There’s nothing more frustrating than listening to a record and having it skip. The needle gets caught in a scratch or a warp in the vinyl, and the music cuts out. It can be especially annoying if you’re listening to a rare or expensive record.
How to Stop a Record from Skipping
There are a few things you can do to stop a record from skipping.
- Clean the record. Dirt and dust can cause the needle to skip. Use a soft cloth or a record cleaning brush to clean the record.
- Inspect the record for scratches. If there are any deep scratches on the record, they may cause the needle to skip. You can try to fill in the scratches with a record repair kit.
- Make sure the turntable is level. If the turntable is not level, the needle may not track properly. Use a spirit level to make sure the turntable is level.
- Adjust the tracking force. The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the needle applies to the record. If the tracking force is too low, the needle may not track properly. If the tracking force is too high, it may damage the record.
- Replace the needle. If the needle is worn out, it may not track properly. Replace the needle with a new one.
Here are some additional tips for preventing records from skipping:
- Use a high-quality turntable. A good turntable will have a stable platter and a precise tracking system.
- Place the record on a clean, level surface. Any vibrations or bumps can cause the needle to skip.
- Avoid playing records that are warped or damaged. Warped or damaged records are more likely to skip.
- Clean your records regularly. Dirt and dust can build up on records and cause them to skip.
- Handle your records with care. Dropping or scratching a record can damage it and make it more likely to skip.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your records and keep them sounding great.