Issue: Dust, dirt, or debris on the record's surface can interfere with the needle's path, causing skips. Solution: Regularly clean your records using an anti-static brush or a record cleaning kit to remove contaminants.
While the most common factor is dirt or dust on the record, you may also have a problem with the balance. If the arm or the stylus cartridge is not balanced properly, then you may need to improve the balance. Depending on the record player you own, the process of re-balancing your arm or cartridge may vary.
Is vinyl skipping damaging to the record? Yes, dust on your records can cause them to skip, and when it does it can damage your records.
The static electricity builds up on your vinyl record by stylus, record sleeves or even the temperature and humidity of the room. And these static charge causes pops, crackles, or even unwanted skipping.
So, if your record is skipping and you can't see any scratches, don't assume it's not the problem. It could be a very small scratch that you're not seeing, or it could be dust that's causing the issue. Issue: Dust, dirt, or debris on the record's surface can interfere with the needle's path, causing skips.
Standard sleeves actually become damaged over time, which can create cellulose fibre residues. These fibres become incrusted in the grooves of the LP and detract from your listening or even damage the stylus of your record player.
Dust your vinyl record with a carbon fiber brush or microfiber cloth by gently following the record's grooves. Then, clean the record with a microfiber cloth dampened in distilled water mixed with dish soap. Wipe the record with a microfiber cloth wet with distilled water. Then, dry it with a clean microfiber towel.
Records shouldn't be stored horizontally, or flat. As you will see, archival record boxes are designed for the records to be stood and stored vertically. Storing vinyl records flat can place too much pressure on the records lower in the stack causing damage over time.
There could be several culprits, from a warped record to an uneven surface. Or it could be something more sinister, like a bent spindle or a warped platter. Warped records are pretty common, especially if they've been stored incorrectly.
The carbon fiber brush also comes with the finest hairs, enabling them to go into the deepest grooves, and they can be used every time you play your record due to their delicate design, which won't scratch or damage your records in any way.
The Magic Eraser Method
Clean Magic Eraser isn't just for household cleaning. Cut a small piece, place it on your turntable, and gently lower the stylus onto it a few times. The eraser will pick up debris from the record needle. It's simple, effective, and won't break the bank.
By applying gentle pressure and heat, you can reshape any distorted records back into their original shape. You can even do this at home.
Warped records typically exhibit a noticeable curve or uneven surface. While slight warping might not severely impact playability, severe warping can cause the needle to skip, affecting the sound quality.
To clean your vinyl records, grab a microfiber cleaning cloth to remove the dust and static from the record. Next, dampen a clean microfiber cloth (preferably with distilled water) and lightly wipe the record surface in a circular motion — but steer clear of the middle of the record.
Things like being stored in direct sunlight, dust and dirt, moisture, being kept in PVC sleeves, as well as improper storage and handling can all render your records unplayable - so it is important to take care and pay attention to how you are storing your own collection.
Maximize Air Circulation and Avoid Direct Sunlight
The right amount of air circulation is beneficial when you need to lower the temperature and remove some humidity between records. Make sure that your vinyl is never stored in direct sunlight because the UV rays will cause damage.
For starters, avoid stacking your vinyl on top of one another, even if the records are wearing their jackets. Doing so could cause permanent damage to the vinyl records, which may include cracking or warping.
Dust or dirt on the vinyl Dust buildup is the most common reason a record starts skipping. When dirt and other debris get stuck deep in the grooves of your vinyl, it could bump the record player's needle (stylus) out of place and make your record skip to a new spot.
You should avoid cleaning vinyl records with alcohol. Although it's an effective cleaning agent, the alcohol will destroy the protective coating of the vinyl over time. Isopropyl alcohol, however, is a popular ingredient in many DIY record-cleaning fluids.
What Causes a Warped Record? Warped records are caused by excessive pressure, intense heat or a combination of poor conditions such as improper storage and direct sunlight exposure. Vinyl records can warp under pressure, especially when they're stored improperly for long periods of time.
Vinyl records can crackle due to a variety of factors, including dust and debris on the record surface, static electricity buildup, imperfections in the vinyl pressing, and wear and tear on the record from repeated play.
FAQs Why Do Records Skip
In the realm of the former, issues like the involvement of static electricity, dust and dirt, the warping of the record from various environmental factors, or even scrapes and scratches can have a highly detrimental effect on playback.