Whether or not it is OK to play slightly warped vinyl depends on the severity of the warp. If the warp is very minor, it is likely that you will be able to play the record without any problems. However, if the warp is more severe, it can cause the stylus to skip out of the grooves and potentially damage both the record and the stylus.
There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damaging your record and stylus when playing slightly warped vinyl:
- Use a record weight. A record weight is a weight that you place on the center of the record while it is playing. This can help to flatten out the record and reduce the amount of skipping.
- Use a record brush. A record brush can help to remove dust and debris from the record surface, which can also reduce the amount of skipping.
- Clean your stylus regularly. A dirty stylus is more likely to skip, so it is important to clean it regularly with a stylus brush.
- Play the record at a lower volume. Playing the record at a lower volume can help to reduce the amount of pressure on the stylus, which can also reduce the amount of skipping.
If you find that your record is skipping even after taking these precautions, it is best to stop playing it. Continuing to play a warped record can damage both the record and the stylus.
Here are some additional tips for handling and playing slightly warped vinyl:
- Handle the record with care. Be careful not to bend or flex the record when you are handling it.
- Store the record in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the record in direct sunlight or in humid environments.
- If the record is very warped, you may want to try to flatten it out. There are a number of different ways to do this, but one common method is to place the record between two pieces of glass and then place the glass in a warm oven. Be careful not to overheat the record, as this can damage it.
If you are not comfortable trying to flatten the record yourself, you can take it to a record store or other professional service. They may be able to flatten the record for you or offer other advice on how to handle and play it.
Overall, whether or not it is OK to play slightly warped vinyl depends on the severity of the warp and how careful you are when handling and playing the record. If you follow the tips above, you can minimize the risk of damaging your record and stylus.
