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Got an LP cleaner you want to make money on?

The subject has come up about cleaning vinyl LPs and how expensive some of the effective LP cleaners are out there. Usually out of the monetary reach of the average vinyl player who still would like to listen to clean, quiet LPs on their turntables.

I was wondering, since many of the members here may own such equipment, whether there might be a chance to connect through Audiogon some of the owners of these cleaners who may be willing to offer their use, for a price of course, with the vinyl lovers in their particular area.

At least they could recoup some of the cost and at the same time help out others of like interests, namely enjoying listening to LPs with the least amount of pops and snaps..

What do you think? Would you owners of such equipment be interested such a service?
altaylorwood
vusi_khumalo
72 posts
 
I have always wanted to suggest a similar idea with a Furutech LP flattener for the guys in my part of the world. Plus I think this device yields a more consistant positive result than a cleaner?
I have an early model Keith Monks that I maybe use once a year. I do offer it to friends to use if they bring their own fluid and the arm's O ring which goes brittle and breaks from not being used for months. Judging by the fact that I havent had a friend come back for a second run, I have stopped offering. Maybe it's mostly because the results dont always meet their expectations. Plus I wont sit there and clean half their LPs, I show you on the first 2 sides and then you are on your own!
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Ok, VPI or Nitty Gritty? Some company offers a Nitty Gritty head and you hook up your own vac. I have a variable speed canister that is perfect for this. I have a few hundred records and am thinking of a Bellari USB pre amp to save them digitally, but I'd still play them as they'll still sound better. I am now also looking at the Rega 6 with cart and selling the Rotel with a very very good Van den Hul MM1 as I know that's a good cartridge and folks will have interest. If I do this, I want to do it right. Thoughts on VPI vs nitty gritty.
altaylorwood OP
29 posts
 
Agape126:
I wouldn't clean a new LP. You want to maintain that pristeen surface as long as possible with careful handling.
Glad you asked though.
altaylorwood OP
29 posts
 
Buconero117:
I too use steam with great success. Distilled water to minimize any buildup. Set it up so as to keep the label dry.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,397 posts
 
I bought a very clean 16.5 last year for a little over $300.
If that's not doable, I recommend a spin clean- under $100
Another answer to is find a few vinyl buddies in your area and split the cost of a used RCM. Perhaps the perfect start for a local hifi club?

Years ago there's was a store nearby that charged $1 a record to clean. I thought it was an OK service. Frankly, if I owned an audio shop, I would include in any TT purchase free lifetime record cleaning, limited to 5 LPs per visit to the shop.

Personally, I wouldn't advertise my home as a place to bring your LPs to clean for a charge. I far prefer inviting friends over and if they bring some vinyl to clean , that's great.
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