Needles & Cartridges

Speakers Vinyl Records Turntables Needles & Accessories - Needles & Cartridges - Cleaning & Vinyl Care - Replacement Parts Audio System Components Complete Sound Systems

TAKING CARE OF YOUR RECORDS

Looking after your records is actually pretty simple (provided you keep at it), and many regard it as part of the magic of keeping a legendary collection. Chances are, if you own a sizeable vinyl vault, you'll be using the right cleaning materials already. Not everyone does though. And if you've mistakenly thought that tap water will do the trick, there's much more to learn. So stick around.After all, this is probably the one major part of your life that's not stored digitally.

Storage and Passive Care
Much comes down to you treat your records when they're not in use. This part is usually simple, but if you do it properly you'll be rewarded for decades to come. This involves some obvious pointers like keeping your vinyl out of the sunny windows and heat sources like amplifiers, and humid areas of the house like bathrooms or kitchens, presuming they don't have an extraction fan, are a definite no. Be wary of areas that are just hot or humid in general. If you're new to the game, you may not have known that records should never be stored horizontally in large numbers. If you really need to though, stacks shouldn't exceed 15-20 in number.

Then there are the obvious points: records should be kept in their sleeves when not in use. This comes down to the war against dust is, but it doesn't have to be a struggle. One fool-proof method is to store them in plastic sleeves. If you find that comes off as tacky, the cardboard sleeve should fare just fine. It also generates less static.

Guarding against static
Static is the other area you'll need to guard against. The paper sleeves which records are shipped in tend generate plenty of it. It pays to invest in some polyethylene lined sleeves for your most favored records.

Handling your records
If you're staging a romantic dinner and have been cooking all evening, remember keep those oily paws off the fine grooves. If you want your records and stylus to be playing like they did a year from now that is. For general handling though, the place you hold the record matters too: The labeled area and outer edges are safe-zones for those fingers.

Before and after slipping on a record, a carbon fiber brush is handy of removing any micro-particles that could've landed on your favorite LP between taking it out and replacing it inside it's sleeve. Another great way to remain dust-proof is to buy a record player with a lid.

Record Cleaning
No matter how meticulous you are about record storage, a good cleaning now and then will benefit your vinyl, keeping the sound just as crisp and clean as it should be. If it's an older record or you've just let it become dusty as hell through lack of discretion, there are a number of tried and tested ways of restoring it to it's former glory provided it's not been scratched. Any grime that invariably comes with second-hand records should be dealt with immediately so as not to damage your stylus.

If you want to simplify the process, there are plenty of cleaning machines available that will save you time, but assuming you're more hands on, there are some classic methods of record-cleaning that will be available for as long as records are around. That said, cleaning machines are also available, which will make the load lighter.

Cleaning Machines
Although automatic record-cleaning machines tend to be expensive and space-consuming, that doesn't mean you can't save time and money by buying a compact and trusty manual cleaning machine. Especially if you have a massive vinyl collection, this will turn a day's cleaning into a couple of hours. The Spin Clean Record Cleaner is one fine example of this, and it works using the same mixture of cleaning solution and distilled water.

The Classic Cleaning Method

Before you start to clean, always use a dry carbon fiber brush to take off any loose dust particles. Some cleaning solutions include this as part of the package, such as the Clear Groove Record Cleaning Solution for instance. If you don't brush before applying the wet cloth (the next step), dust can become lodged inside the grooves.

Next, apply your cleaning brush with record-cleaning solution. You might choose to dilute with some distilled water (Again, never use ordinary tap water as the minerals will cause the vinyl to degenerate). Now gently wipe the grooves, going with the grain, for obvious reasons. After a few swipes, check the cloth for any dust deposits and rinse them off before restarting the process. The cloth shouldn't be sopping wet, so just wet it enough to pick up those finer dust particles. While you're cleaning, be wary of getting any water on the label. This can cause smudging.

Now stack your records vertically and leave them to dry in an area of the house that isn't too dusty.

Stylus Maintenance
This is the point where the needle hits the groove, so it's crucially important to maintaining a healthy library.As we mentioned before, keeping your stylus clean and properly aligned will have a direct effect on how long your records last. This is because a badly maintained stylus can end up scratching your records. Keeping your records clean in turn, will effect the longevity of your stylus, so it's this cycle you need to keep an eye on, and fortunately it doesn't require a lot of work provided you don't let things get out of whack in the first place.

A few pointers are worth bearing in mind here:

- Never use a worn-out stylus.
-Ensure that your stylus is clean and free of grime at all times.
-Make sure you've balanced your stylus in accordance with your cartridge's requirements.
- Be sure to align your cartridge properly.
-Set up your anti-skate counterweight properly.

Summing it all up

In a nutshell, record-maintenance is all about keeping the physical connection between record and stylus crisp and clear. Records are still the most magical form of music-appreciation, and caring for your record collection won't require heaps of work if you take care of regular maintenance.

Take a look inside BaseVinyl.com

Definitive Technology Pro Cin 800 BK System Black

All in one box Pro Cineama 800 System consisting of 4 each ProMonitor 800 satellites, 1 each ProCenter 1000 and 1 each ProSub 800Huge speaker sound from small easy to place and use satellite speakersPressure-coupled mid..

First & Last & Always

U.S. vinyl LP pressing. Originally released in 1985 and recorded with the classic Eldritch/Hussey/Adams/Marx line-up. This line-up and, in particular, this album set the standard for Gothic/Alternative Rock for years to ..

TURNTABLE BELT FOR TECHNICS SL-L20 SL-B205 SL-B210 SL-B210-1 SL-301M SL-301MC

Belts are brand new stockBelts are manufactured to match the OEM specsOutstanding Tech Support / 45 years experienceLifetime Warranty on all belts..

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For CARTRIDGES MAGNAVOX 560418, ACUTEX 310, ACUTEX 312, ACUTEX 315, ACUTEX 320.

This Brand New (factory sealed box) Generic replacement stylus.If the original cartridge has been replaced with another type this won't fit. The color may be a bit different. Compare your old needle to the picture before..

Turntable Record Player Phono Cartridge Headshell with Gold Leads, BLACK

BRAND NEW, BLACK ANODIZED ALUMINUM HEADSHELL WITH GOLD LEADS Especially crafted headshell for audiophile and professional turntables when full harmonics and fidelity are critical goals of the end-user. Made of special a..

Felona E/And Sorona 2016 Limited Numbered Edition

Shrink-wrapped..

uxcell 5 Pcs Speaker RCA Wire to AV Phono Male RCA Cable Connector Jack Adapter

1.Simply and professional appearance for cabling.2.Easier for CCTV camera installation, save time and save money.3.No electrical tap, no splicing, no crimping, but only a small screw driver.Connector Type: RCA Male; Colo..

Marantz TT-15S1 Reference Belt Drive Turntable with Cartridge (Transparent White)

Analog recording is still very alive. Quality turntables are still in demand. Digital discs simply set new performance standards that turntables must meet. Many cherished records may never be issued on digital formats. G..

Needles & Accessories

Refine Search

Product Compare (0)

Sort By:

Show:

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For CARTRIDGES MAGNAVOX 560418, ACUTEX 310, ACUTEX 312, ACUTEX 315, ACUTEX 320.

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For MODELS DENON DP-25F, DENON DP25F, GARRARD 1212, GARRARD 1212, TEAC PA-400, CEC CN24...

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For NEEDLES ACUTEX 310IIE, ACUTEX 312/III, ACUTEX 315/III, ACUTEX 320/III, AKAI RS-100,...

Numark Groove Tool Cartridge & Stylus

The Numark GrooveTool is an adjustable cartridge with a replaceable diamond tip that will fit in a traditional head shell mount. A red plastic stylus and black plastic cartridge are included. The silver head shell is sol..

OM PRO S Cartridge Premounted on SH-4 Headshell

Ortofon OM Pro S Premounted Cartridge with Headshell. The Pro S is centered around providing durability and accurate sound quality with a strong emphasis on value. The Pro S cartridge is a great choice for beginners, but..

Ortofon 2M Blue MM Phono Cartridge

The 2M Blue is an upgrade from the Red. The 2M Blue uses the same structures but employs a highly polished nude-elliptical stylus for much better tracking and quieter reproduction, as it reaches deeper into the record's ..

Ortofon 2M Red MM Phono Cartridge

The Absolute Sound Product of the Year Award Winner The Ortofon 2M Red is an evolution and an update of Ortofon' s best-selling OM Series of Moving Magnet cartridges. The 2M body, generator and stylus profile have all be..

Ortofon Scratch Replacement Stylus

Replacement stylus for Scratch DJ CartridgesReplacement stylus for the Concorde Scratch and OM Scratch..

Ortofon SH-4 Silver Cartridge Shell

Ortofon Sh-4Silver Sh-4 Dj Headshell (Silver)Ergonomic finger liftMounts all conventional cartridgesLightweightAttractive..

Ortofon SH-4 Silver Cartridge Shell

Ortofon Sh-4Silver Sh-4 Dj Headshell (Silver)Ergonomic finger lift Mounts all conventional cartridges Lightweight AttractiveMounts all conventional cartridgesLightweightAttractiveOrtofon knows cartridges..

Ortofon: Cartridge Alignment Tool

ensures proper alignment, helps eliminate tracking errorFor MM/MC/MI and Piezoelectric Acoustical Pickup, Nonmagnetic, No Magnetic Field Adhesivity, Reading ReliableHigh Precision and Accurate Stylus Gauge for Accurate S..

Panasonic SFPCC31001K Sfpcc31001k Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part

Technics SFPCC31001K HEADSHELL Replacement Headshell For SL1210 MK2 / SL1200 MK2 (SFPCC31001K)Technics SFPCC31001K HEADSHELL..

Parts Express Gold RCA Jack Solder Type w/Nut Pair Hex Type

The "Installer Friendly" wall plate system gives you the flexibility to quickly custom build your wall plates on the job site. Color-coded for polarity and gold-plated.Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered DaysSide A 1On Yo..

Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Phonograph Record Player Needle 911DS, 2129DS, A101XSD, A41073, Astatic N81SD; Fits Astatic 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, ...

Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Diamond Phonograph Record Player Needle 911DS, 2129DS, A101XSD, A41073, Astatic N81SD; Fits Astatic 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 385, 387, 389, 392, 395, 397Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Diamond..

Take a look inside BaseVinyl.com

Definitive Technology Pro Cin 800 BK System Black

First & Last & Always

TURNTABLE BELT FOR TECHNICS SL-L20 SL-B205 SL-B210 SL-B210-1 SL-301M SL-301MC

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For CARTRIDGES MAGNAVOX 560418, ACUTEX 310, ACUTEX 312, ACUTEX 315, ACUTEX 320.

Turntable Record Player Phono Cartridge Headshell with Gold Leads, BLACK

Felona E/And Sorona 2016 Limited Numbered Edition

uxcell 5 Pcs Speaker RCA Wire to AV Phono Male RCA Cable Connector Jack Adapter

Marantz TT-15S1 Reference Belt Drive Turntable with Cartridge (Transparent White)

Needles & Accessories

Refine Search

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For CARTRIDGES MAGNAVOX 560418, ACUTEX 310, ACUTEX 312, ACUTEX 315, ACUTEX 320.

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For MODELS DENON DP-25F, DENON DP25F, GARRARD 1212, GARRARD 1212, TEAC PA-400, CEC CN24...

Newpowergear Phonograph Record Turntable Needle Replacement For NEEDLES ACUTEX 310IIE, ACUTEX 312/III, ACUTEX 315/III, ACUTEX 320/III, AKAI RS-100,...

Numark Groove Tool Cartridge & Stylus

OM PRO S Cartridge Premounted on SH-4 Headshell

Ortofon 2M Blue MM Phono Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Red MM Phono Cartridge

Ortofon Scratch Replacement Stylus

Ortofon SH-4 Silver Cartridge Shell

Ortofon SH-4 Silver Cartridge Shell

Ortofon: Cartridge Alignment Tool

Panasonic SFPCC31001K Sfpcc31001k Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part

Parts Express Gold RCA Jack Solder Type w/Nut Pair Hex Type

Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Phonograph Record Player Needle 911DS, 2129DS, A101XSD, A41073, Astatic N81SD; Fits Astatic 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, ...

Pfanstiehl LP Deluxe No-Static Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush with Carbon Fibers

Phoenix Record Cleaning System for Vinyl (4 oz.)

PHONO TURNTABLE NEEDLE STYLUS FITS SHURE N95E M95ED SHURE N-95ED M-95E 4767-DED

Phonograph needle cartridge Varco TN4 TN-4 TN-4A VARCO VACO TN4B TN4A P-132D