5 Tips For No Skips | Skratch School

Having trouble with needles skipping while you're rocking your DJ sets?
In this video, Skratch Bastid shares his top 5 tips to prevent your needle from skipping while you're DJ'ing.
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Needles skipping is a problem all DJ's have to deal with. In order to prevent skips from interrupting your set, Skratch Bastid has outlined his top 5 tips:
1) Start by using a SOLID table. Make sure your turntables are also solid, with no loose parts.
2) Set your anti-skating to zero.
3) Find the correct tracking force for you and your setup.
4) Practise having a light touch on the platter.
5) Get to know your records: the physical differences & limitations of vinyl and how it affects scratching
Share this video with your DJ friends so that they can learn too: • 5 Tips For No Skips | ...
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[@jmcjose8634]

another thing to mention which makes a big difference is to make sure your cartridge isn't sticking too far out from your headshell

[@MsDJDaze]

I love your tutorials. lol. Thanks. I've been having trouble with skipping needles myself, so will definitely check to make sure all the above are covered.

[@Silverballer48c]

5:39 You're welcome

[@kiddo215]

Awesome tips. Thanks bro. Keep them coming.

[@timgreen7447]

Keep the knowledge coming. Salute

[@bboymac84]

Wow thanx I was always told anti -skat at 3. No wonder my needle skips. Thank you scratch bastid!

[@JesusGonzalez-ph9df]

Best tutorials ever seen!!!

[@jeremiahfarquhar]

Much obliged for the tips!

[@KrasavkinRomanE]

Thanks a friend, for your interesting video.

[@jinksstyles]

very helpful, thank you!

[@upbeatoffbeat5293]

1000th like! This is amazing info! Thank God for Skratch Bastid!

[@TheStuwinter]

Legend......Sent you a message on FB a few weeks ago man.....Keep up the good work..

[@theadityamehta]

Thank you, Skratch Bastid!! So well explained and covered all points!! I now understand anti-skating. I've ensured a bunch of stuff you've covered here. The main takeaway for me is 3:25 onwards, i.e. having a light touch and not being heavy-handed at faster scratches. I'm gonna be mindful of keeping it light, easy and steady here onwards!!

[@shemmy7302]

awesome video, the pressure on the vinyl has been giving me trouble. now i have an idea on how much pressure to put on the records when scratchings.

[@musicforce7736]

Thank so much this I being looks fir a longtime

[@BocaNejra]

I'm curious on going deeper on the anti-skating to zero advice. You've mentioned you do that because you don't want any forces to affect the needle, but in fact when the anti-skating is to zero, you eliminate the counter-force that balances the natural tendence of the needle to travel towards the centre of the record (because of the inertia from the spinning record). So when you callibrate the anti-skating with a CD or blank vinyl record, you try to find the exact adjustment where the needle DOESN'T have any forces affecting the stylus and preventing it to move inside or outside the record. When you set the anti-skating to zero, you are favoring the inertia force and the record to travel into the centre, isn't it?

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

You should set anti skate, yes. You really need a blank record to do it right though.

[@adriandotg]

take note that when you are scratching, most of the time you hold the record in place, and the motion does not last that long (also keep in mind that you move the record back and forth).

[@BocaNejra]

@@adriandotg Makes sense man... thanks! I will definitely experiment.

[@barnabas5688]

You are quite right. You need to find the spot on the anti-skate where there is no force either way. That is not necessarily going to be when the anti-skate control is set to zero, and with the greatest respect I think the advice in the video is wrong about this.

[@arjednb]

You have a mis-conception here (sorry for answering 2 years too late) when you're backspinning the record, the anti-skating WOULD need to have a force in the opposite direction, but it doesn't. So what SB here uses is just the best compromise setting for scratching, which would be between +2.5 (for normal playback) and -2.5 (for spinning the record back). 2.5-2.5=0. It's that simple. Actually, this is not YOUR mis-conception, but that of many (almost all) record players. When you spin the record backwards you invert the forces to the inside/outside.

[@jorgegauthier7697]

Learned these things the hard way. Wish I had this video 25 years ago. Subscribed

[@barrywatts803]

Real enjoyed that video. I always have as much weight as possible. Taking my hand off the record for drops I sometimes make the needle jump. Thanks for the tips

[@jaydalvarez8788]

Cool Man... Interesting!!! Greetings from Mexico...

[@geraldcentino]

helps a lot thanks man

[@nankduggets9347]

You always have very helpful tips. Big up. Was wondering what stylus n cart you use now that shure is out of the market. I’m about to buy the jico versions, but was wondering about your and anybody else’s input. Ortofon?

[@Darksaige]

someone has finally abetted my question about the tone arm lol I had to just mess with it and figure it out in my own.

[@jtoots212]

Thanks SB, the sticker trick just solved my new dirt styles record. For the win!!

[@Xmaximaz]

Where do you found that kind of sticker?

[@jtoots212]

@@Xmaximaz I used a mailing label but any sticker will do, just cut a snip at a time

[@Xmaximaz]

@@jtoots212 thanks a lot 👏🏻

[@MrJustease]

nice vid

[@taurus_1977]

5:38 i had that issue with Shortkut's Training Wheels. I had to use the weighted 45 adapters on top

[@SuperSauhan]

Yes

[@PriscillaGomez]

Do you have any recommendations for solid tables? Or how to stabilize best thanks

[@buddafingaz9403]

Hey, what up Skratch Bastid, awesome video, much thanx for your amazing vids, is it better to skratch 7" records with the normal spindle hole, on portable turntables, with a record weight on the record when skratching?? Or should I stay with out one on the record during skratching?? Most of my dirtstyle records are 7" records, & they're normal spindle hole records, meaning they dont require any 45 adapter or anything like that....lol... Thanx man, im new at this, & learning something new everyday honestly, & practicing to get better at skratching. Probably more on skratching, then any other aspect of mixing, or whatever your heart desires, just wanna get dope at specifically skratching, & different skratches that you can do, & gettn better at actually applying them, & making them sound good when doing it, on the wheelz of steel... Lol... Much Respex, Big Upz, & Mad Love to the Skratch DJs......👍💪🙏🔥💯🎄😎🤔

[@reyzuna]

I use Audio Technica Stylus and i found it most stable when scratching even with vibrations. No skipping even with the hole on the vinyl is large making it to shake everywhere, it keeps track in the groove no matter what you do with your scratch and it's cheaper than m44-7

[@SLIMKUTT]

Yeah, and they're damaging your records a.f....OMG Btw: Did you never notice that a hole too big causes vibrations and knocks in the sound ?^^ It will also damage your spindle and stylus faster...so the skipping is not the only problem here. Tape 'em ;)

[@jasonkuy7100]

I normally use a blank record to set anti skate

[@djdeemz7651]

Best thing for center hole is a skin for rolling joints, cut them in half across the middle so it's not so long then use the sticky as a folding line and just fold them into a strip then use a bit of clear tape to tape each side down, these work perfectly and they pack down tight and don't wear away and you can customise thickness with folds

[@sumonmiah1902]

Been doing the same for years 😊.

[@acidbubblebath77]

I'll look you up on FB, I am a newbie so hope you don't mind a bunch of questions. Anyway, you're crazy man, that shit with the banging the table was funny! Thanks for a couple of good laughs, LMAO! X-D Love and respect.

[@jaydalvarez8788]

Could You make a Tutorial About (TONE-PLAY) from the Begining How to Set It on Serato Or Tracktor ???? How Djs Do It Please...???????

[@IndigeniousTaino]

New to tour channel. Thanks for the vids. I used to dj in my late teens/early 20s & just regifted myself a pair of 1200s. I have a question if you or anyone can answer. Which vinyls are good for scratching?? Thanks!

[@xkenny1995]

For example there's LPs with album of samples specifically for scratch called "Skip proof"

[@nstokes29]

yes I've started back to djing this year and I got one old school stylus that's never been used. Its sturdy but I scratch fast as hell and it skips. That annoys the hell out of me. I've had one needle that lasted a long time for years and it could take a pounding but its gone now. I might have to try that 23 degree angle next.

[@SLIMKUTT]

No, just check the angle of the stylus itself(magnifier/microscope)and then calibrate your tonearm after that. Doing this because needles don't all have the same angle. For best sound you'll want it in a 92-94° angle, for scratching you'll prefer a little more. Just try a little from about 90° on and then set the tonearm a little higher. Oh, and you must check the angle with the needle on a record of course...because with tracking force added the angle changes a little.

[@bjang6065]

how do I calibrate the height of the tone arm?

[@FaderFlosser]

Bastid, which Serato control vinyl are those??? I can never find the ones with that logo!???

[@SkratchBastidTV]

They are the ones that come with a mixer purchase or SL-2, SL-3, SL-4 mixer

[@fredbissnette3104]

most important video for vinyl

[@PeteSnell]

Skratch, great video...ya might wanna mention the "slipmat"...I've seen dj's using only the rubber mat that comes with their tables and attempting to scratch on those...yikes :( slipmats, best invention next to sliced bread..IMHO

[@adamlangley6033]

what shure replacement's stylus do you like.? so many out there! what ones is solid?

[@sissiwasabi]

my needles actually dont skip, but the slower i try to scratch or start a song the worse it sounds. what am i doing wrong? it is pretty hart to scratch a song in from a choosen cue point if it doesnt react the way i expect it, i.e. like on a controller.

[@vincestyles1030]

Hey is a great tip stop using needles and use phase most DJ’s don’t use vinyl anymore. I remember carrying crates into clubs what a nightmare I could never go back to that.

[@noel6171]

How about the slip mat ? Shall it be more slippery to allow the vinyl to move easily?

[@mickyparuch926]

yo, the king of 45 is tha shit bro!!

[@MRSTU1210]

anti skating is quite important especially for Scratching and sound 🔊 quality it helps the stylus pick up the vibrations in the groove of your records as I learned from watching viper frank videos here on KZbin peace ✌

[@OneBadAssDJ]

What about the height of the tonearm? It goes from 0-6 on my Technics, what would you suggest?

[@lustforlow-end6022]

On my technics I leave the height at 0 (with shure m44-7 cartridges) this leaves the tonearm straight & not at an angle. It works great for me. Whatever cartridge you use, adjust the height so that when the needle is on the record your tonearm is straight.

[@slok1997]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@acidbubblebath77]

I am new to all of this (just picked up a pair of PLX-1000's a month ago, waiting on the mixer) so I have a dumb question, LOL. What is the optimal height for the tonearm for either scratching or playback?

[@lustforlow-end6022]

Not a dumb question at all. Simply place the needle on a record & adjust the tonearm height until the record & tonearm are parallel 👍

[@driftkingfd]

What's a good height to set the tone arm at for scratching on 1200s?

[@Android811]

It depends on how thick your slipmat is. You set it so the arm is parallel to the vinyl

[@itimmy101]

You forgot to mention to get a "direct drive" as apposed to "belt drive" turntables! Belt drive aren't as sturdy so scratching can be an issue.

[@DJMatGE]

omg i just spent 2 hours researching that weird sound on my new and first turntable, and as it turns out: my table freaking wobbled! as soon as i did put it on the floor, no issues! THX A LOT!!!

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

That title part scared the shit out of me.

[@ComeToThySelektor]

is it practical to use an M-447 for playback only? not sure I want to spend 100s for a cartridge just for the sake of skipping.

[@sinetwo]

ComeToThySelektor use whatever has your preferred audio quality for playback. If your needle skips during playback only, you've got some very fundamental issues which haven't been addressed.

[@RobDarkhalf]

Does the height adjustment make any difference?

[@RobDarkhalf]

and DJ Random is sick with the juke box 7's.

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

PHase works too

[@jmcjose8634]

I'm curious why those rp8000s have str8 150 tone arm weights on them

[@FaderFlosser]

JMC JOSE because that's the tonearm most super oem tables have. The. rp8000 comes with either s arm or straight.....the st150 is the best table imo other than the new Technics that run about $4000 a pair!

[@yomommastupid]

and what about height? and what about angle of stylus? is straight better than the angle? I see you got Pioneer tables...but for those with 1200SLs

[@glumfish6862]

theabstrakt84 The tonearm should be parallel with the record for best sound quality. This is going to get you roughly close to the proper stylus rake angle. If you want to be precise (for the best sound quality) you need to use a microscope.

[@SLIMKUTT]

A magnifying glass and good eyes is all you need^^

[@SkinnyBobUFO]

What about tone arm height? I have always set it to the lowest height. correct?

[@akaiuwu]

do it so the arm lies totally flat, horizontal instead of angled up or down on the record

[@SkinnyBobUFO]

@@akaiuwu thanks brotha, I appreciate the reply.

[@864tahoe]

so what are good turntables to start out with?

[@Fr3akymet4l]

Had the same question

[@smokeywonder5166]

Fr3akymet4l some good tables are technics 1200s - if you can afford them-Otherwise the Stanton 150s, Reloop 7000s or 8000s, and Mixars turntables are your best bet for mid-range tables that are quality (and you won't need to replace them in a year or two) . These are all solid choices. I have an older pair of Numark Pro TT2s - they are absolute workhorses that have sustained continual abuse for the last 15 years or so with only minor repairs - good luck finding those or older Vestax tables. The key is finding a table that is hi torque direct drive.

[@864tahoe]

SMOKEY WONDER what about the Audio technica's

[@smokeywonder5166]

Definitely dope turntables.

[@RUDOLPHLYRICS]

Smokey you should never tell any of the new guys to start out with tech 1200s. What's the chance of finding some used techs that are at least over 20+ years old with bearings in the tone arm that are all proper? Then you gotta factor in that the rca jacks sometimes go back depending on how many gigs you have and travel with them and replacing the tonearm is not fun at all. I'd never advise anyone to spend $400-500 on a used 1200 over a brand new 1240, reloop 7000, or stanton 150. That's just silly

[@sonboogie]

I have very smooth finger tips and my issue is always getting a soft enough grip to cut and scratch without using too much force to cause the needle to jump. If I try to go light, the record just slides on my past my fingers. It's almost like I need to use something like "sortkwik" on my fingers. But I definitely don't want to contaminate my vinyl. I'm using regular felt Technics mats. Maybe some butter rugs could help. Anybody have any suggestions? ✌🏽

[@barrywatts8501]

My be lick your fingers give them some grip! I know and always see D-styles licking his fingers for grip. Finger licking good!

[@lustforlow-end6022]

I’d say just keep your regular slipmats. I have Butter Rugs & while they’re great for scratching they might be too slippy for beat juggling. Anytime I try to do some basic backspinning to learn some juggle patterns they’re way too slick & send the record flying in reverse!

[@thatone4415]

butter rugs

[@BocaNejra]

Dr Suzuki's scratch mats are better and more durable.

[@OldSkoolDJFX]

Mostly common sense but nice vid.

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

Ooooor, just get a Phase 😄

[@TorbenRudgaard]

My Rane 12es skip all the time :D

[@cristian46901]

just spend 450$ on phase system u dont have to go truu all this plus needless don’t last too much especially if u scratch a lot or want to learn

[@almadixon-cider31]

7:08 Did I Really Just Say That?

[@jwally94]

confused as to why you would never use anti-skate...?

[@slok1997]

Jeff Wallace with the needle on the record moving in a circular motion, circular physics says there’s a force bringing the needle to the center (centripetal force) so setting an anti-skating helps balance that force out. Why you wouldn’t use the anti skating and have it balanced out when skratching is what brought me here and it makes sense when Bastid implied don’t manipulate it as much. Trying not to add force or remove force and have it spinning smooth might be the 🔑

[@groovesneedles5444]

Hahaha....yes.....give 7inch vinyl DJs a hand

[@crabbyolfart845]

get mk2s all the way or something technics! everything else for the MOST part is just some cheap knock off OF technics sl1200mkIIs. Also very few people know this simple hack or WTF ever you call it. Go to STAPLES or OFFICE DEPOT and ASK for paper hole RE-REINFORCEMENTS or something similar. the y are self adhesive little loops of tape or whatever bu they are the perfect size AND they're like 4 bucks i think for a shit ton!!!! Hope this helps, its funny cause even DjQbert doesnt know this shit lol

[@FaderFlosser]

crabby olfart Not true AT ALL. super oem tables like the stanton st 150's and plx 1000's are way more powerful and have more options. the build quality on the st 150's is like a tank. Technics are nice but there are better options now. Now if you are talking about the new Techs that go for $4000 a pair, then yes, those are as good as it gets! But who is going to drop that much other than audiophiles and rich fuck kids that make me jealous lol

[@RUDOLPHLYRICS]

actually, Technics skip more than the new super oem turntables. The new ones are made for scratching. Back in the day, we turned the counterweight around destroying our records to prevent scratching and even putting coins on the headshells. No need for that with the new turntables and the maxed out torque. I still have 1200s along with the Stanton 150s(curve arm) and they don't skip if set the weight at 3 grams

[@yomommastupid]

I bought some NM 1210 MK2s this year for about 1200 USD

[@corywilliams458]

I dnt knw Y!,....but i felt a back hand compliment on da "give him a hand shake"....hmmm!

[@djreggiereg4663]

I don't like s arms

[@tylerm27272727]

You guys need more advanced scratches

[@magneticproductions7066]

i like to have kleenex when I go to the club and see fake djs on controllers and fake moving knobs lulz

[@g-track5065]

I wish you were my big brother smh!!!

[@Dethsquad1521]

You have that many records but you literally throw it on the platter while it's spinning, you out your fingers all over it (not including the scratching), and you mistreat those records so much. Come on man. Look up how to treat records nicely.

[@crabbyolfart845]

This dude is either gay or a troll, or a gay troll lol

[@FaderFlosser]

you are fucking clueless.....lol!!!!!!!!

[@FaderFlosser]

crabby olfart definitely Gay Troll.....