What I fail to understand is why disc phonograph records are treated so differently from other common things we clean. Most of us do not re-use the bath water when washing our dishes, cleaning our clothes, taking a bath, or brushing our teeth, so why is it so good for cleaning disc recordings?
Traces of mold or mildew once introduced to the bath have the potential to contaminate every succeeding disc. Thoroughly cleaned discs do not require a "treatment" for static though some surfaces seem more prone to developing a charge with repeated playback. In these cases & situations where raising the humidity is not possible or of limited value, the ZeroStat or similar device is helpful but costly new. I suggest looking for them at estate sales; even those with broken triggers can usually be fixed.
Cheers,
Duane Goldman
On Sep 6, 2012, at 2:04 PM, Tom Fine wrote:
> Hi Buddy:
>
> 1. I wouldn't clean a 45RPM this way. A good solution is the Spin-Clean record washer:
> http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/58982/Spin-Clean-Record_Washer_System-Record_Cleaning_Machine?&banner_id=242
> There are many options for cleaning fluids, up to quite costly and exotic. Dawn dish liquid would not be my choice. It can leave a residue.
>
> 2. The best way to fight static is first of all don't use a cheapo fabric platter mat and second don't work in too low-humidity environment. I have a humidity meter in the studio and I get static problems if it's under 50% or so, closer to 55% is better. You can also use a Zero-Stat gun:
> http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/10413/Milty-Zerostat_3_Gun-Record_Cleaner
> I have an original Discwasher Zerostat that still works well and does a good job on all but the most badly-static-charged LP sides
>
> 3. Regarding new, unplayed vinyl, it's usually somewhat grimey from the factory and transit. I always clean it before playing it.
>
> 4. As for EQ, any new grooved vinyl is designed for standard RIAA playback EQ. Any standard phono preamp provides RIAA eq as well as level boost, so it should be OK to interface the preamp directly to your computer.
>
> Good luck! Making decent-sounding vinyl-to-digital transfers requires some careful listening and testing different methods, but when the results are good, you get the sound you like from the vinyl with the convenience of digital files.
>
> -- Tom Fine
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Blue Star Music" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 2:40 PM
> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Details on vinyl to digital re-mastering
>
>
>> Please excuse me if these questions have already been asked and answered.
>>
>> I am converting 45 RPM vinyl to digital using pristine (never played) vinyl on a Stanton belt-drive turntable through amp/eq to computer input. Here are my questions:
>>
>> 1. I've been told to put the records on end in a soapy wash and brush them with the groove using a soft bristle brush. The wash is supposed to be distilled water with dish soap. Is this recommended for pristine vinyl? Is there a certain brand of soap to use or stay away from (ie: Dawn)?
>>
>> 2. After air drying, I've been using "Gruv-Glide" to reduce static. Is there something better?
>>
>> 3. Is this process all wrong?
>>
>> 4. What eq settings are recommended to bring vinyl back to life?
>>
>> Thanks for your input.
>>
>> BW
>> Buddy Weaver
>> San Diego, CA
>
H D Goldman Lagniappe Chemicals Ltd.
PO Box 37066 St. Louis, MO 63141 USA
v/f 314 205 1388 [log in to unmask]
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