It is generally considered good practice to lift the needle before stopping the record. This is because the needle can damage the grooves in the record if it is left on for an extended period of time. The needle is constantly moving back and forth, and if it is left on the record, it can start to wear down the grooves. This can cause the sound quality to deteriorate and can even damage the record itself.
In addition, the needle can also pick up dust and dirt from the record. This can further damage the grooves and make the record unplayable.
To lift the needle, simply use the tonearm lever to raise it off the record. This will prevent any damage to the grooves.
Here are some other tips for taking care of your vinyl records:
- Keep your records clean.
- Store your records in a cool, dry place.
- Do not stack your records too high.
- Avoid playing dirty records.
- Be careful not to drop your records.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your vinyl records in good condition for many years to come.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about lifting the needle before stopping the record:
- If you are using a record player with a dust cover, make sure that the cover is closed properly before you lift the needle. This will help to prevent dust and other debris from getting on the record.
- If you are playing a record with a lot of surface noise, you may want to leave the needle on the record for a few seconds after the music has stopped. This will help to prevent the needle from skipping.
- If you are playing a record that is very valuable or rare, you may want to be extra careful and lift the needle as soon as the music stops.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not to lift the needle before stopping the record. However, it is generally considered good practice to do so in order to prevent any damage to the record.
