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.
  

Why Clean A Record Needle?

Vinyl sometimes gets a bad rap because of irritating hisses and pops during the music. However, turntable newbies might not know that these phenomena are almost entirely preventable. Common causes include:

• Dirt on the stylus
• Dust on the surface of the record
• Damaged record
• Static

The first thing to do to prevent these issues is to wipe off your records every third or fourth use. Then you need to learn how to clean a record needle. In this post, we will teach you how to clean the stylus.

Performing regular maintenance of this nature will enhance your player’s sound and also lengthen the useful lifespan of the needle, meaning that you might be able to go longer before you need to replace the needle.

What are turntable needles made of?

There are a few different materials, though a diamond is most common today. The stylus needs to be strong and stand up to repeated wear. As a result, manufacturers also use sapphire, hardened steel, and osmium to create these needles.

Is a stylus a needle?

The terms are used interchangeably, but the answer is actually “no.” The stylus is no more than the tip of a diamond. It bears little resemblance to a needle aside from the fact that it has a pointed end.

How long do needles last?

They’re durable, so they’ll last well. You’re looking at about 300 miles of vinyl, or around 500-800 hours of playing time, before you need to think about a replacement.

How to Clean a Record Needle

There are a few different ways to clean the stylus, but they fall into two broad categories – using a cleaning product or using a brush.

Useful products for cleaning a stylus:

Vinyl Buddy - Stylus Cleaner Brush - Anti Static -...

ONZOW ZeroDust - Stylus Cleaner

Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush Kit - 2 Premium...

Using a Cleaning Product

This involves simply dipping the stylus lightly into the cleaning solution and holding it there for a few seconds. It might take more than one dip to clean it completely.

Ideally, look for a gel-based solution rather than a completely liquid one. Those in the know express concern that a liquid solution can interfere with the bonds holding the stylus in place.

A simple DIY hack here is to use a Magic Eraser. You work it in much the same the way as you would a gel. You simply dip the stylus until it touches the Magic Eraser. It’s important to use only the white Magic Eraser and to make sure that it is dry when you use it.

Using a Brush

This is likely how your dad cleaned his needle back in the day. This entails buying a specialized brush and running it over the surface of the stylus. Run it in one direction only, not back and forth. Choose the same direction that your record plays in.

Final Thoughts

If you listen to a lot of music, whichever method you use, consider making this part of your weekly routine to keep both your turntable and records sounding great.

You’ll be amazed at how this simple habit can pay big dividends when it comes to sound quality.

A little regular maintenance can go a long way.

Tips on Replacing a Record Player Needle or Phono Cartridge

How to Keep Your Records and Vinyl Collection in Good Shape

One of the best ways to listen to music is through a record player. In the 80s, many people thought that record players were finally going to go extinct, especially with the rise of CDs, and Walkmans—who would ever want to use a record player anymore?

But times have changed over this past decade, and more and more people are now obsessed with collecting vinyl records and owning record players, which offers some of the best sounding music in the world and will forever change the way you listen to music!

Once you decide to purchase a record player, you need to find one that has been made out of the highest quality materials.

These are not your typical stereo systems or CD players; record players take looking after to ensure you are getting the best music listening in the world.

One of the most important things on a record player is the player needle. This is what fits into the grooves on the record and plays the music. Without the needle, there is no music.

This is why it is so important to take the time replace a record player needle if something is wrong with it, such as it starting to get dull. It is one of the most important parts of the system and you cannot let it just die.

Today we are going to go over how to replace a record player needle. We hope through our easy guide, it will become clear to you just how easy it is to replace one!

1. Why should you replace a record player needle?

No matter what type of record player you have: whether it is called a turntable a phonograph, or whatever in between, you need to take care of them because they are known to wear. On any record player, there are usually only a few parts that actually need to be taken care of:

• You need to look after the stylus (which is the part on the needle) which is usually made out of diamond, steel, or bamboo, and is known to run on the grooves of the record
• You need to look after the cartridge, which has the ability to adapt and influence the mechanical vibrations on the record player
• You should check the drive belt, which is the part that turns the record itself

Out of all three of these, the most important part that is changed the most frequently is the stylus, which is also referred to the record player needle. It has to put up with a lot of friction as it is the one being worn down by the grooves on the record.

If for any reason it chips, or it is worn down, it is going to make the record sound horrible. It will not be able to properly fit into the grooves of the record and can even lead to destroying your records.

2. When to Replace a Record Player Needle Video:

3. How do you replace a needle or phono cartridge?

So now since you know why you should even bother replacing in the first place, it is time to consider how you can effectively replace your worn record player needle.

The first thing that you can do even before you replace it, is to keep it clean at all times. This includes brushing away any dust that may accumulate on the tip.

Sometimes you can use a small paintbrush to do this or just a dust rag; you are going to want to keep it clean. In order to inspect it further, take a magnifying glass to it and look at it up close to see what you can do to clean it further.

The first thing to replace the needle is to remove the stylus out of the cartridge (which is the place that holds the needle). You pull it straight out, in the other direction opposed to the arm that is holding it.

The cartridge, that holds the stylus is only going to be compatible with certain brands. So, before you buy a new one, it is crucial that you figure out what model and brand will complement the cartridge.

Once you purchase a new record player needle, just slip it right back into the cartridge, with the point obviously facing downwards so it can go right onto the record.

If for some reason the cartridge itself is also not working, you can take it off by just slipping it off the arm as well.

Most of the time it is easy to replace, as there are a lot of diagrams that come with new cartridges to easily hook it up.

Obviously, you need to know that this needs to be handled with the utmost care as these are breakable and need delicate handling.

Ensuring you always have a great record player

Since you know how to replace a record player needle, we wanted to end off with some of our advice on finding a great record player. It is known that the higher the quality of the player, the less you are going to have to worry about replacing a record player needle.

The first thing that we always recommend to first time buyers is to find one that is affordably priced, but that is still made out of high-quality materials. Usually you will find these among brand names that are known in the industry as being some of the best of the best.

It is crucial for you to take the time to know which manufacturers are the best and the products they are offering.

Something you can do to ensure the record player needle is always in tip-top shape is to make sure you are setting it correctly on the record.

Many of the new players do it automatically so you do not have to worry about it, but we recommend watching YouTube tutorials so you can know how to do it correctly to avoid any unwanted damage further down the road.

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If you belong to the 1950s or 1960s era, you probably have a good collection of vinyl records that were really popular at that time. There’s a unique charm about lowering the needle gently into grooves and letting it slowly take its place on the rotating disc to give you soulful music.

It has been around for more than 100 years; hence, it’s like a treasure for people who are passionate about music. In this article we will talk about how to use a record player or turntable in its modern form.

Steps on how to use a record player

While turntables are very much like any other music system such as a CD player or mp3 player, they require a little extra care. When operating a record player or turntable, you need to be cautious about what you are doing to avoid harming the system.

Preparing the player

As mentioned above, the turntable needs a little extra care than other modern music devices, hence you need to prepare first to play the records. The turntable comes with a dust cover to protect the components when not in use. The presence of dust particles can muffle the sound so a dust cover is of utmost importance.  If you have a hinged dust cover you may lower it again when the record is playing.

Now make sure that the turntable is not in a spinning mode. There are some models that come with a switch to turn on the rotation, while others start automatically when the needle is lowered on to the disc. Before placing the vinyl record make sure the needle is up and the platter is not spinning or else you may scratch the record.

Placing the record rightly

Hold the record on the edges with both hands and gently place it on the platter. Never touch the grooves. The spindle should be in the mid-point of the platter and go through the hole. Let the record comfortably rest on the platter before you switch on the turntable.

While removing the records, you will have to temporarily grab the record by the playing surface. Make sure you touch only the external surface that does not have groves to pull out the record. Shift your grip to the edges as soon as possible as oil from your hands can get transferred to the record and tamper the sound.

Turning on the platter

The settings to control the platter vary depending on the model and brand; however, most of them will have a switch to turn the power on or off. In some models, the power switch may be integrated with the speed options so you will have to select 33 rpm or 45 rpm. The standard 12 inches record will usually play at 33 rpm speed.

If you have an automatic turntable then the platter will start rotating when the tone arm is lifted towards it. It doesn’t require you to put the platter in motion.

Lifting, positioning and lowering the tonearm

Most turntables come with a cueing feature that has a switch that lifts the tonearm from its rest position and this is called cueing. Some brands come with a cue lever that helps in raising and lowering the tonearm.

When lowering the tonearm on the outer grooves of the record, you must take extra care and be gentle. Make sure the stylus comes in contact with the grooves as smoothly as possible, without any clicking sounds.

Conclusion

When you are done with listening to the record, gently lift the tonearm and place it back to its resting position. Most turntable models will allow you to connect the device to a stereo sound box or other non-Bluetooth enabled devices. Make sure you attach the cables correctly by referring to the user manual.

Keep the turntable clean and free of dust to extend its life. Clean it properly before storing because dust easily accumulates on the needle and this can damage the overall sound quality. Taking care of your turntable can go a long way in protecting your investment and enabling you to listen to your favorite songs anytime you wish.

Record players, also known as turntables, is perhaps some of the most popular technology that is still in rage today. Modern day CDs and MP3 players may still dominate the music scenario but there’s a unique charm about vinyl record players that make them so special.

It’s fascinating to see the needle glide across the groove of a record and play sounds that are richer and fuller. In this article we will look inside the technology that works behind the turntable to create soulful music.

Let’s find out how vinyl record player works

The turntable is mainly made up of three components – the base, the platter and the arm.

The Base

The base or bottom of a turntable may be made of any type of material ranging from wood to plastic. It also comes in diverse shapes. The most important task of all is to make the entire system work. The base component of the record player includes the motor, either using a wheel system, direct drive or belt.

This helps to rotate the platter on which the disc or record is placed. The base is one place that gets creative finishes from the manufacturers. It may be a black lacquered ring or natural wood finish.

The Platter

The platter is an extremely important part of the record player as this is the place where the records are placed. It is responsible for maintaining the speed and consistency of the vinyl records. Most high-end record players will include a platter made from heavy and expensive materials such as ultra-weighted aluminum.

The reason behind the richer and better sound quality of expensive players is the presence of a heavy platter. If the manufacturer uses a light platter in the making, it results in a rattling sound from the motor. So, if you want a record player that produces a steady and rich sound, make sure you choose the one with a heavy platter (preferably made of metal).

Most models will have a rubber mat on the top of the platter to protect the disc from getting scratches. They may also have an external platter covering to keep away dust from accumulating on the system.

The optimal speed at which most standard platters spin or rotate is 45 RPM, and that’s why some record players are also known as forty-fives.

The Tone Arm & Cartridge

The arm is the most sophisticated part of the record player and it needs to be handled with utmost care. The arm is attached separately from the base, away from the platter, to reduce the risk of vibration. The tonearm brings in all the power and life into a small package.

To start with, it must be easily moveable and flexible. At the same time, it should also be heavy and sturdy enough to not be disturbed by the motor at the base. The arm should not have any friction to avoid damaging or scratching the record. It should preferably remain at a steady angle to prevent any form of record damage.

You will find the cartridge at the place where the toning arm ends and this is the piece which creates all the magic. Even though the cartridge is small, a rectangular piece uses the electromagnetic induction to covert the grooves of a record into electronic sound waves.

The cartridge includes a removable stylus which is mainly made from shaved diamond (just a few micrometers thick) in soft plastic which comes in contact with the grooves. The cartridge may either be made from a moving coil system or a moving magnet.

Conclusion

When all the above components fall in line and play in harmony, you get the melodious sound that makes a music lover nostalgic. No wonder the turntable is an extremely interesting work of engineering and art combined together. Audiophiles swear by this technology which makes them feel alive.

Even though modern systems are lighter, portable and more advanced in technology, there’s something special about these record players that makes them so popular even today.

When you envision a romantic dance with the love of your life, you don’t think of an MP3 or CD player, but rather a vintage record player playing in the background to create that ‘perfect’ setting.