Vinyl records are a fragile medium, and it is relatively easy to scratch them. Here are some of the most common ways that records get scratched:
- Dropping them. This is probably the most common way that records get damaged. If a record falls onto a hard surface, it can easily be scratched or even cracked.
- Mishandling them. Records should always be handled with care. Don’t touch the grooves with your fingers, and don’t stack them on top of each other.
- Playing them with a dirty stylus. The stylus is the needle that plays the record. If it is dirty, it can scratch the grooves.
- Scratching them intentionally. This is done by DJs and other people who use records to make music. However, even if you are careful, it is still possible to scratch a record accidentally.
Even a small scratch can damage a record and make it sound worse. If you are not careful, you can easily ruin a record.
Here are some tips to help you avoid scratching your records:
- Always handle them with care.
- Keep them clean and free of dust.
- Use a clean stylus.
- Don’t drop them.
- Don’t stack them on top of each other.
- If you are going to scratch them intentionally, be careful.
If you do scratch a record, there are a few things you can do to try to repair it. You can try to buff out the scratch with a soft cloth. You can also try to fill the scratch with a special vinyl repair compound. However, it is important to note that these methods may not be successful, and they may actually damage the record further.
The best way to avoid scratching your records is to be careful with them. Handle them with care, and keep them clean and free of dust. If you do scratch a record, try to repair it as soon as possible.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Records are more likely to scratch if they are played on a dirty turntable. Make sure to clean your turntable regularly.
- Records are also more likely to scratch if they are played with a high tracking force. The tracking force is the amount of weight that the stylus applies to the record. A higher tracking force can damage the grooves.
- If you are worried about scratching your records, you can buy a record guard. A record guard is a piece of plastic that fits over the record and protects it from scratches.
