{"id":1182,"date":"2021-12-10T21:07:54","date_gmt":"2021-12-11T03:07:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vinylbro.com\/?p=1182"},"modified":"2023-11-09T20:08:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T02:08:41","slug":"why-is-my-record-skipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vinylbro.com\/why-is-my-record-skipping\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Record Skipping? How To Fix A Skipping Record"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The thought of music and time with my record player usually makes my heart skip a beat, but sometimes a skip in the sound can lead to arrhythmia and a spike in my stress levels. We know you have experienced it. You were probably sitting there with your new exciting find. Excited to hear your treasured gem you play it and boom it skips suddenly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is my record skipping? Vinyl record skipping is usually caused by three common issues. The most common issue that causes records to skip is contaminants on the surface and in the grove of your record. The second most common cause for your record to skip is a scratch on the surface of your record. The final most common reason a record can skip is vibration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While dust and scratches are the most common we need to review some other factors. There are also some easy methods to prevent and even some to fix your skipping record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Does My Record Player Skip?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Records and record players skip for a variety of reasons most of which come from the records themselves. The most common reasons like we discussed earlier are scratches or surface contaminants. However, from time to time the record play, or turntable, itself is the cause of the problem. The skips caused by your turntable are usually related to tonearm or stylus issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s go over a list of the more common causes of record skipping and learn what we can do about them.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Debris And Dust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Airborne environmental contaminants can land on the surface of your record and settle into the tiny spaces between the grooves. As the stylus glides along the surface to produce the sound you love, it can get caught and be knocked off groove or skip notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way to remedy this is to clean your record. We always recommend deep cleaning all new records, that includes new and used, before the first play and then having a maintenance cleaner. For a squeaky deep clean we recommend this cleaning system<\/a> and for your, before every play maintenance cleaner, we highly recommend this light-duty cleaning spray<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dust can also cause build-up on your stylus. Make sure to inspect your stylus for any gunk or dust and if you notice a build-up be sure to carefully clean the stylus. We highly recommend grabbing a quality stylus brush<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to prevent this is to deep clean your records and then store your collection using high-quality anti-static and dust preventative sleeves. Often factory sleeves shed paper and dust onto vinyl records, so we highly recommend these sleeves<\/a>. If they are unavailable this is a great secondary option<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important to use poly outer sleeves<\/a> to prevent dust from slipping into the seams of your outer jacket. These<\/a> are also a great option if the first is out of stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention is especially key if you enjoy pets as much as we do, and protecting your records from dander, dust, and airborne debris with proper storage is essential. The only cats you\u2019d want near your record area are Cat Stevens or a Harry Chapin hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin Oils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we handle our records the oil that is naturally on our fingertips and palms can leave a filmy residue on the surface of the record, causing the stylus to slip or preventing its smooth passage over the grooves (insert heart palpitation.) A simple clean as aforementioned with this cleaning system<\/a> or this one<\/a> will put you back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n

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As far as prevention goes, handwashing before handling is a great measure if you\u2019ve just polished off a classic McFry or falafel. If it\u2019s a precious record to you, some vinyl lovers wear gloves. Our recommendation is mindfulness and proper handling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To properly handle your records, never touch the area where the grooves are visible. Always make sure to only touch the edge or center of your record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pressure, temperature, and improper storage can all cause warping. When we purchase records we intend to handle them with care. Perhaps you decide to take one of your records for a spin in your 1960s convertible Cadillac (we wish, right?) on your way to visit Great Aunt Ida; it\u2019s a balmy 75\u00b0 and you park in her shadeless driveway and stay for an extra glass of lemonade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warmth, whether from the sun in your car or from being stored in the attic, can leave your record vulnerable to warping. If stored at a tilt or under an object that applies even slight pressure, this can cause bending in the vinyl that will be audible when it plays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basic ways to rectify warping are to use weight and pressure from flat heavy objects such as books, using a record flattening device, or to pay for record flattening services. For more on how to remedy warping and to learn more about causes and prevention, please visit our article on warped records.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Scratches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most surprising and preventable causes of scratching occurs while cleaning records. It\u2019s important while lifting debris from a record that it is done in a circular motion with the grooves. Dragging a cleaning cloth with debris across the grooves can cause minute scratches that can affect sound quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another very common cause of scratching is dust and contaminants on the surface when you move the records in and out of their sleeves. The surface dusk rubs against the paper or sleeve and leaves surface scratches. We will say it again here, clean your records well and often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ll explore next, it\u2019s also important to ensure that the tonearm is properly balanced to prevent scratches from your record player. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Tonearm Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A skipping sound may not be due to an issue with your record, it could be a player issue. If a few of your records are skipping and you\u2019ve tested one with a friend, perhaps check your tonearm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonearms are balanced by a manually adjusted weight system. When the balance is off it can cause slipping, the most minor effect of which is skipping or going off track. A more serious effect could be scratching or damaging your record. Audio Technica has a great article<\/a> on setting the tonearm straight.<\/p>\n\n\n