Restoring Old J*** LPs

Posted by: John on 19 July 2003

I just purchased a bunch of 50's jazz LPs. Visually they are NM but there is some surface noise that I would like to eliminate. I suspect it's the breaking down of the paper sleaves that has settled in the grooves. Sonically there doesn't seem to be any groove damage. I have spinned them twice on my VPI and each time they sound better. My needle also seems to be cleaning the LP as more dust is present on the needle after each play. So there is hope.

Any ideas on restoring them? This is all Ella 1st pressing material so the effort is worth it.

John
Posted on: 19 July 2003 by Richard Dane
Hi John,

well, you've cleaned them on the VPI twice which should be more than enough for the moment.

Just make sure that you use some nice new inner sleeves such as the ones from Goldring, Nagaoka or Discwasher.

What cartridge are you currently using? I have many early mono LPs which can sound very noisy when replayed with modern profiled stereo cartridges. For this reason I have a T/T specially set-up with a mono cartridge and it's amazing how this seems to sort the music from the noise on the vinyl.

Otherwise, use the mono switch on your pre-amp (if it has one), this will quieten vinyl noise down by quite a big margin.

Richard
Posted on: 20 July 2003 by Phil Barry
John,

Although I use Buggtussel Vinylzyme Gold for most stuff, I think perhaps you need some Disc Doctor for these LPs.

Check out www.discdoc.com. It's much harder to use than the VPI or the Buggtussel, but it's the best cleaner on the market.

Regards.

Phil
Posted on: 20 July 2003 by John
Thanks Richard, I'm using a DV XX2 and have tried your suggestion of using the mono button on my 52. It worked magic on some of the LPs. All of the LPs are mono. Are mono LPs more specific for mono cartridges?

Where's Vuk, the group of LPs included all of the Decca 12", all of the song books, Clap hands.. and one very interesting title called "These are the blue" Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin I will try soaking a few to see if I get better results.

Phil, will I need the Disc Doctor brushes or could I get by using my VPI with the solution? I think if I work at them I can restore them. Some of them are perfect after just using my VPI.

John
Posted on: 21 July 2003 by Phil Barry
John,

You'll eed the DD brushes - it's a system. BTW, the creator, Duane Goldman, is very accessible for advice and counsel. He's really enthusiastic about his DD and wants to see everyone playing vinyl!

Phil
Posted on: 21 July 2003 by Dev B
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Dane:
For this reason I have a T/T specially set-up with a mono cartridge and it's amazing how this seems to sort the music from the noise on the vinyl.


Richard, I just wanted to say that you are a nerd Wink
Posted on: 21 July 2003 by Richard Dane
quote:
Originally posted by Dev B:

Richard, I just wanted to say that you are a nerd Wink


It's true!! Help me.... Eek (by the way Dev, it takes one to know one.... etc..)