I bought a Humminguru Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner... The results. (Vinyl community)

[@firstlast84]

This is kinda relaxing somehow. I could watch you clean records all day. I love all your content, but the BIGGEST thing I love is perfectly shown here. Great video!

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!

[@thehighend4545]

Cleaning records is relaxing as well. Not sure why lol

[@bendelosangeles3560]

Are you talking about Roberts package? If you are, I noticed that too. If not, I'm a proud perv!

[@brion0220]

Great vid. I like the set up for this and casual feel with the shorts. Keep it up 👍

[@guybarritt8632]

So let's just clarify a moment. You pay $400 for a machine which (apart from setting it up in the first place) takes 10 minutes to clean a record, then potentially you have to clean again afterwards to get fingerprints out. Maybe I am special or something, but I can clean 3 or 4 records thoroughly by hand in the same time - just using a premix of distilled water (75%), isopropyl alcohol (15%) and surfactant (10%) before rinsing with distilled water. I'll spend my spare $400 on some more vinyl, thanks.

[@RobertFithen]

You're welcome. Anytime.

[@rabarebra]

Exactly! 👍

[@kvetcha]

The difference is that this is two button presses and then you go on with your day and come back to a clean record.

[@guybarritt8632]

@@kvetcha The point is, you don't. You have to clean the record again for the most part.

[@kvetcha]

You really don't though. I've owned one for a year now and it does a categorically better job cleaning records than my previous vacuum setup.

[@harrysmusicroom]

I LOVE my HumminGuru. For me, I just click the lower right button twice hit start and walk away. 10 minutes later it's cleaned and dried. I'm enjoying buying used records a lot more since buying it. I have not yet had a need to rinse after doing a cleaning. My reservoir does not leak at all. When I did my demo video for the Guru it sounded real loud on the video also, but you're right, it's really not that loud at all. I've found that some records need to be cleaned a couple of times, but that's only happened to me twice so far, just depends on how dirty they are. All in all I think it's a great product at a very decent price.

[@RobertFithen]

I agree. I've found out the only time I have to do the longer drying time is on certain CBS records. They seem slicker.

[@henricusinstitoris2325]

Same here, i had a bunch of used albums that i didnt listen to because how ling it was taking to hand clean them

[@DG-uw6wx]

Love my spin clean. I use one with chem in and the second with fresh h20 and it does a great job. Can do a record in less than 30 seconds.

[@jeffc.5460]

I stopped using the chemical. I think it's a gimmick. Distilled water alone works great for me.

[@mitchieboi81]

awesome content on many levels

[@mattDettling]

That snake monster is the real prize

[@RobertFithen]

Snake monster? Are we watching this on LSD? lol

[@VvB-t5h]

love the topic , was looking for cleaner. also like watching you hard work like what i see

[@false_binary]

LOVE the Humminguru! As soon as I pick up a new / used disc, it gets two full 5 min wash / 10 min dry cycles, and 1st cycle with Tergikleen (works great). Then into a mofi anti-static sleeve, placed outside rear sleeve and both in a 3m Japanese resealable. Saves your stylus and the vinyl quite a bit of life and sonically so much better than without. I would not recommend using the same water twice...am not confident in the filtering material capturing contaminates before water exits to the reservoir at the end of the wash cycle. Pouring water in? Set the reservoir down on top of the machine and it pours in perfectly no messes. I use TU-8, goat hair brush, and my own turntable to clean mold / oily fingerprints that are deeply embedded over decades...wipe dry with clean micro fiber cloth...then into Humminguru. Also, clean stylus regularly! All easy stuff to keep everything fresh and sounding nice.

[@TBNTX]

I've tried both the Humminguru and the Kirmuss KA-RC-1. I sold my Humminguru and I use the Kirmuss system exclusively. I'll admit that the Kirmuss system is more expensive, but to my ears, it is still the best record cleaning system.

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

I ordered mine too. Looking forward to getting mine

[@davidstanton1261]

Hey Carolina, did you have to pay to 200$ shipping?? I want to buy one but the shipping cost bummed me out..Help :)

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

I believe it was a hundred to ship. I love it and it dies a great job

[@davidstanton1261]

@@northcarolinavinylpicker Thank you!

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

Your welcome and thx for watching

[@EmbryonicRobot]

This is very informative. Thanks for the review, Robert.

[@bshah4831]

I use the G Sonic surfactant which works well with this Humminguru. You can also warm the water tp 25 degrees also helps.

[@davidstanton1261]

Thanks again Robert! This is exactly what I have been looking for! My records are immaculate but I do need some ultra sonics to remove the invisible "popcorn" stuff esp. on new records. Killer, I'm excited! Fingers crossed

[@davidstanton1261]

Robert, where did you buy yours from?? The shipping from HK is $200 on their site :( Help!!??

[@davidstanton1261]

Sorry all, I was confused by the exchange rate but Patrick the Archivist straightened me out! Yeah😍

[@hardmoney8560]

This video needed a lot of work before publishing, and I only watched it because there aren't many vids on the HummingGuru. Here's some friendly advice on how to improve future videos and get more views/subscribers: - Before & After - the most important thing for any review of a cleaning machine is the SOUND of the record. You want to show how it sounds when it was dirty, and then show the improvement- - how it sounds after it's been cleaned by the machine (*what it looks like is super secondary - and that's basically what you focused on). recording a short sample of what the record sounded like before cleaning would been perfect. Obviously YT's compression and playing through computer speakers has limitations, but you still need it. - the overall sound is a complete mess. you need a mic and some planning if you're going to run a loud machine while you're filming. - narrative structure of the video - like any decent song, review videos have a clear structure. in this instance, it would have been intro, the challenge (dirty records and expensive ultrasonics. plus - why go with ultrasonics at all? you needed to explain that), solution (Hummingbird) cleaning results, outro. - visuals/no editing- the shots were obviously not composed. Making this sort of thing is about entertaining and informing people. a part of that is composing the visual in the frame and editing down in a way that keeps the audience engaged. This just looks like some guy rolled out of bed and started filming while he was making his coffee. You're dressed in a way where I half expected you to rip a fart and start laughing. *I could go on, but these are the main things. Good luck with future videos.

[@kyles7087]

Thanks for this! I’ve only recently started collecting vinyl and looking for a decent affordable cleaner. I also watched the livestream with Patrick, so it’s great to see what he was talking about before buying. Thanks again, you have my subscription

[@mikewest1542]

I will carry on with my Disco Antistatic, I would be disappointed with pre cleaning the record with fingerprints and the machine not doing this , I use Groovinator which is fantastic with Purified water and never had issues with fingerprints at all A good video and a very easy to understand .

[@voicesofvinyl]

I personally use an Okki Nokki RCM with a surfactant-based solution with amazing results. I have considered getting one of these UltraSonic cleaners as a second step.

[@crunchyfrog555]

In regards to cleaning new vinyl, I ALWAYS do it with my Okki Nokki. I bought 6 new albums a few months ago, and went through them. The colour of the fluid was brown, very distinctly, with a fine dusty residue too. So that demonstrates how much shit is still in mint new records.

[@rabarebra]

Okki Nokki. LOL 😂

[@crunchyfrog555]

@@rabarebra Yup, stupid name, but great little thing. Why the fuck they called it that I don't know.

[@grantross2609]

lovely looking toaster !

[@RobertFithen]

It doesn't get that hot. Those are the more expensive ones.

[@ronbono57]

Yes I have the Hummin Guru and the Record Doctor V vacuum which works fantastic together.

[@SeanKagalis]

Hey Robert, Very well explained presentation. I actually like the Spin Clean okay, but I obsessively change out the distilled water (of which I have several gallons on hand - admittedly, needlessly) and the fluid that makes most of the dirt stick to the bottom of the washer. Also, for someone who cleans every record before it's spun like myself, it can be a lot of work and time. And yes, the cloths, while effective, must be cleaned often to prevent cross contamination. So, I will be sharing this video with my hubby with a wink and a nudge while mentioning my birthday which looms within a fortnight. Ha! :-D

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! I'm doing the same thing with the distilled water. One thing I like about the ultrasonic is there aren't any brushes or pads touching the record.

[@SeanKagalis]

@@RobertFithen Yeah, based on the unexpected interference when you ran the cycle, it’s definitely doing something for sure.

[@rabarebra]

But the dirt on the bristles doesn't sink to the bottom. You basically just wash your records in its own dirt.

[@rabarebra]

@@SeanKagalis What ultrasonic does is to split the water atoms, and that is why you don't need any solution added to the distilled water. BUT, if you use the ultrasonic for too long (say over 5 minutes up to 25 minutes on a record), you basically destroy the PVC (the record itself).

[@JonPickles]

Thanks Robert another great video thanks. Very useful.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!

[@Dagger-Deep]

I love my spin clean. It works great and it's super affordable.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

The fact that it only does one record at a time was kind of a turn off for me, so I ended up going the DIY route.. Bought a 6L ultrasonic cleaner, (4) Vinyl Stack record holders and made my own adjustable speed rotating assembly.. It'll clean 4 records at a time and I run it about 1rpm. I have to manually dry them afterwards though, but that's the only part that's a PITA. Otherwise, I also use Tergitol or Triton x-100 as a surfactant, about 15 drops or so, with the rest being distilled water. All in all, it works great! Only got about $200 bucks into it.

[@rabarebra]

Yeah, I want a cleaning machine were you put 400 records in, and all done in 5 minutes. That'd be something.

[@danender5555]

@@rabarebraYou can spray your whole record collection using hydrant hose.

[@jimk2000]

Interesting video... Thanks... But seems like a lot trouble to clean one record... I use to just clean my records in the kitchen sink rubbing liquid dishwashing on the record and then rinsing in warm water and drying with soft cloth

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

I just use some Simple Green and wash my records in a sink as well . I wet the record first , spray some Simple Green on it , I scrub it lightly with a Carbon fiber Record cleaning brush that gets in the grooves , rinse off the Simple Green and place them on a rack to dry as this seems to work for me . Don't use HOT water as it will warp a record !! Again most of my records are generally in good shape , if they were trashed I'd assume a record cleaning machine would work better I suppose . Also some studies have been made that ultrasonic cleaners may eat away at vinyl and other plastics as they shouldn't be cleaned for more than 2-3 minutes . Ultra -Sonic also seems to be as fun as operating a fish aquarium

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Thanks for doing this! Almost all of my purchases are used, so the Humminguru might be what I need

[@eason5699]

I got one too and it is exactly what we need!! And I like how they design the cleaner such as you can store the power cord inside the machine. Great design product as well!!

[@alexm.8674]

Got one of these in today per your video Robert. Great demonstration, and was glad to see (or hear) your unit made the same odd “slurping?” to the beginning of the dry cycle.

[@rocdocs]

lol at that horrible noise going on for like 3 minutes. Thx for the review! I have a record doctor, it does good work!

[@harrysmusicroom]

I had the record doctor as well, and liked it but after I bought the HumminGuru I sold my record doctor to a friend.

[@moonytheloony6516]

I'm sticking with my Record Doctor VI. It's affordable and dependable. Unlike the Degritter, a lot of written reviews that Ive seen are not as overwhelmingly positive regarding the Humminguru. I'm going to sit back and wait on this thing for a long while and see how things shape up with it. I'm the meantime, I'll stick with my Record Doctor VI which does a great job.

[@h4kanergun654]

14:32 wow so big 😶

[@gw298]

At 19:18 etc. again

[@Thunderclouification]

I've experimented with the glues. Wood glue has actually helped on some records, but made no difference on others. I can say from experience to stay away from the "Super Glues". They do not live up to the name. I see you got the cat option. I've made a note of that. The interference made it sound like you were in a bar talking to me. As the ambience became fuller it was reminiscent of painful alcohol fueled conversations in bars. I would take reel to reel tape path parts to a jeweler in the 70's to clean them ultrasonically. It does vibrate the dirt loose and make for an awkward conversation with the jeweler. Luckily ultrasonic cleaners are inexpensive now. Back in the 70's they were a million dollars.

[@Frip36]

" The interference made it sound like you were in a bar talking to me. As the ambience became fuller it was reminiscent of painful alcohol fueled conversations in bars." So funny. True

[@crunchyfrog555]

I'm glad you've done this Robert, as I trust your opinion as it aligns pretty much with my point of view. I have an Okki Nokky vacuum cleaner. It ain't perfect but used with L'Art du Son it does have pretty damned good results. By which I mean they sound good on one clean, and STAY clean for quite some time. Been toying with an ultrasonic but I don't want to pay out too much, so this might be worth my time. Cheers and thanks from across the other side of the pond.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! This is definitely an affordable alternative.

[@Drivehead103]

My Okki Nokki has cleaned over 800 records trouble-free ! I have some of the liquid record cleaner you mentioned and was not very fond of it because of all the solid particles floating around and bad things I read about enzymes. I have almost a whole bottle of that cleaning fluid left, I now use mix my own t e r g i t o l. I think there's a lot of snake oil out there. I was using disc doctor Miracle cleaning fluid and then it was not available for a while because he changed the formula to include alcohol to help remove mold release compound. Mold release compound is part of the vinyl anything not be removed. It is not something applied to surfaces. I had cleaned over 400 albums with his original cleaning fluid. I want a refund because it did not remove mold release compound and now I have to go back through and clean off all the mold release compound! What a bunch of bull crap. That's why I decided to make my own. You never know what is in there otherwise. I use no alcohol except for embedded particles. I have had to use a toothpick and alcohol to drive out embedded particles! One last thing, rinsing is as important as cleaning! Remove all cleaning agents thoroughly. I may add ultrasonic to the process later, I think it would be perfect for cleaning new records. I wonder do extremely dirty records need a scrubbing and vacuum before ultrasonic?

[@rogerdjs]

I purchased a HumminGuru cleaner and a Vevor ultra Sonic Cleaner both On Amazon. Used them both and kept the Vevor. In the end I saved about 250.00 returning the Hummin Guru as it did not perform any better than the Vevor to warrent the extra 250 dollars. Plus I can clean 8 albums at a time...

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

Good video, and it looks like a great product. Id be curious to see a video where you clean a dirty record in the spin clean real good and play it. Then run it through the ultrasonic and see if it improved the sound. Ive given up buying new records. Im so sick of getting warped records brand new.

[@big_burly_bro]

There's worse people to "cheat off their paper" with than Patrick. Thanks for the rundown. Frank at Channel 33RPM has a series of videos on this item that may be helpful if you ever has issues but from what small pool of knowledge I have issues are rare.

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

Great video Robert, Fantastic presentation,very entertaining 😎 I do need a cleaning machine, Humming guru not available in Uk, Would have to get it shipped

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! There are other versions popping up. Maybe there'll be one especially for UK sales.

[@justplayingrecords4664]

I think the pencil scuffs looked sharper and easier to see, if that's any consolation.

[@RobertFithen]

Yes, it really shined up the record and made those pencil marks pop out.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I use distilled water spray bottle and microfiber towels from Costco.

[@RobertFithen]

Yeah, I forgot to mention the towels should be microfiber.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

@@RobertFithen and a record clamp and a sink sprayer 1st. lol. And the dishwasher rack. It's a chore!

[@rabarebra]

Yep, this is the best way to do it, and it is much more time efficient also.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Add 1% liquinox to distilled water on first rinse then do a final water rinse and man it does miracles

[@toonhkuitjes6382]

nice video. My ultrasonic machine states it requires a mixture of distilled water, alcohol and a little Ilfotol. But ever since I started using it, the records look clean but they gunk up my stylus... By the way, if you want to see the record spin the other way, just sit on the other side of the machine...;)

[@andynaz5631]

The ultrasonic transducer is canceling sound waves on your mic. It means it's working.

[@johntrembly2905]

Best product for cleaning records was a Zep product my friend found called Spree. It's used as a degreaser in shops, he created special cleaning instructions too. So much crap comes out of the grooves when you play a record after cleaning it with Spree.

[@jsteed44]

Great video sounds promising very happy with my damp/dry cloth wrist movements

[@paulturner3553]

My advice for cleaning records is to run some cold water over both sides, using a little clear or yellow dish washing liquid with cotton from an aspirin or pill container going round and round over all the grooves and then rinse both sides until all suds are gone. Gently wipe play-out area into label, then lean LP on towel to wall to air dry. Only need to do last rinse with distilled water if your water quality is marginal. I have been doing this for years with great results. Save your money unless you own a record shop where you can write-off a commercial record cleaning machine.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Dish soal full of crap. Tween 80 surfactant cheap and clearer sound

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Soap

[@paulturner3553]

@@matthewtaylor7355, WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR ABILITY TO TYPE ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SO THAT THE READER CAN ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WROTE?

[@paulturner3553]

@@matthewtaylor7355, Yes, a dab of liquid clear, yellow or blue non-cream type of dish-washing soap. I have been using Joy, but Ajax is fine.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

​@@paulturner3553😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@greenalishi222]

Dude Hilarious When you are saying Its not that loud and it sounds like my speaker blew up Best vid ever

[@mercurialmagictrees]

🔊🤣

[@RobertFithen]

I was going to cut it out, but I thought it was funny.

[@theboomerscalper]

Great video, Robert. I have a modified 6 gallon ultrasonic. It works great.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!

[@russkinter3000]

Small kitchen funnel for the leaking problem? I have a bad feeling that those pencil marks on Led Zep III are also scratches in the vinyl itself. Think about it: a graphite pencil point versus vinyl plastic?

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

I"m somewhat impressed. This looks like a decent unit for the money......and as you said, the bottom line is SOUND improvement. yes - we ALL love to see things visually clean..but ultimately, it comes down to SOUND. For the little prick who put pencil marks all over Zep 3, may your fingers ROT off at an early age. Regardless, its wonderful to see the respect, love, and attention these poor records are getting nowadays. I was big into vinyl for many years and I never got RID of my albums like so many dolts did when CD's came out. I always kept them nice and did the best I could to take care of them. I listen to them to this day and they still sound really good. Amazing what a little love and attention can do......or PRESERVE.

[@RobertFithen]

Yeah, I had seen too many videos of people polishing records and making them shine and that's the final word. I have a handful of albums that look mint and then when you play them, it sounds like someone frying bacon.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

@@RobertFithen Ha! "frying bacon"....good one! Yeah...I got my "Hysteria" (Def Leppard) I bought right before CD's came around and man....that thing had SO much surface noise. Brand new! HOw agitating. I cleaned and played it again recently - still noisy. sheesh.....The music industry needs to get it's shit together with QUALITY CONTROL.

[@rabarebra]

@22:25 you are not supposed to push dirt into the record. Spray on the solution, gently use your clean fingers (after cleaning your hands of course). Your fingers works like a clean leather cloth. Circle your fingers gently around and losen up the shit, then let it sit for 20-30 seconds, then use a clean microfiber cloth. Voila, best cleaning treatment for free.

[@osbert]

These comments are hilarious 😂 Great video though, I have a chinese no-brand ultrasonic tub I've been putting together and finally got around to using. The noise is INSANE. living in an apartment, I had to put it in the furthest room away, wear noise cancelling headphones and could still hear it buzzing away. So it's seen a total of 1 use so far. Was very interested in the noise level of the humminguru as the degritter seems incredibly quiet for an ultrasonic. Judging from the past purchase of mine however, it's pretty obvious I'd rather spent less on the machine and more on records.

[@austinhunt4260]

To my layman logic, if it can't dissolve dirt/oil on the surface, how could we expect it to dissolve the same compounds inside the grooves?

[@mikewilliams6323]

Great video. Bought one from Juno Records London this last week and all I want this for is new and second hand ex vinyl that has dust and micro dirt still.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Give us an update, Robert! And a compare and contrast with the yellow one. With better sound, haha. Thanks!

[@johnmoore5098]

Nice video Robert. And sorry you got that record club version of Patsy. UGH. Here's a tip for you if you don't already know. Look for the 80's MCA which was a re-issue cut by Kevin Gray. I think they were all pressed in Gloversville. And here's an extra secret tip- the Canadian re-issue uses Kevin Gray's US Gloversville metal parts.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

6:02 insert metal machine music I did my best to listen to during the ultrasonic record wash.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

It's bummer that it's not always easy to spot the sellers that don't sell accurate listings. Whenever I have got accurate listings on discogs I would post that as feedback so potential customers know that the seller is reliable.

[@TheJoelSwaney]

I had an Okki Noki and it scratched my records. And I found the Spin Clean did as good of a job as the Okki Noki, so I left the vacuum record cleaning field. No disrespect, but hand cleaning vs Spin Clean is night and day - Spin Clean is a great cleaning method when done with a good process for drying. On a flat surface, I place four cups, the size of label with a small fan on one end. After each cleaning I lightly wipe the record, place the record on the cup closest to the fan, starting my next record. As it is drip drying in the Spin Clean, I then move the first record, flipping it, to the next cup. I repeat this process for all my records. By the time the record gets to the fourth cup, it is 100% dry, gets put in a MoFi sleeve. Every record I have run through the Spin Clean sounds better. I have also had records run through a sonic cleaner, and they do do a better job, but much more expensive. Spin Clean is a affordable cleaning method that does an amazing job. I have run through about 2000 records through my Spin Clean and I couldn't recommend it more.

[@RobertFithen]

I have had no luck with spin clean.

[@TheJoelSwaney]

@@RobertFithen I'm surprised, honestly. I do have two of them, one I use as a rinse and I did notice those brushes have a little more space between them than the original one I bought. But I swear by it to anyone. I have such good results, and with my experience with the Okki Noki, I have been reluctant to buy anything else except for ultrasonic. I have a guy in town with an amazing ultrasonic set up. I take some records to him - he can run 16 records at a time. I recently took a Kinks Lola original UK press to him that is known to have a pressing issue and the ultrasonic took it out. I have owned 3 copies of it, all with the same issue. It must have been some pressing residue. He has told me that too much ultrasonic could damage records and suggests only doing them once and hand cleaning or spin clean after that.

[@stephencooke4569]

I'm also a happy Spin Clean customer, I find it's effective on fingerprints and grime, and it does many records sound better. As long as you clean the reservoir and brushes on a regular basis, it's good for what it is, although I'm sure an ultrasonic will do a better job if you want to go the more expensive route. But I'm not a crate digger buying multiple beat up flea market copies of Led Zeppelin II hoping to list them on Discogs, but I did buy a bunch of Mickey Katz novelty LPs at a thrift shop and the platters looked like they'd been through a flood, and the Spin Clean did a great job of cleaning them up (although I did a thorough cleaning of my brushes afterwards) and made them playable again. It could be argued that you'd get the same results with a jar of solution and a microfibre cloth on a flat surface, and that's probably true, but the Spin Clean at least lets you be thorough and organized about it.

[@haroldm4600]

I’m curious as to how your Okki Nokki RCM scratched your records. If the record is properly secured to a clean platter with the screw-on clamp, the velvet strips on the vacuum wand are cleaned, inspected and replaced when necessary, the proper type of brush is used to apply a liberal amount of quality record cleaning fluid and the vacuum is utilized for the recommended number of rotations I just can’t envision how a record would be scratched. All of the above are proper and required steps in cleaning a record with a vacuum record cleaning machine. If you failed to use the machine correctly, you are the one that scratched your records, not the machine. I have used the Okki Nokki with L’art Du Son fluid for several years with excellent results and have never once scratched a record.

[@TheJoelSwaney]

@@haroldm4600 I used the machine correctly. You saw the scratches in the inner grooves. I bought it new from The Needle Doctor, who was local to me. I then brought it back to them. They replaced the arm, thinking that was the issue, and they tested it with two records of theirs and had the same issue. They with I contacted the manufacturer and it became contentious as they insisted it doesn't happen, but it did with that one machine.

[@asaprabbit8305]

Same exact thing happened with the Patsy, I was told I was getting the decca but got that same MCA press 😥

[@RobertFithen]

That album went through a few different incarnations with different gatefolds, etc. I ordered and paid for what would arguably be the best pressing and got what would probably be considered the worst.

[@k9burnouts544]

I always used Ajax & SOS Pads .Then just run 'em thru the dishwarsher a couple times ' Bam ! Clean !

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Awesome video brother

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!!

[@whittierlibrarybookstore3708]

The post is about a year old, how about an update.? Life of a hummingbird after one year. Are you using it as much as you thought you would use? Is a gathering dust on the shelf because it's too inconvenient to use inquiring minds want to know

[@RobertFithen]

I did an update.

[@TiberiusWallace]

The wood glue method works but it's for a specific case scenario I think. I takes a lot of time, like you're looking at 24hrs to do both sides and who has the space to do all that?! I've done it with a few records and it's likely the best cleaning method but it's for extreme cleaning, I'm talking like records that have got wet, paper fluff, plaster dust, that kind of thing.

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

I think I'm going to go way of Patrick's advice as well. I'm not cleaning 10 or more records a day, MAYBE 1 a day... If I was a dealer like Mike at In Groove it would be worth it to spend 3G's

[@1RungAtATime]

I like the convenience of these toaster like cleaning machines, but between the price and results I'll stick to using my $100 diy vacuum setup.

[@NoEgg4u]

I have two record cleaning machines. A traditional one, and an ultrasonic machine. I rarely use the ultrasonic machine for new records (meaning brand new or used records purchased on eBay and elsewhere). Why? Ultrasonic record cleaners are not designed for cleaning off grime. Rather, they are designed to get the last microscopic pieces of debris from within the grooves. Ultrasonic record cleaners are the "touch-up-crew". They take over where traditional cleaners have reached their limit in getting into the grooves. My VPI 16.5 machine does the heavy lifting. It gets my records super clean, in approximately 30 seconds per side (that includes drying). If I come across a record with outstanding sound quality, then I will run it through my ultrasonic machine. For other records, it has no value. Honestly, I am not sure whether or not my ultrasonic machine was worth the price. If I were loaded, then sure -- why not. I purchased it when I was employed, and I probably should not have done so. The ultrasonic machine does do its job. But you are unlikely to hear the benefits, unless you have a very revealing stereo, and the record is a very good recording. Yes, the ultrasonic machine will reduce surface noise. But so will a traditional record cleaner. The improvement from an already cleaned record (by a traditional machine) by the addition of an ultrasonic machine is what you will likely have trouble identifying. If you will own only one record cleaning machine, then I suggest it be a traditional machine. I highly recommend the VPI 16.5 (the one I own). I have had it for close to 15 years, and have no idea if they are still in production, or what they cost today (I think I paid $450 back then). I have always used "record time" cleaning fluid from Musical Surroundings. The audio store included that bottle when I purchased the machine, and I have used (purchased) that fluid ever since. Note that the 16.5 uses a vacuum to dry the record, and that vacuum is LOUD. So if a loud noise will wake up family members, then you will not be doing record cleanings after they go to sleep. This is not a knock on the machine. Vacuum cleaners are inherently loud, and the 16.5 has a very strong vacuum motor. One pass (rotation) takes only a 4 or 5 seconds, and that is all it takes to dry the record.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing. I suppose if I don't pick up filthy records then a ultrasonic cleaner may make more sense to clear out any miniscule debris.

[@koylesmasterpeice]

Go online and watch videos of ultrasonic cleaners washing filthy tools and mechanical parts

[@NoEgg4u]

@@koylesmasterpeice "Go online and watch videos of ultrasonic cleaners washing filthy tools and mechanical parts" How is an ultrasonic tool cleaner germane to the topic of the effectiveness of ultrasonic record cleaners?

[@koylesmasterpeice]

@@NoEgg4u I feel like you did not watch the videos.

[@NoEgg4u]

@@koylesmasterpeice "I feel like you did not watch the videos." You are correct, that I did not watch the anonymous videos that you did not specify. I do not go on scavenger hunts, looking for unnamed videos, watching "Is this the right video?", only to find out I wasted my time. If you expect someone to watch a video, that has something to do with the subject of this thread, then the responsibility falls on your shoulders to identify the specific videos to which you are referring. Add to that, you wrote: "Go online and watch videos of ultrasonic cleaners washing filthy tools and mechanical parts" To which I replied: "How is an ultrasonic tool cleaner germane to the topic of the effectiveness of ultrasonic record cleaners?" You refused to answer my question, and yet you expect me to go on a fool's errand, searching for who knows what videos you are recommending (and that is assuming that you even have any videos in mind -- this is the internet, where people do such things). You will not put forth the effort to answer: "How is an ultrasonic tool cleaner germane to the topic of the effectiveness of ultrasonic record cleaners?", and yet I am supposed to put forth the effort to search for unnamed videos and watch them? If you do not believe me, then go watch videos on what I am writing about. (see how that sounds silly?)

[@CinemaATTACKS]

The two biggest crimes one could commit in the 70's - keying somebody's Camaro and keying somebody's copy of Led Zeppelin III. I guess the distortion sound is from the aliasing harmonics when you record those ultra high frequencies. Thanks for the demonstration, I'm considering getting one of these at some point. Cheers!

[@RobertFithen]

That's what I thought, too. I should have taken the mic off and moved it away from the cleaner.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Hey bud. How is it still rocking? I am thinking hard on grabing one of these. Is it still a good buy? I buy a alot off used records, and I am getting tired of spending 20 minutes hand cleaning a record only to learn i might need to clean 2 or 3 times with real dirty albums. I use a liquinox 1% solution which is awesome. But i need something that i don't spend my Saturdays or Sundays cleaning my week haul.

[@RobertFithen]

It's still going.

[@budsmoker4201120]

@@RobertFithen thanks for the feed back

[@ricefieldrecords]

Ultrasonic technology creates microscopic exploding air bubbles for the purpose of dislodging debris that hand washing supposedly can't achieve. A traditional vacuum applies air pressure to the grooves of the record to dislodge debris. Some people argue the microscopic ridges of the record trap non-water soluble debris like a spider web traps bugs and debris with its natural stickiness; and ultrasonic is the best method to dislodge debris. Perhaps. I use paint edgers from Home Depot, a cocktail of Groovinator/surfactant/distilled water, and a handheld glass wet vacuum from Karcher out of Germany. My cleaning system cost $20 and it takes up no space, whereas the HumminGuru is a largish appliance. I'd like to find an understandable comparison of results comparing ultrasonic to wash/vacuum. AudioKarma has reams of data on this subject, but I want the CliffNotes version.

[@RobertFithen]

That's exactly how I understood it to work. One day I will probably get the vacuum and have the full set up.

[@jeb1982]

Hi Robert, I’m new to your channel. Thanks for the video on the Humminguru. I bought a Humminguru a couple months ago. I have cleaned over 300 records. I agree with all your comments. I think it works great (especially for the money). My local record stores charge between $5 and $8 per record to ultrasonic clean records 🤦‍♂️. This machine has already paid for itself!! Question: Do you know where to buy the the replacement filters in the US? Or have an idea about a reasonable alternative to use? Humminguru does offer replacement filters on their website, but the shipping from HK is more than the filter cost. Thanks! Jim

[@RobertFithen]

Same issue here. I ordered mine from humminguru and couldn't really find anywhere else that had the filters.

[@davidstanton1261]

Hey JEB, Where did you buy yours?? The shipping cost is $200 from HK and taht bummed me out! Help? :)

[@jeb1982]

I bought mine directly from Humminguru. Shipping to AZ was $100. Still much cheaper than other brands.

[@davidstanton1261]

Thanks JEB!! I was confused by the exchange rate ( money is not my strong suit) but Patrick the Archivist straightened me out! I ordered mine and I can't wait!! Please give us all a shout out when/if you find replacement filters... Peace

[@kvetcha]

@@RobertFithen If we're talking about the filters on the tank, you can purchase sheets of aquarium filter material for next to nothing and cut/fold it to size. Works perfectly.

[@elliottcrews4997]

Nice look at an affordable ultrasonic cleaner. I've read a lot about them but just too confusing regarding which ones will and will not work well depending on so many factors. I think the mistake many make in record cleaning is in thinking that there is a silver bullet (RCM, US, Solution or some combination of the three) that will turn damaged records into NM. The truth is that whether it is an ultrasonic, a RCM or just manual cleaning with brushes and a shop vac, it's all about having a good process and using proven cleaning mixtures. I'm glad this one it working for you! And I appreciate that you didn't over hype it! Take care my friend.

[@elliottcrews4997]

@Vinyl Community Records 🤣

[@elliottcrews4997]

@Vinyl Community Records I will!

[@rosiemason-rk4cm]

In my experience cleaning vinyl records is best done with copious amounts of tepid water. All you need is a large plastic bowl, water, a small amount of washing-up liquid & a clean sponge.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

You sold me man! At first I thought you were being funny by saying it wasn't loud.. LoL. Looks like a good cleaner

[@RobertFithen]

I'm still happy with it.

[@yanis_gam]

Great video, very informative and awesome presentation! I'm considering buying a Humminguru and also noticed your pre-cleaning should be something for me to consider. Could you please tell me the names of the two products you are using? That would be extremely helpful! Also, with how much distilled water do you mix the drops of each bottle? What brush are you using? Thank you very much for your help! Once again, great video, I'll leave a subscription!

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!! Tergikleen and Ilfotol with about four drops of each in a gallon jug.

[@yanis_gam]

Thank you very much! May I ask you about the fiber cleaning cloth / towel and brush you are using? Do you have any specific suggestions? Thanks!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I still have my wooden disc washer and stylus cleaner from the 1980s.

[@RobertFithen]

They don't make them like that anymore. I've tried so many of those trying to get the classic Dishwasher quality, but now it's all cheap knock offs.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

@@RobertFithen Hopefully you will find one in a thrift etc for a few bucks! They work in the short term. But nothing probably beats a real cleaning. They sell the cleaning at the record shop for about $2 per side.

[@DetroitStars]

@@RobertFithen You can find the originals on the Bay. They usually run from about 10 to 20 dollars.

[@rabarebra]

"I hate this thing, the spin clean", "you are just smearing the dirt around", ha ha ha, so well put. Thanks, this made me laugh out so loud. LOL

[@GBCR]

88% water, 8%ammonia, 4%alcohol plus a drop of dish soap is a "universal" cleaning solution that is safe for most everything, including optics (camera lenses, binoculars, etc) screens, and even ammunition (despite the ammonia; there's just not enough to corrode the copper). This solution is commercially sold as "Windex", and yes, you can use it on records too.

[@hendersonncnc6543]

Ha! Hey we found the "I just want my vinyl to look shiny" guy.

[@hendersonncnc6543]

@@guybarritt8632 you sound like you don't need to wash your ass because you wipe it all the time. Good enuff right? Don't troll me "dude"

[@lucalone]

I can recommend Die Schallplattenwaschmaschine by Knosti.

[@ImNotHere222]

I dare not say the real reason I am watching! 😭🤫

[@RobertFithen]

An appetite for dirty records?

[@RNCHFND]

@@RobertFithen Sure, Robert. We'll go with "dirty" "records"

[@austinlibby7025]

If you’re a true hobbyist, meaning you’ve got golden ears. You’ve got an a limited price that you can put into your home theater system I ultrasonic system for less than $100 and you could spend $2000 and not get a record any cleaner any quicker than when I’m doing for under $100. You’ll need to find an ultrasonic tub which you can find online for $25-$70, you can do it manually you don’t have to do it automatically. Meaning we rotate the record by itself one minute oh you need five minutes and ultrasonic. And you got a system for under $100 you have to be creative but you wanna end up with a $2000 machine for less than 100 go for it man what do you think that cost to manufacture $2000 or $1400 cost him maybe 22% of what that retail is you can do it yourself have fun guys remember it’s just a hobby and don’t make them rich keep money in your bank and keep that money for music. Thank you. Good day.

[@mobaby1979]

@@austinlibby7025 huh

[@joebloggs8636]

​@@austinlibby7025Killjoy.....

[@tommystefanik3676]

What do you use for the cleaning solution?

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

I’m surprised the water doesn’t run down on the label and damage it.

[@RobertFithen]

It doesn't. I can't explain why it doesn't. lol

[@kvetcha]

It rotates slowly enough that pretty much all the water just runs down along the grooves and stays in the tank.

[@rabarebra]

@@RobertFithen Because the water molecules in an ultrasonic machine (caused by its frequency) splits the molecules from H2O to OH + H - not water anymore, and this also works as a surfactant, so you don't need anything else than distilled water.

[@daviddrake6875]

What about the Nitty Gritty 2?

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

now I know what to do if I suspect my house is bugged

[@micksbiggestfan4006]

It's not cheating if you give the other student credit. Thank you Patrick.🙂

[@db9692]

I have seen Zeppelin albums just like that, with the same markings. What's that all about?

[@ConcertBuddie]

Good stuff! Enjoyed this testimonial video on the Humminguru. Such a shame that new records aren’t “ready to go” right upon opening. I recently adapted to cleaning them right out the gate thanks to a tip from MrHoffame/Brandon. So now I clean and re-sleeve (I know, I know, you are not a fan of that) so it’s ready for listening when I am. 😀

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! I have re-sleeved some records. I started doing it more often lately.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

This is WHAT gets me mad - QUALITY CONTROL. Getting a new record out of sleeve and it has defects from the get-go pisses the shit outta of me.

[@thehighend4545]

@@dancalmpeaceful3903 Pisses the shit out of you? lol what?

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

@@thehighend4545 What gets me mad, is buying a new album and there is tons of surface noise RIGHT from the first moment you play it until it ends. Some record companies have no quality control. I understand every album, even new ones, have a few pops or cracks or a little bit of surface noise...but some that I bought were just unacceptable.

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

Is there 2 additives you add to the water in the guru ? I got mine and want to buy an adative

[@RobertFithen]

Tergikleen and Ilfotol, but less than a drop. I have a drop of each in a mixture, then fill the basin with that. They are extremely concentrated.

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

I heard G-sonic works too. Thx. Love the guru

[@jessicaf2655]

Do you add these to the gallon of water? Or a drop in the tiny basin?

[@RobertFithen]

@@jessicaf2655 To a gallon of water

[@tonystephens6858]

Great googly moogly, did that Led Zeppelin record double as a scratching post for a cat?

[@aussierob7177]

Hi Rob. Besides having a record cleaning machine, there are certain cleaning chemicals you must use. You need a Power Cleaner to remove the mold from the record. Record Cleaning Fluid. Record Preservative. Also a work turntable is recommended for scrubbing in the Power Cleaner and the Record Cleaning Fluid. I find the Nitty Gritty manual vacuum cleaner for records does a good job of removing all the residue and drying the record. It is absolutely important to thoroughly clean new records before you play them, and apply Record Preservative, otherwise there will be irreversible damage to the record groove on the very first play. The purpose of the Record Preservative is to harden the groove wall which prevents record wear for about 200 plays.

[@RobertFithen]

I do a pre cleaning with Tergikleen and ilfoltol

[@aussierob7177]

@@RobertFithen Thanks for your reply, Rob. I also use a spare tonearm with an artist's brush head attached to the headshell. The brush is about a half inch wide with narrow synthetic bristles which track the record sweeping away any fine dust that the stylus might stick to. The spare arm has anti-skate and moves across the record in time with the stylus. The tracking force of the cleaning arm is one gram.

[@rabarebra]

@Aussie Rob Wrong, you don't need all these cleaning fluids made for records. Chemicals? You are not supposed to use chemicals on PVC. Distilled water and a few drops of JIF universal (window cleaning) is all you need. Pre-clean it with a brush first. Wash your hands. Spray the record with this solution. Use your fingers gently and circulate the solution and get it covered. now, use the fingers gently, don't rub it in. You will feel the dirt with your fingertips. Circulate fingers, then wait a little. Wipe it off gently, again, do not rub the record, with a microfiber cloth, in 4 circulations. Repeat one more time, then go for the next side. This will make your record cleaner than whatever machine can do, and this method cost nothing.

[@Harrispilton22]

Brilliant video, I’m eyeing one of these up myself, so appreciated. I’ve got to be honest I’ve had a lot of success with the spin clean for £79.00 I’ve revived thousands of pounds worth of records..but I agree it’s flawed. Thanks again.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! Spin Clean was one huge fail for me.

[@PrankZabba]

15:00 - any chance is what you are talking about a straight line from the label to the edge? And just on the one side? Okay, i know its been a few years since i had to sell off all my albums (due to moving) but i swear High Voltage, Let There Be Rock and Dirty Deeds all had that same mark. And im convinced that its from the great big pin that stacks albums on the press once they are ready to go. But the fingerprints, holy shit the fingerprints were ridiculous. I like how you described it. Its almost like they had to grab it out of the press with their bare hands. But in the future, if i buy them again. I sure as hell wont want those versions. Besides, i think the DDDDC is the edited version of the song. No! Just no! I remember owning it when i was maybe 4 or 5, because the shorter version has always sounded wrong, for the past 5 decades. I got my own funky way for cleaning albums thats all done by hand. I dont have time for this ultrasonic or spin clean nonsense. Unless its something more hardcore where i use wood glue. Like the Redd Foxx 45 i found that look like it sat in a woodshop since the 60s. Looked brand new when i was done with it.

[@dennisw8026]

Great video, thanks

[@mikereissy6111]

Use g sonic cleaner from groove washer in the humminguru.

[@kvetcha]

One drop per tank! Works great.

[@mikereissy6111]

@@kvetcha yup

[@ellischernoff8603]

You are not using the full automatic mode. I do a double clean followed by a double auto cycle.

[@RobertFithen]

I wanted to stop between washing and drying to explain. Auto mode just goes right into drying without waiting for you to push a button.

[@andreass2301]

I remember watching that Michael Fremer guy testing an 'affordable' cleaner that was a steal at just $4,000. I've tried a few cleaning methods, none made much difference, and from what I can tell none of these fancy machines do either. The idea of spending hundreds or thousands to clean a $10 (hell, even a $40) record seems like another part of the crap that 'audiophiles' go in for. The best way I've found the clean a record is to jut play the damn thing and clean the needle afterwards.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

A paint pad, spray bottle treatment and record clamp and dishwasher wire rack work wonders

[@rabarebra]

These machines makes no difference, because they are pure snake-oil. People who owns these just "think" they get a cleaner record. Ridiculous.

[@tonymadilia1025]

they make a good cleaner and brush for those who can’t afford one of these

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Robert :Did the cat mystique lift the lp sheen to the level of the Degritter?

[@dansavik7137]

Nice collection of CDs!

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! Relatively bullshit-free channel here

[@TheCollectorCave]

How has it held up since this video? I've heard mixed reviews on this.

[@RobertFithen]

It's cleaned over a thousand records. I did a year-later follow up video.

[@FleagleSangria]

Thanks Robert! Appreciate the helpful video. Have had my eye on one of these Hummingurus for awhile now (I keep calling it a hummingbird, whatever lol). Been waiting to see how they hold up (get what you pay for kinda thing) But from what I gather these hold up well and even if there are issues the company is very easy to contact and will resolve any issues. So I think Im in. Ill probably go the Patrick route and get 2 as I have a crap ton of lps. One thing to consider and I dont claim to know this is completely scientific or not, but those ultrasonic frequencies I dont think are too good for your ears. Might want to stuff a couple of those cheap spongey earplugs in your ears to suppress the sound if your going to be near the machine. Like I said I dont know if hearing damage is actually a thing from ultrasonic sounds like this machine puts off but better safe than sorry. Im envisioning some angry dad back in the early 70s taking the edge of his buckknife to his teenage sons Zep 3 "I told told you to turn this crap down. Now didnt I?!? Didnt I??" 😂 Thanks for the vid man!

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! I've being cleaning non-stop. lol

[@hendersonncnc6543]

The veins on your hands are huge

[@michaelslowack903]

The man has been handling records, CDs and tapes for 35 years! What did you expect? 🙂

[@hendersonncnc6543]

@@michaelslowack903 I meant it as a compliment.

[@RobertFithen]

Yes need that bloodow for flipping through records efficiently. Lol

[@gw298]

There is something else wonderful that is huge, but that's no secret

[@lauher21]

Is it dramatically better then a pro ject vacuum machine?

[@robertshanks3674]

oh man LZ III .....it went to the Gallows' pole