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Brush/scrubbing ideas for VPI 16.5 record cleaner.

After missing several 16.5's on eBay and here, I broke down a bought one new. What's it like? In a word: excellent. I am really amazed how some albums really come to life after a good cleaning. Not only is the fizz and pop gone, but you move a couple of rows closer to the performance.

What I have noticed is that the supplied VPI brush needs to be used lightly. A heavy hand will leave faint scratches seen on the clear inside groove area. I can only assume this is not a good idea and these scratches affect the complete album. I do use copious amounts of cleaning fluid, so I assume the problem is with the brush and/or my technique.

Do you have any suggestions on scrubbing or cleaning generally dirty (i.e. thrift shop) albums. Do you let them soak? If so, how long? Do you worry about the alcohol content on long soakings?

Are you a scrubber? My tendency is lean in and use some elbow grease on a dirty album, but after seeing the tiny scratches, I need to rethink this technique. Any suggestions on a "kinder, gentler" brush; the cheaper the better.

Thanks,
rrick
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,150 posts
 
Check out the Disc Doctor record brushes @ http://www.discdoc.com

I use his brushes and fluid in combination with a NG machine and this works great.

Oz
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ncarv
983 posts
 
Disc Doctor brushes -- the only way to go. I "scrub" the records first using Disc Doctor, brush them with distilled water, and use the VPI 16.5 to suck off the water.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Rrick, I used the VPI 16.5 for about six years and I found that letting the LP soak for a little while worked better than applying elbow grease. It helped to be a little more patient and then let the vaccuum do the work. I'm not sure if VPI changed the brush they supplied with the 16.5 but the brush I had was big and bulky. I think you would do better to get something a little softer and smaller. I just bought a Sota LPC (record cleaner) and the brush they supplied really can't be used to over scrub an LP. Where the VPI brush had bristles about 1/4" thick the Sota is only about 1/8" thick.It might wear out faster but in the long run it is less likely to scratch and ruin LPs. I don't know what a replacement brush costs but you can call (800) 772 7682 and ask Donna about it.
rives
953 posts
 
First check those "scratches". I wouldn't be surprised if it's residue from the cleaning solution. The VPI doesn't suck up on smooth surfaces in the inner groove as well. I once noticed these "scratches" too, but they rub off. I have tried the disc doctor brushes. They are highly regarded by the audiophile community. I didn't like them. I felt the albums sounded worse after cleaning with them. They are much finer and I don't think they help lift the dirt out of the grooves, rather push the fluid and any material down. I use the VPI brush, and I'm not terribly gentle with it (I don't scrub either, but it's more than a glide over the grooves). As to cleaning really dirty records I have heard a number of suggestions. Everything from washing them in soap and water first, and then cleaing them with the VPI to the more practical: use the deep cleaning solution made by disc doctor.
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