Gruve Glide

Posts in the Vinyl forum at audioasylum.com indicate that Gruv Glide is basically the same product as Static Guard - a common household product available at a fraction of the price. Haven't tried it myself - my can of Griv Glide is still holding out.

Stevecham,

I had that happen once when I used too much. I now use the smallest amount that I can with a single spray. I figure that I treat perhaps 4-500 albums with one can.

Is it OK to use this product without vacuum cleaning? Music Direct suggets vacuuming first then Gruv-Glide. I do not have a vacuum machine, any other ideas?

Colitas,

I haven't tried Gruv-Glide, but I think you may be approaching things in the wrong order. Vacuum cleaning will do far more for your records than spraying Gruv-Glide, or anything else, on top of the dirt. There is no safe way to play dirty vinyl, and there is no way to clean vinyl effectively without vacuuming.

There's really no reason not to vacuum. If you don't have a RCM try this:
- pick up a 1HP Shop Vac (I got one at Walmart for $25)
- put some self-stick felt on the nozzle
- use your GroovMaster to hold/spin the LP while vacuuming

You do have a GroovMaster, right? :)

If/when you spring for a RCM, you'll still have a perfectly servicable shop vac.

GroovMaster? Huh? Please elaborate. I must confess the most extensive cleaning I have done is using the Discwasher brush with some anti-static cleaner, rotating the platter(when off) and applying pressure. I would slowly roll the brush up lifting the dirt off the record. this was effective with paper debris, but not deep into the groove. I am sure this will solidify my newbie status and might even result in expulsion from the hallowed halls of audiophilia. I tried the Orbitrac but was not that impressed. I guess my question of next upgrade has been answered! Vacuum it is