3,000 posts
 
When you remove the velvet lips on the NG, you have to make sure you get off all the gummy residue off the plastic underneath the velvet. I use a bit of Goo Gone on a Q-Tip, let it set for a minute and then wipe off any residue with a cloth. After that, clean the lips with isopropol alcohol and replace with new ones. I see no reason it shouldn't adhere as good as new. Anything to do with gluing is surface preparation, IMO.
chayro OP
3,000 posts
 
There's also the possibility that your capstan (if you have one) is adjusted too low, pressing the record against the lips too hard. This can be adjusted by turning the two small screws behind the capstan, raising it slightly.

People rave about Walker and I'm sure it's very good. It's all a personal choice as to how much time and effort you want to spend and whether you believe the results justify the labor and expense. I think you should try these other things. Then when you're done, go back to your old way and see if there's a difference.

I was a professional musician for 20 years and I learned something about hearing. Hearing is like eyesight - we all hear different, just as we see different. Some have better ears than others, just as some have better eyes than others. We just have a hard time accepting it.

I would never doubt what someone claims to hear, just because I can't hear it. The whole process is too complex and subjective.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
I have a VPI 16.5 and use the Walker Prelude 4-step system. It is a pain in the @#$ no doubt, but you get good at it after a few tries. The VPI 16.5 is a great machine. I've never had to do anything to it since I bought it new in 1995. Works like a champ every time.

Anyway, I heard a cut off of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Couldn't Stand the Weather" (Tin Pan Alley) at RMAF that sounded killer, so I dug out my old copy of the LP when I returned home. It looked pristine (new), so I gave it a quick on-platter rub with my Hunt EDA brush and a wave of the Talisman and sat down to listen. The surface noise was so bad that it was unlistenable.

I immediately cleaned it with the Walker Prelude system and the 16.5, put it back on the platter and, voila, the surface noise vanished. Dead quiet. This is far from the first time that I have experienced this since buying the Walker system.

It might be a bit of trouble, but I consider the Walker Prelude system (and a good RCM) to be a must-have for serious vinyl lovers. Just my two cents FWIW.
residualdissonance
19 posts
 
I buy a gallon of LAST fluid. Dilute it with highest grade alcohol I can find around here approx 70%LAST/30%alcohol, add a few drops of dish soap detergent (mix all this in a smaller container about 8 OZ before you add a few drops of soap),and voila. I have made my own brush/pad using closed cell foam surrounded by short hair velour from fabric store. The closed cell foam allow you to push with more pressure and squeeze the velour into the grooves. The pad is approx 4 inches long, 1 inch high, and 1.5 inches deep. I spin the record using my Loricraft RCM as I hold the wet pad on the record. After, I rinse with the cleanest water I can get. Skip the hassle of using enzyme cleaners...unless you buy your records used, from a moldy basement. This method cleans anything that can be removed from the surface exluding ground in dirt. After this, no more cleaning is necessary. Period.
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