Optimal maintenance of a vinyl record

Vinyl records are a fantastic medium that probably lasts longer than CDs, provided you follow a few basic rules:

• Never leave a vinyl record out of its inner sleeve, except when playing. This will prevent dust buildup and protect the record from possible accidents.
• Handle the disc by placing your middle finger on the center, the edge with the pad of your thumb, and your index finger on the center label. Never place your fingers on the disc; you would deposit fats and sugars on it. These promote the growth of mold and, above all, tend to stick dust to the disc.
• Make sure your turntable platter is clean and dust-free. It's important to keep your turntable's cover in place when you're not playing records.
• Before playing, lightly brush the disc with a carbon fiber brush (do not apply too much pressure) to remove any surface dust. We recommend using our brush, which has a metal part connected to the carbon fibers, which allows the static electricity accumulated on the disc to flow to earth.
• You can also use a device that eliminates static electricity (such as Zero Gun Milty) before playing your record; this will prevent new dust from being deposited too quickly and reduce the amount it deposits on your stylus.
• Use your turntable's tonearm lift to position the head on the record, never by hand to avoid accidents and limit impacts.
• At the end of reading the face, go over it a little with the carbon fiber brush.
• Replace the disc in its inner sleeve as quickly as possible and always store the disc vertically for storage in your collection.

A record wears out play after play due to the contact between the record and the stylus, it's inevitable. However, a perfectly clean record and stylus greatly limit this phenomenon in addition to improving listening. It is also important to know that the shape of the diamond is important: Shibata, Micro linear, etc. types of cuts allow for playback with less pressure (adjustment of the counterweight of the tonearm) and therefore reduce wear on the record.

Your turntable must have a stylus in good condition (regularly check the diamond for wear with a magnifying glass), properly adjusted, and clean. Record Clinic offers a perfect maintenance product for your cartridge: Stylus Cleaner.

Obviously, your disk must be clean too! If it isn't, Record Clinic offers you its Premium high-precision cleaning process which will ensure the best longevity of your discs by ridding them of absolutely all contaminants.

If our advice is followed correctly, your record will continue to give you emotions and pleasure, listen after listen.