Vinyl records are known for their superior sound quality and authenticity, but there’s nothing worse than spinning your favorite record and having it skip right in the middle of a song. Fortunately, most of the reasons why records skip are fixable. In this guide, the experts from Rough Trade offer tips on how to avoid records skipping and what to do if it happens.
One of the most common reasons for vinyl skipping is dust and debris on the surface of a record, which interferes with the needle’s smooth movement. Improper tracking force, a worn-out stylus, a warped record, scratches, and a poorly calibrated turntable can also cause skipping. Identifying the cause is the first step in solving the issue.
To fix a skipping record, there are several steps you can take. First, remove dust and debris with a carbon fiber brush and a record cleaning kit. Next, double-check the tracking force on your record player and adjust it accordingly. If the stylus is worn or damaged, it may need to be replaced. If the record is warped or damaged, you can use a record flattener or vinyl repair kit to correct the issue. Finally, if the record continues to skip, check the calibration of the turntable.
Proper vinyl care is essential in preventing your records from skipping during playback. This includes keeping records clean and free from scratches and debris, setting up the turntable properly before playing a record, avoiding excessive tracking force on a record, handling records with care, and storing records correctly. Rough Trade offers a range of tools and accessories to help you properly care for your favorite records.
In conclusion, while vinyl records do come with the risk of skipping from time to time, most of the reasons are fixable. Identifying the cause of the issue is the first step in solving it, followed by taking a few simple steps to address the problem. By following the tips provided in this guide and properly caring for your vinyl records, you can enjoy your favorite music without any skipping
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