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Is it true records are sealed to look better....

...and need a thorough proper cleaning even when new to sound best?

A vendor of ultrasonic record cleaning machines asserted this to me recently.  He also described a 45 minute process using an ultrasonic record cleaner to address it. Yikes! I clean my records manually now in just a few minutes and sounds clean when done. I thought an automatic record cleaner would save time and make things easier but not according to this particular expert.

mapman

Showing 5 responses by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Records are sealed so you know they are new.
I have never cleaned new records. Used records often need a quick vacuuming. That’s it if they are reasonably clean. IT may be true ultrasonic cleaning makes records super clean... I have never needed superclean. If the record is dirty, IE has noise when played, washing it by hand is good enough.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The fact some used Lp sellers spray stuff on the record to shine them up is true.                                          
New? never.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
One local used record store decided to seal ALL the used records. I just never went back there.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I'll say it is a LOT easier to see defects in the vinyl if it is BLACK. Clear or transparent vinyl is near impossible to see small imperfections in the grooves. (at least in my experience)
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Washing new clothes before wearing is one of those things mostly done by folks who are allergic to the chemicals on new clothing, and by folks who are rather like "Monk" (from the TV series) and folks who have someone else to wash them for them!           
To translate this into vinyl ... If your butler has to do it? Why not?(PS this was to be a funny,)
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