There are a few reasons why your record might be skipping even though it doesn’t have any scratches. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Dirt or dust on the record: This is the most common cause of record skipping. Dust and dirt can get into the grooves of the record and cause the stylus to jump out of place. To clean your records, you can use a soft cloth or a record cleaning brush. You can also use a record cleaning solution, but be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
- A worn-out stylus: The stylus is the needle that reads the grooves on the record. Over time, the stylus can wear out and become dull. This can cause it to skip or jump out of place. If you think your stylus might be worn out, you can replace it.
- An unstable surface: If your turntable is not sitting on a stable surface, it can cause the record to skip. Make sure that your turntable is on a level surface and that it is not being bumped or vibrated.
- Insufficient tracking force: Tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus applies to the record. If the tracking force is too low, the stylus can jump out of place. To check the tracking force on your turntable, consult the owner’s manual.
- Warped record: A warped record can cause it to skip or jump out of place. If you think your record might be warped, you can try playing it on a different turntable. If it still skips, you may need to replace it.
If you’ve tried all of the above and your record is still skipping, you may need to take it to a professional for repair.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your records from skipping:
- Clean your records regularly.
- Store your records in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid playing your records on dirty or dusty turntables.
- Make sure that your turntable is properly set up.
- Handle your records with care.
By following these tips, you can help keep your records in good condition and prevent them from skipping.
Additional causes of record skipping
In addition to the causes listed above, there are a few other things that can cause your record to skip, even if it doesn’t have any scratches. These include:
- Static electricity: Static electricity can build up on records, which can cause them to skip. To prevent this, you can use a record anti-static brush before playing your records.
- Improper turntable alignment: If your turntable is not aligned properly, it can cause the stylus to jump out of place. To check the alignment of your turntable, consult the owner’s manual.
- Problems with the turntable itself: If your turntable is not working properly, it can cause your records to skip. If you think there might be a problem with your turntable, you should take it to a professional for repair.
If you’re having trouble with a skipping record, don’t despair. There are a number of things you can do to try to fix the problem. By following the tips in this article, you should be able to get your records playing smoothly again.
