From Iain H. Sent Sat, Apr 11th 1998, 01:58
From Iain H. Sent Sat, Apr 11th 1998, 01:58
Hi nick, >what do people recomend for effectively and undamagingly cleaning >records? That includes any substances and materials. UK >stockists and approx. prices would be helpful. Beyond the usage of a decent anti-static carbon-fibre cleaner (12.95 uk pounds made by Decca) or even velvet pad of sorts, I resort to a sticky rubber roller made specifically for the purpose of de-gumming records. I haven't seen similar today but around 10 years ago this was made by a company called 'Nagaoka' (the "Nagaoka Rolling 153R") and cost around 15 uk pounds. One other method that does work with careful manipulation, no joke, is using common detergent (Fairy liquid, store-branded etc etc) and tepid water - just slosh the record around a little, dunking the playing surface into the soapy water (try and avoid getting the label wet!). A good rinse is recommended afterwards before leaving to dry thoroughly - and a hi-fi mag of yore did advise the use of distilled/de-ionised water for the whole process but I think that isn't particularly necessary (and nearly getting into the realms of esoteric, and highly expensive, hi-fi tweaking - along with such items as the 20 quid a throw specially impregnated cotton bud to clean your ears [this exists!]). Another step up for a specific problem piece of vinyl would be the use of a professional record cleaning machine. My local library used to have one which they charged a minimal fee to use and I'm sure these still exist in some other libraries. You can buy them, though this would be a serious investment as they cost around 365 quid (though you can buy a kit to make one for 200). Try a source like 'Hi-Fi News and Record Review' magazine which has a readers mail-order accessories club which usually includes something that may be of use. Rubyjune. ---- <http://www.rjune.demon.co.uk/IainH.html>