Can You Fix Warped Vinyl Records?

In a word and for the most part, the answer is yes.

But fixing a warped record satisfactorily will depend on the amount and type of damage.

Is the warp a gradual distortion across a large portion of record’s surface, or is it a tight ripple from the center to the edge?

Like anything that gets distorted from its original condition, restoring a vinyl record to a perfectly flat state can be a challenge – and will have various degrees of success.

For example, if you’ve ever bent something – even something as simple as a piece of paper, then tried to bend it back, you’ll always see evidence of the change.

Therefor, you should be realistic: be prepared to be satisfied with results that range anywhere from “acceptable” to “I’m pretty happy with that”.

How to Fix Warped Vinyl

1. Fix Warped Records with Pressure

To fix a warped vinyl record, sandwich the record between 2 heavy objects, like a couple large books, and let it sit for a few days or weeks until it’s not warped anymore. If you’re in a rush, you can quickly fix a warped vinyl record using an oven.

Use Pressure and Time to Fix a Warped Record

The safest way to unwarp a record is also the most time consuming. We’re talking days or weeks, not minutes or hours.

Using time and pressure to fix a warped record works like this:

• Carefully clean the record first
• Put it in it’s protective sleeve
• Lay it on a flat clean surface that’s out of the way and won’t be disturbed for a long time
• Put a large heavy book or other flat heavy items that will cover the entire record on top
• Wait a few days
• Check to see how it’s coming along
• If necessary, repeat the last couple of steps until your satisfied with the results

The problem with this kind of method though, is that it will probably have zero affect on a record that’s badly warped. If that’s the case go to plan B.

The beauty of this passive “low and slow” way of trying to fix a vinyl record warp is that it has the least impact on the actual audio integrity of the record itself.

In other words, the grooves that contain the audio information will not suffer in the same way as other methods.

Over time, and depending on the extent of the warp, the constant pressure should flatten your LP back to its near original state.

It’s also very important to make sure the record is clean to begin with. Otherwise any contaminants can become embedded in the vinyl causing the record to skip, and creating a whole new problem.

Use Pressure and Heat to Flatten the Record

While this method of flattening a warped record takes less time, it is more aggressive and can have unexpected consequences.

As with using time and pressure without heat, you must still be very patient, and exercise extreme caution combined with good baking skills to get good results.

Note: there are lots of variables here including oven temperature accuracy, vinyl weight, glass thickness and stability.

If you’re willing to give taking a warp out of your record using the oven method, the general steps are as follows:

• Find two large panes of glass that cover the record entirely and fit in your oven
• Preheat the oven to 160 degrees fahrenheit or 70 degrees celsius
• Carefully clean the panes so they’re free of all debris
• Carefully clean the record so it’s also free of all debris
• “Sandwich” the record between the two panes of glass
• Put the “glass and vinyl sandwich” in the oven for 10 minutes
• Remove the sandwich and place it whole on a flat surface
• Place a little extra weight on the top pane of glass
• Let the sandwich cool to room temperature for 1 hour
• Once cooled, check to see if the warp has been flattened

The following video illustrates just how successful this method can be in fixing a warped record:

Be Prepared for the Worst

To be fair, there are tons of articles that can attest to the success or failure of this method, along with a host of comments and warnings directed towards each.

Unless you’re prepared to sacrifice your record forever, it’s not recommended to re-heat the vinyl and try again. The damage is probably permanent.

But we can say one thing for sure, using heat to try to reform a vinyl record has a high probability of producing “groove distortion”.

This distortion can be the resulting crush of the vinyl peaks from too much weight and heat, to tracks that warble because the record is no longer circular.

Since vinyl records are produced or “pressed” using relatively a low temperature, exposure to any significant heat is just a bad idea to begin with. Not to mention the potential for toxic fumes or a plastics fire that you wouldn’t be expecting.

Still, nothing ventured nothing gained. With a little faith and the right approach, straightening a record with heat is totally possible.

2. Use Flattening Machines, Tools or Services

Depending on your sensitivity to your collection, maybe some rare vinyls or a significant number of albums on the whole, having a record flattening tool or machine handy may or may not make sense.

You have to weigh the factors such as additional cost, amount of use and degree of success you’ll expect you’ll get.

As with many specialized devices, record flatteners will have different results with respect to their price points. The ones that work best can be very expensive requiring a serious investment.

High End Record Flattening Tools

For example, the Orb Disc Flattener. This is the device professional record flattening services companies would use. Manufactured in Japan, they can cost between $1100 and $2500 USD.

Economical Record Flatteners

More towards the middle range, The Vinyl Flat will run you about $160 without the recommended heater which is another $90.

Does it work? It’s essentially the oven method but very refined. Watch the video and make your own determinations:

Vinyl Weights and Record Clamps

Though not a permanent solution to fixing a warped record, they will help to keep the vinyl flatter on the turntable platter during play.

Perhaps the best part is they are very cost effective:

Viborg LP528G Turntable Stabilizer

Record Flattening Services

If you’re lucky, you can talk with a local record retailer and who might be able to recommend a service that flattens warped records.

The problem though is cost. Because you have to deal with packaging and shipping, the added time and expense have to be worth the effort.

Considering the price of an average record is relatively modest, this sort of service is best suited to those who take their vinyl very seriously.

Having said that, if you’re willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a high end turntable, using a reputable record flattening service is probably not an issue.

One such service we can recommend is Originals Vinyl out of San Francisco, California USA. They offer an ultrasonic cleaning and flattening service with new sleeves for a very reasonable $10 fee.

3. Start With Prevention

This may sound like a broken record (cough), but the absolute best way to deal with warped records is through prevention.

When you purchase a new record, or a used record in good condition, it should come out of the jacket and sleeve perfectly flat.

Use Proper Storage and Avoid Stacking

If you want to enjoy your treasured albums indefinitely, they must be stored in a way that keeps them protected from conditions that can distort or damage the vinyl.

Vinyl records are meant to be stored vertically in relatively small batches with support between each 6″ of records.

If you stack them horizontally on a stable flat surface away from a source of heat or direct sunlight, the top few records will be okay.

But, a stack of more than a half dozen or so will continually add increasing pressure to those at the bottom.

The problem is compounded when you consider some of your records will have additional sometimes bulky, materials included. Things like 7-inch bonus records, extra album art books, or creative decorations that impact the evenness of the albums jacket.

Anyone who’s had to move s sizeable record collection understands just how heavy a bunch of vinyl records can be.

The weight of a trusty milk crate, like the one’s found in North America, when filled with our favorite albums, can weigh up to 65 lbs!

The last album in that bunch of leaning audio discs will be shouldering the weight of all the albums before it.

A sturdy, well-made shelving unit that has multiple compartments is an ideal way to store your albums. They provide the perfect balance of divider support and shelf space.

Exercise Protection

Excessive temperatures, hot or cold, and environments with overly high humidity can, over time, leave you with warped records.

Avoid storing or keeping your records near sources of excessive heat such as fireplaces or electric radiators

Other places that are not vinyl friendly include a hot attic, exposure to prolonged direct sunlight (like sunny windows- we may love the sun, but your records don’t), or even leaving your records in a hot vehicle for a while.

Depending on where you live, these effects of these conditions will be more or less. Either way, it doesn’t take long for heat to adversely affect vinyl records.

Excessive Humidity

As mentioned excessive conditions of any kid are unfriendly to vinyl – even humidity.

Basements, unless properly insulated as living spaces, can be overly humid which can, by causing cardboard jackets and paper sleeves to rot, affect your records.

Over time, mould, dirt and debris are sure to build up and take their toll.

Common Questions and More About Warped Records

How to Tell if a Vinyl is Warped

The easiest way to see warping is to put it on your record player, turn the turntable on and observe the record at eye level as it spins.

It’s pretty obvious, a perfectly flat vinyl record will spin with no observable humps or bumps whereas any surface distortion is immediately visible. The degree and amount of warpage is also easy to see.

Is it OK to play slightly warped records?

It’s perfectly ok and safe to play slightly warped records. Though they may have no drastic effect on the needle, the record itself might sound a little off pitch.

In other words, the pitch of the music may shift a little sounding like it speeds up or slows down in time with the warp.

Will a warped record skip?

If the warp is severe enough, yes, it will skip. If the record is extremely warped, the stylus might skip or jump as it passes over the warp thereby damaging your record even further.

On highly sensitive systems, the stylus can even skate uncontrollably causing even more damage to the record, the needle and the calibration of the system itself.

How Do Records Get Warped?

Vinyl records warp due to forces like heat, extra weight and direct sunlight.

When exposed to these conditions they tend to soften up, conform to a new shape and remember that shape even after they’ve been moved.

This is why, if you want top protect your investment, it’s important you keep and store your records carefully so that they don’t warp.

At what temperature does vinyl warp?

140°F or 60°C. This is the relatively low temperature at which vinyl softens to the point it can develop a warp.

At 212°F or 100°C vinyl begins to become fluid and starts to melt.

Once the vinyl passes a certain point between these two temperatures, any audio information is lost and cannot be restored – the integrity of the record is essentially destroyed.
Theoretically speaking, you could take the same vinyl mass and have it re-pressed – but who wants to go through that?

What Does a Warped Record Sound Like?

If you really want that warped record sound, this video is for you. Experience just how much torture a record (and vinyl enthusiast) can take before it’s destroyed forever.

It takes a while to get started, but the total destruction is worth it:

What Does My Record Player Sound Warped?

While we normally assume there’s a problem due to the record being warped, it can also be the turntable itself.

Record player belts and mechanical components do wear out causing slippage. When they do, the turntable can develop an inconsistent speed, slowing down and then speeding up.

This resulting sound effect sounds very much like a record warp.

Final Thoughts on How to Fix A Warped Record

Here are the Coles notes on fixing a warped record:

• Do what you need to do to fix the record. In other words, the record will not get any better on its own. If the damage is to the point where you can’t even play it, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain in recovering a playable record.
• Slow and gradual flattening is always a better choice if you want preserve the integrity of the original record. The “low and slow” method will help preserve the groove profile more accurately, but will probably not work on badly warped albums.
• Use the “glass and vinyl sandwich” method if you want to speed up the process. But remember, you’re also increasing the amount of risk.
  If the heating method worries you, you can try letting the record sit in direct sunlight between the two panes of glass with a heavy object on top. The amount of time it takes will depend on the amount of light and heat in the sunny spot.
• Practice prevention. Store and handle your records in a way that lets them last as long as possible, and provides you with vinyl listening experience that can last a lifetime.
  

Hearing your vinyl skipping is incredibly annoying. What do you do? You ask yourself: “Why is my record player skipping?“

Chances are, your record player keeps skipping due to one of these common problems:

• The record is dirty, scratched, or otherwise damaged
• The needle is fouled with dirt and debris
• The tone arm or cartridge needs to be adjusted
• The turntable is not isolated against vibration

Why Does My Record Player Skip? The Answers You’re Looking For

Why is the vinyl skipping? What do I do? How do I fix it?

As mentioned previously, there are a couple of common reasons why your record player is skipping.

In order to solve the problem, we should first realize there are two elements to look at:

• The condition of the record player and its components
• and the condition of the vinyl record itself.

If either of these elements aren’t as good as they could be, your records and your record player are probably going to continue to skip.

What we can do is take measures against the causes of the problem, and prevent any damage to both the record player and to the records themselves.

Let’s have a look at troubleshooting why a record skips, and make sure we always have a great listening experience with maximum sound quality.

Dusty or Dirty Records

Vinyl records left out in the open for a long time, or handled a lot will eventually get dirty.

These are two of the most common reasons that cause a record to skip.

If the grooves of the record fill up with dust or dirt, the needle simply can’t make proper contact.

Letting your fingers touch the recorded surface (the grooves) of the record also leaves fingerprints which will hold on to dirt.

Dirty Needle

During play, the dust and dirt build up on the needle or stylus tip which will eventually causes the record player to skip.

The end result is poor sound quality with low output, pops and clicks. You’ve probably even heard these sounds in reference to older records.

In such cases, you’ll find all your albums will skip until the record needle is properly cleaned.

Handling a Record

If you pay attention, you’ll notice many vinyl audiophiles usually handle their albums by the edges only, or between the edge and the center hole. This a good habit to practice.

Along with cleaning the record before and after playing, careful handling helps to maintain the record surface, keeps dirt and dust to a minimum, and helps to keep your vinyl from skipping.

Physical Damage to the Record

Scratches

If a record is mishandled, or left on the floor where it can be stepped on – this has happened to me more than once at a party, surface scratches and damage are bound to occur.

While some skipping issues can be fixed with a good cleaning, misuse and damage can cause severe skipping which may not be repairable.

Moreover, excessively dirty vinyl tracks can also damage your record needle.

Record Skips at the Same Spot

If a deep enough scratch occurs between two adjacent grooves, the needle will jump the track and the record will continually skip at the same spot.

can also be caused by a spec of dirt lodged in the record’s groove.

Or it may require an adjustment to the tracking force:

A good cleaning and an adjustment may do the trick, but as mentioned, sometimes a badly scratched record can’t be repaired.

Record Warp

Though less of an issue directly related to skipping, record warp certainly doesn’t help.

Small warps in the record can cause the tone arm to lighten up, then jump the grooves.

Luckily, a record weight stabilizer provides an easy fix for a skipping turntable, but doesn’t necessarily correct the underlying problem of record warp itself.

Viborg LP528G Turntable Stabilizer

Vinyl Press Quality

It’s a fact that there are different qualities of vinyl pressings. Not only are there cheap record players, there are cheap records as well.

Some less expensive vinyl pressings can have dimples in the finished product that have escaped quality control. These dimples can cause even brand new vinyl to skip.

Tone Arm or Stylus Cartridge Out of Balance

A tone arm that’s set too light or is out of adjustment can cause your record player to skip with even the most minor of imperfections.

One easy fix is to adjust your record player’s anti-skate setting if it’s so equipped.

You can also try readjusting the tone arm’s vertical tracking force according to factory settings.

Additionally, a cartridge that’s not calibrated to the correct angle can aggravate the problem of skipping.

Once again, make sure the cartridge is properly adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Depending on your setup and the quality of the player itself, the tone arm and stylus may or may not be part of the problem. Less expensive turntables in particular tend to be non-adjustable.

Isolation Against Vibration

The turntable should be setup where external sources of vibration can be minimized. Things like external speakers and vibrations from the floor when walking around can cause your record player to lose tracking.

Other than turning the volume down or adjusting the bass response, your record player should be atop a good quality plinth with footings that isolate against excessive vibration.

Excessive Bass Response

Another rather obvious cause of a record player skipping is excessive volume which produces too much bass.

Excessive bass response can easily be the cause of why your brand new vinyl skips.

You’ll notice the sound of the skip occurs with the beat of the bass.

My Record Player Is Skipping – What Do I Do About It?

Make Sure you Vinyl is in Good Condition

Your first line of defence against skipping should start with keeping your records clean.

There are a ton of great record cleaning products available, many of which are very cost-effective.

Big Fudge Complete 4-in-1 Vinyl Record Cleaner Kit

In most cases, the surface dirt and dust can easily be removed. Even a quick wipe after playing helps.

For records that are in poorer shape, a deeper cleaning may be required. Again there are some fine products to help get the job done.

Afterwards, a thorough physical inspection with a magnifier can help find small particles of dirt that are still causing the record to skip.

These can be carefully removed with a toothpick or similar vinyl-friendly tool.

If the skipping continues after the record’s been thoroughly cleaned, and you’re sure it’s not your turntable or needle, the problem may be due to scratches.

As mentioned previously, deep scratches may be permanent and leave you with a record that needs to be replaced.

Lastly, if you’re confident the skipping is not due to the record itself – such as would be with a brand new album, we must assume it’s the turntable.

Clean the Record Needle

The first thing to look for is a dirty or gummed up needle. As with records, there are products – often sold as a bundle, for cleaning the record needle to make sure it’s not the source of your records skipping.

Readjust the Tone Arm and Cartridge

Again, as mentioned previously, either the tone arm or the stylus cartridge can be causing the skipping. This is even more common with heavily used or older systems.

Try balancing the tone arm according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The same goes for realigning a sensitive cartridge.

By making sure the needle is clean, the tone arm is rebalanced properly, and the cartridge itself is properly aligned, the remaining problems should be solved.

Is There a Way to Fix a Skipping Record?

The short answer is yes. A record player skipping usually suggests the problem is with your vinyl records, but as we’ve discussed, it can be due to the turntable components themselves.

By keeping all the elements of your vinyl audio system in good shape, you’ll enjoy an excellent listening experience for years to come – without skipping a beat!

Crosley C62 Modern Bluetooth Turntable System

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost. If you do use them, thank you so much!

Crosley C62 Review: Does It Deliver Both Convenience And Sound?

Overview

The Crosley C62 was originally launched as a complete ready-to-go out of the box system with an easy-to-use turntable including two 8 ohm 10-watt stereo speakers.

Featuring a built-in switchable preamp and RCA outputs, it’s designed to make connecting to your existing stereo components a breeze.

At the stylus end, it sports a variable weighted tonearm has a moving magnet cartridge, a standard 1/2” mount for easy cartridge replacement, and a replaceable NP5 needle.

As for modern amendments, the Crosley C62 can switch to Bluetooth to use speakers and conveniently play back your favorite digital songs from any paired Bluetooth device.

On the whole, this turntable system is designed for beginners and those new to vinyl. Think of it as a simple and affordable introduction to the wider world of vinyl media while still enjoying your digital music.

More About Crosley Turntable Systems

The Crosley company became famous for launching their first turntables in 1992 – in an era when vinyl was supposedly “dead.”

These early Crosley turntables emulated vintage “suitcase” turntable designs that many people remember fondly from their childhoods.

While these kitschy retro turntables didn’t necessarily sound great, the fun, nostalgic, retro design has been incredibly appealing, and people still love using them to introduce their kids to music on vinyl.

Since then, their appealing designs combined with affordable pricing and simple setup have introduced a new generation of music lovers to the rich world of vinyl records, and the pleasing rituals of listening to physical music media.

However, in order to grab market share, earlier generations of Crosley turntables did develop a reputation for low quality and poor tracking.

The Crosley C62 is the company’s attempt at engineering a more upscale, user friendly system. One such upgrade is the AT-3600 moving magnet cartridge, which improves tracking and playback quality.

Designed with a little foresight, the cartridge has a standard mount allowing it to be upgraded over time. And sonically, the new variable weighted tonearm also improves stability over earlier Crosley models for an improved listening experience.

Rounding out the package, the Crosley C62 Turntable System comes with a pair of stereo speakers that also act as Bluetooth receivers. which conveniently support playback of your digital music from any paired device.

Lastly, the C62 system shows that Crosley stays true to their approachable roots while making improvements to appeal to more experienced audiophiles.

Who is the Crosley C62 for?

Both the affordable Crosley C62B and C62A Shelf systems are designed for newcomers to vinyl who want a modernized, easy to use full feature hifi system.

Perfect for younger people who are curious to explore the sound of vinyl records, or those who are a little older and want to reengage with the immersive vinyl experience without the hassle.

The Bluetooth receiver capability of the speakers is especially suited for those who regularly enjoy multimedia connectivity, or perhaps may not find their favorite songs available on vinyl.

What’s Included?

The Crosley C62 Shelf System comes with the turntable with a factory-aligned cartridge, two 10 watt stereo speakers, and speaker wires to complete assembly.

As mentioned, this system is designed to be ready to go and provide great sound right out of the box.

C62 Turntable Top Features

Surprisingly for a relatively inexpensive package, the included full-range speakers are an excellent match for the turntable.

When you consider the added cost of buying a good pair of bookshelf speakers, the complete C62 system starts to look more and more attractive.

“… a quality turntable that sounds and looks awesome.”

To improve playback stability, the belt-driven heavy steel platter is firmly planted on three vibration control feet.

At the same time, the aluminum tonearm features an adjustable counterweight letting you dial in precise performance with fewer problematic distractions or playback issues.

The business end of the system is an NP5 diamond needle housed in an AT-3600 moving magnet cartridge, which can easily be replaced or upgraded if you choose.

Highlights

• Full-size belt-driven steel platter
• NP5 diamond needle
• AT-3600 moving magnet cartridge
• Aluminum tonearm with adjustable counterweight
• Two-speed record playback
• Bluetooth receiver
• RCA outputs
• Built-in switchable preamp
• Pair of 10-watt speakers

Using Crosley C62 Turntable System

The Crosley C62 series of turntables are extremely simple to set up for initial playback. It comes with the cartridge factory installed and aligned so you don’t need to fuss with it. The package also includes the necessary speaker wires.

Simply connect the left and right speaker wires to the turntable and speakers’ indicated left and right inputs, then use the AC adapter to plug in the turntable.

During your first use, you will probably need to adjust the counterweight on the tonearm. To set the counterweight, remove the tonearm from the stand so it can float freely.

Rotate the counterweight so that the tonearm is balanced flat, resting in a level position.

Crosley C62 Review: Key Points

Alternative Products Worth Considering

Final Thoughts On The Crosley C62 Bluetooth Turntable System

While doing research for this Crosley C62 review, we were surprised at the number of highly positive user reviews. It would seem Crosley has been taking notes on what vinyl enthusiasts re looking for, and stepping up their game at the same time.

Though it lacks a pitch control and RPM strobe, it more than makes up for these deficiencies in ease of use using a minimal approach to a contemporary shelf-style turntable system.

More notably, the C62 turntable specifically features an anti-skate feature to help curb typical playback issues.

At the end of the day, the one year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship helps give a little peace of mind should there be any manufacturer issues.

Lastly, considering 80% of owners agree this system deserves a 5-star rating, we’d say that’s reason enough to believe it’s a pretty fair deal.

Check Crosley C62 Availability! >>