Record care

Table of contents

Measures for the care of a record

The care of records is of crucial importance for the preservation of their sound and playback quality. playback quality and for extending their life. Although records are robust music carriers, they require regular attention and careful handling to avoid damage.

Antistatic measures:

To minimize the electrostatic charging of records records, there are various methods:

An antistatic carpet pad is placed on the turntable to reduce the charge due to its electrically conductive material. An antistatic cloth can also be used, which is chemically impregnated and removes dust from the records before playback. Alternatively, an antistatic spray can be sprayed onto the record surface to reduce the charge.

Another method of discharging the plates is to use a piezo rod. By moving the rod back and forth, sparks are generated that neutralize the static charge.

Cleaning methods:

There are various cleaning methods for removing dust and dirt from records:

Discofilm, a liquid, is applied to the panel and, once dry, forms a cohesive film that removes dirt and solids from the grooves.

In the 1980s, record brushes with conductive carbon fiber bristles were also launched on the market to dissipate static charges.

Another method is a special device from Maxell that uses a rotating brush made of very soft conductive carbon fibers to remove dirt from the grooves.

Record washing machines:

An effective method for cleaning records is the use of record washing machines. These clean the record in a closed system with water and sometimes ultrasound. Dirt and cleaning solution are then removed from the grooves using a vacuum pump.

These various measures can effectively maintain records and extend their service life.