It is unlikely that an acrylic platter will scratch your records, but it is possible. Acrylic is a soft material, but it is also very durable. If you are careful when handling your records and cleaning your platter regularly, you should not have any problems.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent scratches:
- Use a record weight or clamp. A record weight or clamp helps to hold the record in place and reduces vibration. This can help to prevent scratches from occurring.
- Avoid placing records on the platter while it is spinning. This can cause the record to slip and slide, which can lead to scratches.
- Be careful when cleaning your records. If you use a record brush, make sure that it is soft and clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the record.
If you are concerned about scratching your records, you may want to consider using a different type of platter, such as a metal or glass platter. However, acrylic platters are generally safe to use with records, as long as you are careful.
In addition to the above, here are some additional things to keep in mind about acrylic platters and record scratching:
- Acrylic platters are more susceptible to scratching than metal or glass platters. This is because acrylic is a softer material. However, acrylic platters are also very durable, so they can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- Acrylic platters can generate static electricity. Static electricity can attract dust and debris, which can lead to noise and distortion during playback. To mitigate this, it is important to keep your acrylic platter clean and to use an anti-static record brush before playback.
- Acrylic platters can warp. Warping can occur if the platter is exposed to extreme heat or humidity. To prevent warping, it is important to store your acrylic platter in a cool, dry place.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of an acrylic platter for many years to come, without having to worry about scratching your records.
Here is a real-world example:
I have been using an acrylic platter on my turntable for over 10 years and I have never had a problem with record scratching. I am careful when handling my records and I clean my platter regularly. I also use a record weight to hold the record in place and reduce vibration.
I have found that acrylic platters offer a number of advantages over other types of platters, including:
- Excellent sonic properties: Acrylic platters are known for their excellent sonic properties. They are very resonant, which means that they can accurately reproduce the sound waves on the record.
- Durability: Acrylic platters are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- Lightness: Acrylic platters are lightweight, which makes them less likely to cause vibration.
- Appearance: Acrylic platters have a sleek and modern look.