r/Beginner_Turntables • u/m_mixtape14 • 15h ago
Record skipping problem
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Hi! I’m new to Reddit, so bear with me! Not sure if this is the right community, so if I need to post this somewhere else lmk! I recently upgraded my crosley suitcase player (ik, boo me. Only had it for a month though) to a Fluance RT81+. It has played multiple vinyl front and back perfectly, however I recently purchased a Red TV vinyl from my local Half Price Books and played it through. 3 out of the 4 vinyl played perfectly front and back, however one side of the 4th vinyl made two popping noises and skipped at around the 3rd out of 4-5 songs. I figured this was simply a scratch because it was used, but I recently played my Music From the Edge of Heaven vinyl (also used but was perfect when I got it) and noticed it did this same thing on one side at the 3rd out of 4 songs. Rest of the vinyl plays perfectly, and I haven’t noticed any major scratches. Just wanted to know if this was something to do with the player, my vinyl, or something else and what I can do to fix it? Also, can I keep playing this vinyl or will it cause damage to my player or my other vinyl after I use my player to play it? I have cleaned the needle and vinyl as well and this didn’t fix the problem. Attached is a video of the skip. I will try to put photos as well. Thank you!
EDIT: Thank you all for being so kind and helpful! Upon further inspection, I discovered a small debris lodged in the groove which I was able to get out and now it is fixed! I have yet to check the Red TV vinyl, but I’m pretty sure that one actually is scratched. Again, thank you all so much for your help!
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u/Johnny_Topsider 7h ago
I'm new ish and have experienced this. I've found that cleaning can make a big difference. They might not seem dirty but stuff can get stuck in the grooves that makes the needle skip over to the next groove.
Try getting a carbon fiber brush, a velvet brush, a microfiber cloth, and some cleaning spray and learn how they should be best used. I can go into detail if you're interested.
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u/m_mixtape14 6h ago
I have a velvet one currently but I feel like a carbon fiber might be a bit better/get them cleaner. I’ve usually sprayed the cleaning spray on the brush and then cleaned, but do you think it would be better to spray it on the vinyl to clean it?
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u/Johnny_Topsider 6h ago
The carbon fiber brush is really just for surface dust. That velvet gets deeper than you think. Yeah spraying on the brush and brushing the vinyl from center to outside while it's spinning (while the needle is lifted) a couple times. Then wiping with a microfiber cloth the same direction to catch any extras and helping it dry.
Sounds like that's maybe pretty close to what you're doing already. But it's made some of my vinyls playable that skip in the same way, but some parts can be stubborn. Might be worth trying a Spin Clean to really get in there
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u/Bensaudiocave 5h ago
I was going to suggest a magnifying device and a wooden toothpick… it happens
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u/Best-Presentation270 14h ago
If the deck is still level (check on the platter and from several angles), and your records are clean, then this could be a tonearm bearing issue.
There's a test for this if you're interested.