[Niteshade]

I like records- but taking care of them is challenging. How do you prevent scratches?

[DARTH AUDIO]

After 12 beers I switch to my music server !!!

[Wayner]

Lots of scratches (surface) comes from paper sleeves (especially the ones with the center hole). I throw those away. I do use Mobil Fidelity plastic lined paper sleeves that also seem to help keep the static down. These are the same sleeves that come in their Mofi album releases. The next thing is to only handle a record by the edge, never touching the grooves and lastly, never put the record down on any surface except the turntable mat. When your done listening, put them away.

Wayner 

[Dan_ed]

I would just add one clarification to Wayner's excellent points. It is a good idea to get in the habit of handling an LP with your fingers contacting the label while your thumb is contacting the edge of the record. PLEASE, don't pinch the edge with your thumb and fingers! That is where most lead-in groove noise comes from.

There is a difference between scratches in the vinyl and scratches that cause audible noise. Some scratches are pretty obvious that they will cause issues during playback. However, I have many LPs with scratches that don't cause the slightest bit of noise. Most times it is hard to tell until you clean them up and play 'em.

Oh, and it is probably a good idea to keep your belt sander far away from your LPs.

[TheChairGuy]

Along Dan's points above.....do the hairline scratches (which are there sometimes even with the newest of records due to handling and sleeves, etc) have anything to do with noise at all?

They don't seem to correlate exactly in my trials ......

Many times I've bought used records with lotsa' swirly scratches on them - I have to look at that three times over to make sure it's worth the 'chance' of spending $5 or so on them - then when I eventually play them (I clean each record first manually first) I often find the record is perfectly quiet with no alarming clicks and pops.

Alternatively, I have bought records noting that swirling scratches are pretty slight....and the record crackles like Rice Krispies hitting milk!! 

John

[Wayner]

Records that sound like rice-krispes have been over-cooked at pressing time, they had the temp too high. The walls of the grooves have microscopic vinyl boil blisters and cannot be repaired. I've run into these a time or 2 and you can't really tell by looking at the vinyl either. You'll know when you start playing. Usually the same on both sides.

Wayner

[hifitommy]

its usually carelessness.  those on the record upon purchase need to be evaluated, sometimes to no avail but some that LOOK bad are only at the land surface and not in the grooves.

cleaning usually helps but cant rescue the really bad ones (usually).  i gouged a $50 45 rpm 2disc set on one side.  fortunately, not on the tune that i got the record for. 

you gotta stay focussed when handling records and ALWAYS with just cleaned hands.