Improve your vinyl experience with these 5 accessories | RECORD COLLECTING

[@GilyBeck]

Carbon Fiber brush is definitely my personal fave. I'd be lost without it.

[@georgedoughly6344]

Gily Beck Yes, it is very important to have.

[@MP-fw4ub]

The instructions I had with the carbon fibre brush I bought 30 plus years ago said to hold it perpendicular to the spindle and lift off. Moving across the grooves risks scratching. Served me, my vinyl and my Linn cartridge well.

[@Oystein87]

If you don't drag it then you just leave a line of dust on the record where you lift up the brush since not all of it actually sticks to the brush.. So you should drag it agains the spindle and THEN lift it. Carbon fibre should not scratch the record.

[@veteq101]

1) Digital microscope- Very useful but not just for stereo use. Check for scratches on watches. 2) Zerodust Onion- the best money I ever spent on a accessory. My tonearm is very susceptible to dust on the stylus and this little accessory solved that issue all together. 3) Digital scale- I ended up with two. The one you showcased and one what was less susceptible to magnetic fields as the magnets in cartridge caused the reading on the original scale to go "nuts" 4) I have the Feickert Universal Protractor Alignment Tool and it works great 5) Carbon finer brush is a must. Use it on every record before using it. (The going towards the "outside" of the record process works best for me) Great video, great recommendations. I wish you and your family a great Christmas and a happy new year with great music. From one Canuck to another.

[@trailergerms]

Those are some handy tewels

[@cruzingrsx4484]

I have one for you. My listening chair is a movable chair from ikea. So I purchased a inexpensive laser pointer when I center my chair to the best of my ability, I put the laser pointer on the center on top of my speaker turn it on so I can zero in on the sweet spot. I tow in the speakers so the laser beam is pointing at the side of my head. When done this way the stereo imaging is unbelievable, well worth the cost of the laser pointer.

[@endofanera1983]

I always brush inward to the spindle. I feel like it helps reduce the static. One other thing I recommend is to have a backup stylus. Doesn’t have to be a fancy one but it’s nice to have when one breaks. I live in a small town so I have to order them online and that can take a week. Having the backup allows me to still enjoy my records while I wait for the new one to ship.

[@DineshC]

Now That's Simply All In One Video :) Nice One Frank

[@Channel33RPM]

thank you

[@joet_swbo101]

I wouldn't recommend a universal protractor. The reason being is that the groove alignment is based upon how the tone are arcs through the record. That is mostly determined by the length and type of arm straight or curved, s shape. I found one online, can't remember now, where you entered in dimensions and it generated one based on your model. Just my 2 cents.

[@jeffw6912]

I use a can of air to spray of particles and then brush if needed

[@Matthew-nt5ml]

Happy Sunday Frank 🤘...& Happy Mother's day to Sherrie

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Luckily I have a mini screwdrivers set from Radio Shack from several years ago. I've used these very small, precise screwdrivers to detach, then attach a new, different cartridge, then replaced a new, same stylus. I believe that besides a record cleaning kit from separate things bought from one store, and the next, a carbon fibre cleaning brush is also important; the cleaning brush that you showed, and talked about. A valuable product. My vinyl record cleaning supplies, materials that I recently bought are dishwasher liquid soap (Dawn Ultra), finish JET-DRY rinse aid, Alcohol (Isopropyl) 91% (I bought equate brand, but any other brand is preferable), all-purpose microfibre cleaning cloth. Got an empty spray bottle; and cloths from kitchen. Except the kitchen cloths, all of the above supplies cost me only up to $16, and there is plenty of its volume available. By volume I'm talking about the supply of the liquids, alcohol, and cloths.

[@KlasR82]

Whit all the new records being released. I find it useful to have a 6,3 mm drill bit. Some records have really tight center holes so it have been useful many times.

[@Channel33RPM]

Ah yes... Great trip. Frank

[@mick_c_horror_and_pop_culture]

Thank you, Frank. Extremely helpful.

[@cruzingrsx4484]

I’ll add one the Qup automatic tonearm lifter. I have been using one on my Project Debut Carbon and find it to be very useful. Also prefer the Hunt E.D.A. Mark 6 Brush because it less finicky the the bush you displayed in your video

[@cgramlick542]

I’ve always brought the carbon fiber brush to the center but taking outside off the record makes sense too. I think next time I will actually do both. Outside to remove the “dust” from the album, then inside to discharge any built up static. Or maybe that’s overkill. 😜

[@cruzingrsx4484]

I have a good one for you Frank. I downloaded a counter app on my phone to keep track of the hours I’ve put in my stylus. I have a Nakaoga MP150 the instructions state 200 hours of playing time to get the best out of your cartridge and not damaging your records.

[@Channel33RPM]

I've never heard of such an app. Cool idea! Frank

[@cruzingrsx4484]

Channel 33 RPM type counter in your App Store search engine. It’s a simple counter to keep track of the hours you’ed listen to your vinyl.

[@georgedoughly6344]

Cruzing RSX The Nagaoka MP150 is an Awesome Cartridge! It is the one that I really want for my Turntable.

[@johnross1991]

The only thing you discussed here that I didn't have already is the stylus cleaner. I will check into getting one. Thanks for the mention on your video.

[@motorol5610]

Heres one... get a laser disc or several..mount a cheap plastic 45 to spindle adapter center it then superglue it to laserdic to center it like a album. this will provide physical antiskate checking after setting tracking force. Also a small level I'm sure that has been mentioned. Love your great videos!!!

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

AWESOME FRANK , I KNEW ID GET SOMETHING OUT OF TODAYS VIDEO , THE DIGITAL MICOSCOPE , YES , ESSENTIAL THANK YOU PAL !

[@Channel33RPM]

Have a good one Jimmy. Frank

[@hifitommy]

i like the fact that you are helping the novice and even some of us experienced audiophile/music lovers (why else would you have a system?). the microscope and the vtf gauge are essential and likewise the carbon fiber brush. the original carbon fiber brush was the Decca which boated around a million fibers which i tend to believe. the off brands usually have fewer, that is more coarse bristles. i lucked out and got a radioshack model that has the finer, more abundant bristles which i believe fit into the grooves better. i have not seen the new AudioQuest model but i think it may be of the more abundant type. for cleaning the stylus, i would not select the onzow goo. do this experiment--look at the stylus before cleaning (with a microscope of course), then clean with a stylast brush, look again, clean again with the onzow, look again, and once more clean with a mr.clean magic eraser (ME). when you look after this repetition, the diamond will really WOW you. the ME is used as follows--set it down under the area on your tt between the armrest and the platter. cue the arm up and then drop and raise the stylus a few times without moving the ME. follow that with brushing with the stylast brush to remove any detritus. you're welcome. THAT is THE best and cheapest method of stylus cleaning! another essential item is the Zerostat anti-static gun. ~$100. worth every penny because is does EXACTLY what it is supposed to. technique-after playing the record, slowly squeeze the trigger slowly while following around the grooves, the ain away and release the trigger. you can test the static charge by holding the disc over the hair on your forearm. if you feel the hair being attracted from your arm to the disc, it needs another squeeze treatment. then put the record away. why do it after playing the record and not before? whatever charge that is on the disc will collapse into the ground plant of the tt through the ground wire. no need to use the gun now. BUT after, yes so the record doesn't sit in the sleeve attracting dust. ...hifitommy

[@dcs3689]

nonsence

[@jameschant2740]

Turntable pucks help a lot with tracking and record stability.

[@audioheadcase1938]

I think you hit most of the essentials. I would rate the record cleaning system as number one on my list. I actually bought a record cleaning machine (Nitty Gritty Mini Pro) that I use in combination with the Spin Clean and a MoFi brush for daily driving. I have used a number of alignment tools and I settled on one recommended by Rega - who manufactures two of the turntables I use. Any doubts - shoot off an email to the company you bought the table\tonearm from, and they will help you with tips on proper alignment. I have found the more exotic the tone arm and cartridge - the more alignment seems necessary. If you want to get into alignment - Michael Fremers DVD (21st Century Vinyl) is a good way to get schooled. Carbon bush, record weights and clamps. isolation feet and vibration platforms, upgraded power and signal cables. The list goes on and on ... Rega tables have many, many after market accessories that are supposed to improve the short comings the their more mid range tables. I run an older P9 and the P-25. I have yet to go down that rabbit hole but I can replace the plastic drive spindle with a new machined aluminum spindle, upgraded belts, Delrin platter. Groove tracer is loaded with optional accessories for my older P25 table. To be honest - I have slowed down in the last 2-3 years and I have run the same analog setup - I check the alignment maybe once a year and have noticed no real change. Once you get the system setup I think your good to go for a long time . I believe record care is where the smart money goes. Good common sense and a "cleanliness is next to Godliness" attitude. I haven't made it to the white glove arena yet but I certainly dont criticize those who use them. Today's represses are tomorrows one in a million record.

[@anvin33]

Thanks for the tips Frank, great video as always!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you Canvin

[@peter_aka_hamamass]

One important tool, is common sense 😉 O.k., not a physical tool, but very important!

[@Channel33RPM]

I agree. This should actually be No. 1. Thanks for the comment. Frank

[@Crazee111]

Excellent video Frank!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you

[@dcs3689]

I have enjoyed playing records on near audiophile gear for the last 40 + without knowing what any of this stuff is

[@helgar791]

Using certain digital microscopes with your computer will show you and allow you to get your VTA at the proper 92 degrees, which is the initial angle of the cutting heads on every record lathe. The one from DS Audio is just as good as the Onzow, although the latter does come with a little microscope on the cap. On some TT's the Onzow is too high to allow you to lower the stylus onto it when it's placed on the platter. The DS Audio doesn't have that problem. Digital scales are great and relatively cheap. Remember though, when you change the tracking force you've changed the VTA. Protractors use different alignment configurations, the major three being Stevenson, Loefgren and Baerwald. There are visual and audible differences. Most protractors use Baerwald, some of the more expensive ones give you a choice. In your last video I mentioned the superiority of carbon fiber brushes over the terrible Discwasher brush, and I also mentioned its proper usage. Again, when using a carbon fiber brush place the brush on the record and tilt it using one row of brushes for a few revolutions. Then turn to the unused second row and slowly slide the brush off of the record. The dust will adhere to the first row. The center protruding plastic in the middle of the underside is to remove the dust from the brush. They're cheap and effective in removing surface dust. You are so on point about the mini screwdriver set. Missing from the list is a head magnifier which is a handy tool, especially the ones with a little light attached. Having a cheap little lamp on your TT with a bendable arm is handy for darkened room listening as well.

[@Fontsman]

The Audio Technica 637 electronic stylus cleaner was by far the best way to clean your stylus. This together with a Zerostatic gun was a great combo.

[@mapp4751]

nice one Frank! i am in love with the skull in background,would love to get one? Cheers Tony

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Tony. There are 2 skulls... one on the receiver and one on the speaker. They are both from Mexico. Every time we go down there, I like to grab a skull or something skull-related... Good times!

[@Oystein87]

The proper way is to drag the brush to the center because of the way the grooves go.. I tested and it removes dust better. Unless you manually turn the turntable in reverse.. I do that often for deeper cleaning.

[@MK-tj5bf]

Very useful video. Thank you, Frank!

[@Channel33RPM]

Hope all is well Max!

[@pd1jdw630]

Cool tips, very worthy. But I think the best tip I can give. Especially for those whom have vintage turntables. Is to find a good technician to bring your turntable to for service. I have seen record players with bone dry bearings. And although they still worked fine. It made a noticeable difference after a service. Well that’s my 2 cents.

[@1mctous]

The mirrored protractor is better but the Ortofon gets you pretty close. The $10-20 provides an excellent ROI. You won't hear what your cartridge can do unless you align it and check its VTF properly.

[@christopherquinlan7839]

All hail the mighty carbon fiber brush!!! ❤

[@goldenvinylspin]

I listen to this video in my pocket as I cooked supper. Lol you have a great radio voice. Great video. I approve this message. Hahaha

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks buddy! Frank

[@frederikjacob1985]

Great video again Frank! Learning lot from your chanel!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you Frederik. Frank

[@TheScavenger71]

I am sure there will be some who disagree with me as we all have our own idea of what works best so with that in mind I'd like to tell you why I do not use the kind of protractor that you showed. (I purchased that exact one and returned it) Instead I use the cardboard protractor that came with my MX97 Shure cartridge. I have found that some replacement needles are not always centered 100% and since you are aligning the needle and not the cartridge I prefer to line up the cantilever and not the edge of the cartridge. I put a small pin prick in the center of the null points to help hold the tip in place. Some folded paper wedged between the platter and the turntable body will prevent the platter from revolving. Using a strong magnifying glass and a bright light I line up the line that goes towards the stylus from the front. The goal is to have a continuous straight line at both null points that goes from the protractor, up the cantilever, to the mounting point. The first adjustment, which is twisting the cartridge, is done at the outer null point. If a second adjustment is needed I move the cartridge forward or back at the inner null point. It takes a lot of time and usually requires several adjustments at both null points before you'll get it spot on (That's a nice way of saying it is a P.I.T.A.) but once it is done the alignment of the stylus as well as the overhang should be right on the money. I make these adjustments with a junk record on the turntable so the height of the arm will be the same as when playing a record and I can place a small LED flashlight on the record to light up the stylus without worrying about doing any damage.

[@bongofury3176]

Combining hifi and gadgets...tis a dream...tis a dream...

[@vinylcity1599]

1:20, I use my ears to test whether my stylus is worn or not! But I usually change it every six or seven months regardless!

[@Channel33RPM]

Ears are always the best gauge! Frank

[@undefinedname1398]

I have the digital microscope from Radio Shack and considering it came from Radio Shack it's automatically awesome.

[@NerdyFrames2000]

Say. Love your channel. Have you done a video on fixing skips and loops in records?

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you. I have not done a video on that topic, but it's not an area I have much experience in (I have never tried to fix a scratch). Frank

[@recordmannj]

Lots of good suggestions.

[@Channel33RPM]

I agree Charles. Lots of good reminders and suggestions from these viewers. Cheers Frank

[@jobarrios]

Nice tips, thanks.

[@peterrech2307]

as always another great video

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you Peter. Frank

[@peterrech2307]

YW

[@jetyler3400]

Great suggestions!

[@Channel33RPM]

Great handle. I love From Dusk To Dawn. Frank

[@jetyler3400]

@@Channel33RPM Very cool when someone gets it... :)

[@davedavis9693]

Crack me up - How many people own Are You Ready ? let alone a DJ copy with the timing strip . Most iconic airbrushed cover ever . Should frame it :)

[@Channel33RPM]

Not many. Got these from a really good guy!

[@djfrenchman]

Frank, further to my previous comment, I have invested in a Milty ZEROSTAT 3. It works... Guaranteed!! I bought my first in the 70's. It went missing :-( ] There are ways to apply the gun, if I hear static I zap the vinyl as it is rotating on the turntable.

[@flouisbailey]

Onzow check, no microscope, digital scale check, no protractor however cart gage for classic Dual, carbon brush, Discwasher, 331/3 full points plus extra credit for 45 total.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

Never knew that's a magnifying glass on the Zerodust! MoonGel also works.

[@Channel33RPM]

Coincidentally, I just bought some MoonGel today! I look forward to trying it out.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

@@Channel33RPM some poo poo it, but it works great.

[@Channel33RPM]

I haven't tried it yet, but I will report back

[@koelekahuna9370]

I've hear a Me Clean Magic Eraser works great to clean a stylus.

[@recordpirate]

Hey Frank, thanks for sharing! Zerodust from Onzo, this one I will def check out! Greetings!

[@Channel33RPM]

It's weird... it's expensive... but it works. Cheers Frank

[@memyopinionsche6610]

Hay just a heads up you gotta get the new POSSESSED album. It's soooo good.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks, I will check it out. Frank

[@stevepk8742]

Base line , the phono amp must match the cartridge on the TT.

[@juanacostamilesi9668]

What about an acrylic slipmat?

[@johnsweda2999]

Best stylus cleaner is a bit of blue tack just dip your stylist push it in put it on the record, now and again re massage it to keep it sticky. You can't clean the stylist and the Polish the style use green Emery you can buy it from Linn website. And spray your records after cleaning with silicone lubricant ttp ds100

[@marka351]

Another informative video. Wondering what your thoughts on record cleaning machines are? I have been looking at the Okki Nokki record cleaning machine, which you can definitely say is not an inexpensive accessory (at least in Canada).

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Mark. I'd love to try one out... but I have not bit the bullet due to the cost. Frank

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

Some, perhaps all, of those accessories could improve one's shellac experience also.

[@claudec2588]

I have all those except for the microscope. Good List.

[@andrewwilson8374]

Zerodust is great. A bit awkward to clean though

[@shonstewart4957]

Hey Frank this is John from Costa Mesa just wanted to add a quick comment real quick I totally agree with you I am over the all in ones just got the crossly Coda with the can't wait the cross the equivalent of audio technical cartridge the metal platter I have had so many all in ones and I'm sick of them because I always have to return them the last few I had only last said a few days I'm trying to get a good system for my room I have a Tech play out in the living room that has a audio technical car drayou'll take me to the cartridge and counter weight and all that stuff I am so into getting a good quality system that will last me a few years cause I'm on a budget and I can't afford the really expensive ones but I want something that I don't have to return all the time thank you so much God-bless you

[@zaplongaming2747]

question if i use a brush on my lp-120 it makes a weird motor noise for a min then goes away is that normal i only use it like this 5:48

[@Channel33RPM]

Interesting. I have not heard of this before. Perhaps someone will weigh in with some insight. Frank

[@johnw.graovac8030]

If you have a belt drive turntable it's just the belt slipping and it makes it sound like it's coming from the motor. I had that same problem I changed the belt and it went away hope that helps you.

[@bruffyb3796]

I'll definitely use my kids digital microscope!

[@MrAstinus111]

Instead of the zerodust. Just get the moongel damper pads off of Amazon for £6. There are six in a pot and work brilliantly.

[@Channel33RPM]

Someone else mentioned this as well. That's a great tip. Frank

[@citroen2cvnz]

@@Channel33RPM yes, these Moongel pads work very well. They are slightly firmer than the Onzow, and a bit less sticky but seem to be just as effective.

[@jeremytravis360]

I h them all. Perhaps it's because I worked in the hi fi trade for most of my life.

[@williammay8413]

Static gun works , speed control app ,

[@Channel33RPM]

Good tips. Frank

[@VinylRescue]

I have all of what you showed, but I have upgraded some to a better option. I have the mirrored protractor, but now I use the Geo-Disc by Mobility Fidelity Labs as I believe it gives a bit better alignment, but I found it on eBay for $35. I was using a similar carbon fiber brush, but found a better one that has more fibers and has static discharging contacts on the handle. The difference from the original and the one you showed is this newer one is "Made from 624,000 carbon fibers" where the original only has "12,000 Highly Conductive Carbon Fibers". The newer brush can be found on Amazon for $22.95 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XK9V3KB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Here's a link to AudioQuest's website: www.audioquest.com/accessories/vinyl-accessories/anti-static-record-brush. I use this brush to give the one last dusting after cleaning and just before I drop the needle. One other extra tool I use after aligning a cart is to check the VTA and Azimuth to ensure the tonearm is level and the cart is not askew/cock-eyed when looking at it from the front. It goes for $15.95 on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0771Z3XMH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. These just my extra items if someone is interested.

[@Channel33RPM]

Great tips and info. Thank you. Frank

[@dje1944]

Digital scales!!!!!

[@djfrenchman]

Run your tap on hot. Wash the vinyl under it. Dry off with a tea towel. It works better than any cleaning fluid. We are all being conned.

[@ralfwalter3923]

Moon gel > Zero dust

[@henrys3629]

Great name for an album or band -Jelly Sphere. Sandpaper will get rid of that pesky sound on Miley Cyrus albums. That will improve your listening experience, but not you stylus.

[@Channel33RPM]

hahahahaha

[@Leprechaun33]

I have a carbon brush

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I'm going to get one of those carbon fibre brush cleaners, too.

[@stevescott200]

Ok Frank, just to clarify, for checking if the stylus needs cleaning, you don't need a USB digital microscope, your ears can do that, I was thinking of its use more along the lines, of stylus wear, or damage, and buying second hand stylus cartridges, Cheers

[@mattlovell4213]

For the carbon fiber it’s best to Run your record player in reverse and pull away from the label.

[@djgates06]

Brush is uslrss

[@Channel33RPM]

It's not good for deep cleans, but I think it does ok at removing surface dust and controlling static. My preference is to use a record cleaning brush.

[@stevebennett9750]

Third. :)

[@dixielandfarm]

Marijuana isn't even listed. Unsubscribed.

[@Channel33RPM]

Less of an accessory and more of an enhancer...

[@mrphelps99]

I’d like watch your podcast but your intro is an assault on the senses. It’s exceeding loud and grating like a cheap radio ad.

[@Channel33RPM]

Hey Ron. This is an older vid, and I can't recall exactly what the intro was at the time. If it's the Channel 33 jingle ... I've tried to get rid of it a few times, but the regular viewers want it to stay. It is what it is. Sorry to hear this channel is not for you. \m/ Frank

[@mrphelps99]

Channel 33 RPM yeah, it’s not for me.