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Is it the Windex?

When I first got back into this hobby I started buying used LP's from the dealer across the street. Very nice guy starting his own store. Prices seemed reasonable, quality was OK. I got some very nice stuff.

Over the past 2 years LP's have risen from a "usual" $3-7.99 to $7 - 15. I've also noticed that whether they're described as near mint or VG++ they have continuous pops and ticks even after I clean them with L'Art du Son and Disc Doctor Quick Wash Record Cleaner on my VPI 16.5.

Though I can hear crisp grooves on the better discs the popcorn noise drives me nuts.

Lately, I've notice he stands behind the counter cleaning records with Windex and paper towels. Is he doing something with that that trashes the records beyond redemption?

I've made up my mind to quit buying from him altogether, though he's the nicest guy in the world. The stuff I get from E*bay and Goodwill cleans up better.

Any thoughts?
joe_in_seattle
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
It's probably the paper towels, but the Windex isn't helping. Geez! If he's the nicest guy in the world, try to get him to stop damaging his LPs.
sherod
1,681 posts
 
I agree with Dopogue. It's time to teach an old dog some new tricks.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I suspect that microscopic particles of paper are what you're hearing.

Windex is basically water, isopropanol, ammomina, and blue dye I believe. Isopropanol evaporates residue free but there may a small amount of residual dye.

Speak with the fellow about what you hear. Maybe you can help him learn how to clean the records properly.
schipo
1,267 posts
 
I will agree the windex ain't good but it's better then a brillo pad. I would not avoid buying from him because of the use of windex. Just take home what ever you purchase and give it a run on the VPI. This should remove most if not all of the windex.
jependleton
155 posts
 
The ingredients in the Windex will have a tendency to harden, rather than remove, certain protein-based contaminants. These ingredients will also tend to trap and hold micro-dust from the paper towels.

He's actually making the records much harder to clean properly.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
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