Turntable Accessories

Speakers Vinyl Records Turntables Needles & Accessories 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

Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable (USB & Analog)

Help your customers get their classic albums off the shelf and into their MP3 player. Audio-Technica brings its legendary quality and audio fidelity to the digital realm with this LP-to-digital recording system. The Audi..

Boytone BT-37M-C Bluetooth 3-Speed Stereo Turntable, Wireless Connect to Devices speaker(Bluetooth out transfer), 2 Built-In Speakers, LCD Display,...

Boytone BT-37M-C record player turntable with modern technology. Ability to convert vinyl records, Cassette AM/FM Radio into MP3 files format without a computer or any programming - Save your music. Connect Wirelessly to..

Audio Technica CN5625AL .7 mil Conical Half-inch Standard Mount Cartridge

The half-inch mount CN5625AL cartridge is an outstanding entry-level cartridge..7mm Conical.5" Standard Mount CartridgeGreat for all your needsFrequency Response: 20-20,000 HzChannel Separation: 20/15 (dB at 1 kHz/10 kHz..

Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016

2LP set. Chronological 26-track collection of unreleased material plus versions of songs released as The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and solo, spanning 1998 to 2016! Includes "City Lights".Record and cover are still se..

After the Disco

Vinyl LP pressing includes digital download. 2014 sophomore album from the musical partnership comprised of Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (The Shins). The duo's Grammy-nominated debut, Broken Bells, reache..

Look at Yourself

180 gram vinyl RE-ISSUE Look at Yourself is the third album released by British rock band Uriah Heep. Characterized as heavy metal and progressive rock, the album has come to be viewed as a highpoint in the band's career..

Music Hall Replacement Tonearm Wires

Music Hall Replacement Tonearm Wires for mmf-2.1/2.2, 5/5.1, 7/7.1, and 9/9.1 arms.Music Hall Replacement Tonearm Wires for mmf-2.1/2.2, 5/5.1, 7/7.1, and 9/9.1 arms...

On Avery Island [Vinyl]

Jeff Mangum creates a world of his own on this amazing debut; trombone, keyboards, overdriven acoustics, beautiful songs. Available on high quality 180gm vinyl for the first time! Includes coupon for MP3 download of the ..

Parts, Cleaning & Accessories

Product Compare (0)

Sort By:

Show:

Durpower Phonograph Record Player Turntable Needle For AIWA PX-E850 PX-E860U RX-E860U CURTIS MATHES KP400 CURTIS MATHES KX2000

Brand New (factory sealed box) replacement stylus.New in box Pfanstiehl 4211-D6t STEREO DIAMOND REPLACEMENT NEEDLE FOR SONY, SANYO, FISHER, KENWOOD, CROSLEY NOSTALGIA, ION AND MANY OTHER TURNTABLE MODELS.If You Have Ques..

Durpower Phonograph Record Player Turntable Needle For TOSHIBA C-55M, YAMAHA CG-6500S, CURTIS MATHES CM41, CURTIS MATHES CM-41

Brand New (factory sealed box) replacement stylus.New in box Pfanstiehl 697-D7 STEREO DIAMOND REPLACEMENT NEEDLE FOR SONY, SANYO, FISHER, KENWOOD, CROSLEY NOSTALGIA, ION AND MANY OTHER TURNTABLE MODELS.If You Have Questi..

Durpower Phonograph Record Turntable Needle For MODELS CURTIS MATHES R-1055, CURTIS MATHES R-2500, CURTIS MATHES S-1025

This new Brand New (factory sealed box) Generic replacement stylus.New old stockTip: .7 mil DiamondSpeeds: 33 & 45 RPM(factory sealed box) replacement stylus..

Durpower Phonograph Record Turntable Needle For MODELS CURTIS MATHES R1055 R2500 S1025 R-1055 R-2500 S-1025

This new Brand New (factory sealed box) Generic replacement stylus.New old stockTip: .7 mil DiamondSpeeds: 33 & 45 RPM(factory sealed box) replacement stylus..

Durpower Phonograph Record Turntable Needle For MODELS CURTIS MATHES R1055, CURTIS MATHES R2500, CURTIS MATHES S1025

This new Brand New (factory sealed box) Generic replacement stylus.New old stockTip: .7 mil DiamondSpeeds: 33 & 45 RPM(factory sealed box) replacement stylus..

Durpower Turntable Belt For BIC SL3200, BSR TB33, Curtis Mathes OM40, OM41

Specifications: This new Durpower turntable / record player belt fits most vintage turntables and many recent ones as well. If You Have Questions Please Contact Us; Our Best Customer Service Make You SatisfiedPrecision M..

Durpower Turntable Belt For CURTIS MATHES CM-40, CM-41

Specifications This new Durpower turntable / record player belt fits most vintage turntables and many recent ones as well.If You Have Questions Please Contact Us; Our Best Customer Service Make You SatisfiedPrecision Mol..

Gemini HD15 Hardshell for TT1000/20000 Speaker, Silver

Gemini HD-15 Head shell for 4-Pin Turntable Cartridge - SilverHead shell features a silver finish and mounts standard 4-pin turntable cartridges.Sturdy silver body with tracking armRubber washer for snug fit to tone arm...

Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge (Silver)

Gemini HDCN-15 Silver DJ Head shell w/ Cartridge & Elliptical Stylus Needle,Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge (Silver)sturdy silver body w/ tracking arm/ Rubber washer for snug fit to tone arm /Elliptical ..

Hunt: EDA Mark 6 Carbon Fiber Record Brush

Carbon-fiber bristles clean deep into your LP grooves while a velvet brush simultaneously takes care of the record surface. And, the velvet pad acts as an opposing charge to the static buildup that the bristles create. T..

LCD Backlight LP Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge Tester for Tonearm Phono Cartridge

Specification: - Capacity : 0-5.00g ( display 3 digit ) - Graduation : 0.01g- highly sensitive - Dimensions : 96 X 43 X 20 mm - Power : 2 X 1.5V lithium cell Ag12 (included) - Easy to operate; automatic turn-off after 2 ..

Music Hall Replacement Tonearm Wires

Music Hall Replacement Tonearm Wires for mmf-2.1/2.2, 5/5.1, 7/7.1, and 9/9.1 arms.Music Hall Replacement Tonearm Wires for mmf-2.1/2.2, 5/5.1, 7/7.1, and 9/9.1 arms...

Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge 0.01g Blue LCD Backlight for Tonearm Phono Cartridge

All Neoteck Product Comes With 18 Months US Base WarrantyFeature:For MM/MC/MI and piezoelectric acoustical pickup, nonmagnetic, no magnetic field adhesivity, reading reliable High precision and accurate stylus gauge for ..

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 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 SH-4 Silver Cartridge Shell

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

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..

Showing 19 to 36 of 77 (5 Pages)