[Jukebox-list] Damage to needles playing 78s

[David Breneman]

--- Gary Young <gazzyoung_uk at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> Hi Folks, here is a link to a very interesting article
> (in my opinion) about 78s
>http://www.therecordcollector.org/html/article_by_roger_beardsley.html

One thing the author should have pointed out about using
dishwashing detergent to clean records is that if you go
that route, try to avoid detergents with "fresh citrus
scent", sudsing agents, and other additives.  The best
detergent for this purpose is Kodak PhotoFlo which is
available as camera shops.  It's designed to help water
run off film.  Mix it according to the label directions.
The use of detergent in cleaning records is as a wetting 
agent to decrease the surface tension of the water and
allow it to penetrate into the grooves.  The best kind of
brush to use is one of those flat paint pad types with the
little vertically-oriented bristles.  They really get into
the groove.  Dip the brush in the cleaning solution and
rub it gently but firmly around the record in the direction
of the grooves.  This rinse the record with tap water (or
distilled water if you live in an area with hard water).
Pat it dry and let it air dry completely before playing it.
Vinyl and shellac records can be cleaned this way, but
*not* Edison Diamond Discs.  They have a hygroscopic core
material that will be ruined if it gets wet. Also be vary
of laminated chellac records like Columbias. Try to
minimize the exposure to water in the area of any lamination
separations.  The inner filler and outer layer are separated 
by rice paper and it can abosrb water if it's left to "soak"
on the area.


David Breneman         david_breneman at yahoo.com


 
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