Owning a record player is one of the best ways to enjoy your music. Record players tend to become quite dirty very quickly, sometimes requiring cleaning before you use them. Proper maintenance of your vinyl record player will help to maintain the quality of the performance and extend the lifespan of the player. If you care for your records properly they will sound their best without damage to either the records or your player. Here are some tips on how to maintain your vinyl record player.
Contents
Dusting
Dust is the sworn enemy of both vinyl records and record players. Use a soft, non-static cloth to dust your record player after every use. Dust may affect the sound quality, and the delicate components of your turntable may be at risk of getting damaged. Make sure that you do this gently over the surface, the platter, the tonearm, and any other exposed parts. Normal dusting will prevent particles from going down to the more intricate workings of your player, which assures you of good operation and clear sound.
Cleaning
In order to maintain your turntable's performance, routinely clean it. You can clean the surface of the turntable, the platter, the tonearm, and the cartridge with a soft anti-static brush or a microfiber cloth. Clean your records after every spin to prevent dust and grime from going onto the stylus. Stay away from strong chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners, since they can damage the records and the turntable components. Cleaning solutions specifically meant for cleaning vinyl records and turntables should be used.
Stylus Care
Your stylus, or needle, is the most essential part that reads the grooves of your vinyl records. Through normal use, it gets full of dust and grime, and this buildup will affect the sound quality and could potentially damage your record. Keep the stylus clean for best performance with the use of a dedicated stylus brush. Brush the stylus gently from back to front to remove all debris. Normal care of a stylus increases the performance of sound and prolongs its life and your records.
Read more: Best vinyl record cleaners
Balancing the Tonearm
Correctly balancing the tonearm is super important if you're looking to get the best sound out of your records. It also helps to eliminate any unnecessary wear on your records and stylus. To balance the tonearm, first, move the counterweight to zero, and then move the tonearm until it floats level to the platter. After that is done, set the tracking force to the manufacturer's instructions for the cartridge. Proper tonearm balance means that there will be proper tracking of the record grooves. All of these things affect your sound quality as well as reduce the risk of causing damage.
Replacing Components
Replace worn-out components as they appear. These would include but are not limited to, the stylus, belt (if your turntable is that design), and whatever else you may see is coming to the end of its life cycle. A tired stylus can cause poor sound reproduction and, even worse, ruin a good record, so replace it at the manufacturer's recommended interval. A stretched or cracked belt can cause speed and stability problems with the platter, so replace it to ensure consistently good performance.
Recalibration
As you use your turntable over time, the tracking and alignment of your turntable may shift. This has an effect on the quality of the sound. Periodic recalibration of the tracking force, anti-skate settings, and cartridge alignment should be made to set your turntable back to its correct positioning. Set the correct tracking force with the tracking force gauge and align the cartridge accurately using the protractor. Re-calibration will keep your turntable operating at the best performance level and protect your records from unnecessary wear.
Motor Maintenance
The motor is the heart of your turntable, driving the rotation of the platter. With age, dirt and grime accumulate on the motor, degrading its performance. To keep the motor in the best shape, first take off the turntable platter and dust cover. Then, locate the motor and wipe it with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Further, lubricate the motor with a few drops of motor oil, as per the manufacturer's guidelines. Proper motor maintenance keeps your turntable in good working order and prevents any potential issues that may arise in the future.
Regular Inspections
Once you have your maintenance schedule in place, you are all set to keep your vinyl record player in top condition at all times. Inspect your turntable regularly as this will help you identify and sort out any potential issues before they grow into more serious problems. Always check the stylus, tonearm, platter, and other components from time to time. Fasten loose screws and lubricate the moving parts as the manufacturer suggests. Regular upkeep will give you high-quality sound and consistent performance of your turntable.
Professional Services
Certain turntable maintenance issues involve electrical faults or mechanical breakdowns and, therefore, are the area of professional expertise. In case you experience a problem that is beyond basic cleaning and adjusting, consult with an authorised service technician. Professional checkups on a regular basis will save you from performing any major repairs on the unit, enabling your record player to stay in top-notch condition. Also useful during professional servicing is a history of maintenance one keeps for their turntable.
Conclusion
Giving this kind of proper care and maintenance to your vinyl record player will see to it that your sound quality is at its best and that your equipment will last long. With these tips as part of your routine, you should also keep your investment looking good and maintain those lush, warm qualities that vinyl is known for. From dusting and cleaning to balancing the tonearm and replacing components, every one of these procedures is very important in its own way to keep the performance and integrity of the turntable. With your regular schedule of maintenance cleaning and keeping out any harsh chemicals, your turntable will keep you busy listening to your favourite tunes for a long time.