VPI 16.5 Record Cleaner Demo

An overview of the VPI 16.5 vacuum record cleaning machine. The VPI 16.5 has a high-torque, 18 rpm turntable and a self-aligning suction tube. The suction tube is removable and can be replaced. VPI also sells replacement cleaning brushes. The vacuum motor is 6.5 amps. Wash/dry time is about 30-40 seconds per side. This unit has a stainless steel fluid collection system which can be vented through a clamped tube in the back. The components and hardware are all heavy duty.
These machines are not cheap but, if you're considering a vinyl record cleaning machine, I cannot recommend this model enough. It's definitely worth the investment, especially if you buy many used records. This thing has been working hard for me for 10 years and is still going strong!
My cleaning solution recipe:
1 part isopropyl alcohol - 90% or better
3 parts distilled water
1 drop Ivory soap per 2 liters of solution
The purpose of the soap is as a surfactant. It's the alcohol that does the cleaning.
Music room tour video:
• Music Room Tour
Background music is from the Irrepressible Impulses compilation that I cleaned in this video, with excerpts from the following tracks:
"Astral Traveling" - Pharoah Sanders
"Dear Lord" - John Coltrane
"Wave" - Ahmad Jamal
"Attica Blues" - Archie Shepp
"Larry Of Arabia" - Chico Hamilton
"Frankie & Johnny" - Milt Jackson

[@punktexas]

This is the best demo of the VPI 16.5 on KZbin. You rock EoLoVoX.

[@EddieJazzFan]

I saw Chico Hamilton about 3 years ago playing live. He was in his 80s and still sounded great. Nice record cleaner!

[@beninski707]

Very cool demo. That machine only exists in my dreams at the moment....maybe some day. That record looks to be a nice find as well. Great vid.......Again!

[@JasonsVinylObsession]

This will definitely be an accessory in my dream basement/music room.

[@zuzurewind]

Thank you for such a great detailed review! Definitely thinking about getting one!

[@peartfaldo]

i just picked up one of these for $350. amazing how much better everything sounds.

[@DarrenNLZC]

thank you for the response. I think your video has convinced me to commit to one of these fine machines.

[@EoLoVoX]

Thanks, Chet! It's pretty cool record. I was happy to find a copy.

[@KoolRanchDressing]

Cool to see something I'll never be able to afford. lol Whenever I think about buying a cleaner I think about how many records I could buy instead of a cleaner. Great informative demo.

[@EoLoVoX]

That's good to hear! Pretty cool for customers who don't have cleaners, too.

[@EoLoVoX]

If your first comments are a response to my record collecting OCD, I cannot deny it! These really are great machines. Although the initial cost is a deterrent for many, you do get what you pay for. However, ANY good record cleaning system is essential for used record buyers, and yours appear to do just as good a job of cleaning records!

[@Mr666skulls]

Great video ! as always very informative it would be a great Christmas present , will make sure the family sees this post on you're video and again thank you for the very interesting videos.

[@EoLoVoX]

You won't regret it! For some reason, I thought you were asking that question because you already had a VPI and wanted to know when to replace the vacuum brush. In general, the machine that I show here has been a serious work horse for me. I have literally cleaned thousands of records on it for over 10 years and it's still going strong. They're built like tanks! It's an investment, but you won't regret it.

[@EoLoVoX]

Thanks! They're not cheap but, if you buy a lot of used records, you will NOT regret it. I've had mine for many years and have cleaned a couple thousand records in that time. It has been a bit of an audio lifesaver.

[@EoLoVoX]

@TheStokes79 - No artist is credited in the liner notes, believe it or not. On the drawing itself, in very small print, it says "Sheridan." The liner notes do say that the album was designed by "The Overland Vegetable Stagecoach." I've seen copies of this on eBay for less than $10, so I don't think it's very rare.

[@Paneeks1960]

Absolutely loved this upload / demonstration Rob~ I do not know how I did not see the video when you posted it? It got by me somehow... I guess the joke of the day would be to ask you "when I can drop off my collection so you can clean them up for me?" {smile} Actually I am still cleaning by hand with D-4 or soap and water. There is a new contraption blue roller that just came out for $20.00. I saw it ion the Elusive Disc site. Anyways, super cool machine that is perfect for you! Thanks, Rob

[@BioCYTE1]

Fantastic demo, well done. The lp sounds great playing along in the background and ties before and after together really well. Nope, not a professional reviewer! Alright, just babbling but again, well done. The yard saler in me says i'll keep my eyes open but the realist in me realizes you just pigeon holed my next Christmas wishlist item no.1. Thanks for sharing!

[@EoLoVoX]

I use SLP3 outer sleeves from BagsUnlimited, Jon. I've used them for years and love I swear by them. They are open at the top. I find resealable sleeves to be a real hassle. They also sell the same sleeves in both thinner and thicker consistencies. The "3" in SLP3 is for their 3mil thickness. To me, it's the perfect balance.

[@EoLoVoX]

@Cue3 - Thanks for the kind words. I've never heard of Art Du Son. I'll look into it. Thanks for the tip! I know exactly when you mean about becoming addicted to having and listening to clean records. I don't know if you caught my Music Room Tour video, but I have a stack of "to be washed," a stack of "just washed, ready to play," and a stack of "recently played." Most of the "recently played" stack comes from the "just washed" stack. I'm ridiculously methodical about it all.

[@vinylated]

As always I love your videos. Don't often comment as much as I should ;) However for a novice in the vinyl community this video was very insightful. Now I'll be needing a cleaner :) Oh.. can I ask have you ever had to clean a RECENT release on vinyl for some silly reason? Cheers mate!

[@EoLoVoX]

I have replaced it once in 12 years. To extend its life, I have a small, soft bristle brush that I use to brush the pads after each cleaning session. That way, the pads don't get caked together or flatten out. If I remember correctly, the brush was formerly a stylus brush. Looks like a mini toothbrush. It's about 1.5cm long, plus the handle, the bristles are about 0.5cm tall and very soft. Anything along those lines should work, as long as what you use doesn't wear down the fibers on the pads.

[@MrPlatypus9]

That is just soooo cool. I'm currently at a place where I put some D4 on a radio shack brush and try to remove as much dust and cat fur as possible, and then run a micro-fiber brush over it to get what I can out of the grooves. It probably is less than 50% effective as your cleaner.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Excellent ..I need something like this for sure. Kirk.. Montreal, Canada

[@EoLoVoX]

@56jensen - The bottle you see here is only my application bottle. I have a large, 2.5L glass lab jar that I use to mix up my cleaner, then fill up the application bottle from there. I start with pretty high-grade alcohol (I think it's pharma grade) from a chem lab where I work, mix with only pure distilled water, and add a mere 2 drops of Ivory to the entire 2.5L mix.

[@EoLoVoX]

@InvaderOfYourHeart - Yeah, they're definitely not cheap, but really well worth the money. VPI has built a really solid, hard working machine here. Here's to your winning the lottery!

[@EoLoVoX]

@ROBERTyay - You would need a shorter arm, and you'd also need an adapter clamp for the larger hole. Using a standard 7" adapter ring wouldn't work because the record clamp is pretty small. I show the clamp near the start of the video. I honestly have no idea if either of these things are available for that machine. I have very few 7" discs myself, and I have always just wiped them clean with a soft cloth and light alcohol/water spray.

[@andershammer7596]

I have that 16.5 but i've basically worn it out. I have over 5000 LPs. The center post pulls out after awhile and the press board (particle board) puckers over time from the moisture. I have thought of rebuilding it with plexiglass.

[@JonPickles]

Looks good Rob I will see what I can find in the UK. Can I ask you what outer sleeves you use. I like the open slot type but yours look nice and tight and clear.

[@gilmour509]

Very nice Rob, I love to have a proper cleaning setup one day (I've got plans for something in the future) I also really like the organization with the sleeves, it's like a little cleaning station. Great idea! Evan P.S. When will we see a video about your audio setup, that we briefly saw in your music room tour?

[@EoLoVoX]

@KoolRanchDressing - I know exactly what you mean. Back in the late 90s I knew this guy who ran a small audio business out of his home. He had this one as a demo model and we cleaned a few records on it. I was absolutely amazed at what a difference it made! As I had a LOT of records that could have used a good cleaning by that time, we worked out a deal for that (barely used) demo model. Honestly, I have never regretted the purchase.

[@DarrenNLZC]

Have you ever had to replace or clean the velvet looking brushes on the arm of the vacuum before?

[@Jeffnham]

Great demo. I sure would like to get my hands on a VPI, but they are just too expensive. I have an older Record Doctor machine which is a completely manual bottom of the line model. It works good, but the cleaning pads don't go all the way into the deadwax area and lead-in grooves of the record. I have to clean those manually with a cloth dabbed in record cleaner. I have a video of my record cleaning method posted.

[@EoLoVoX]

@BioCYTE1 - Thanks for the kind words. Definitely something to put on the Christmas list. Drop a big hint by sending certain loved ones the link to the VPI website and/or this demo link. You never know...

[@dimebagdave77]

i want and NEED one of those things very bad! i like it man! simple and effective.

[@EoLoVoX]

@blazian420 - Have you looked into the Spin Clean machines at all? They cost considerably less than a VPI and are supposed to do an acceptable job. If you want to avoid machines altogether, here's my advice: (1) Get the softest cloth you can find. (2) Mix 3 parts distilled water with 1 part rubbing alcohol and just a drop or two of dish soap. (3) Dampen cloth and wipe record in the direction of the grooves. (4) Don't get the labels wet. (5) Rinse and dry. Hope that helps!

[@EoLoVoX]

@Paneeks1960 - No worries, Rob. I only just posted this yesterday. Trust me, too, you're not the first person to joke about me cleaning all their records! You've just got to get yourself one of these babies!

[@EoLoVoX]

@ROBERTyay - No problem. Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@TheStokes79]

Now thats a fun looking toy! Tell me, my keen eye for good art tells me that Gilbert Shelton did the cover & some of the graphics for that l.p in question, am I right, and is that a hard record to come by?.........

[@EoLoVoX]

@vinylated - When you open up a new record, sometimes there is a bit of "factory" dust. I think some of that may come from putting the vinyl into a brand new paper sleeve, because it often looks like paper particles to me. If it's not too much, I simply brush it away at the turntable. If it looks like a lot, though, I'll give it a quick wash.

[@EoLoVoX]

@gilmour509 - Thanks for the kind words, Evan. I keep procrastinating on making a video for my audio setup. I'm not exactly sure why. The music room tour and cleaner demo vids were made on the same day (even though I posted them at different times) but I have yet to shoot anything for the audio setup. Hopefully, some time this summer.

[@robhaerr]

Love this...never seen one of these!

[@BryanEKS89]

How much did this cost and where is a good place to buy it? All my records for the most part are used, I could use something like this.

[@Kiwizig]

Very good demo!

[@kfsfkakf]

Yes, they are called Omega Music, if you ever travel to the Dayton area

[@EoLoVoX]

@margaretsville - What a cool experience. Great that he's still got it. The Chico Hamilton track on this compilation is among my favorites. I don't think I have anything by him in my collection, other than this one track. I'm going to have to fix that! Thanks for watching.

[@CMGeorge3]

Outstanding job! Thanks. Love the tunes as well.

[@EoLoVoX]

@MrPlatypus9 - I may have mentioned this to you before, but we have a cat too. Not only that, but we've got forced air heating and AC, plus we live out in farmland. There is no shortage of dust, cat hair, and dirt around here. This machine has paid for itself many times over.

[@georgeprice7922]

What would you suggest for cleaning 7 inch 45 RPM singles?

[@jackrabbitslim1028]

thanks for the vid' great LP' what's the name of the piece playing in the last minute..

[@EoLoVoX]

@BryanEKS89 - Brand new, these are retailing between $500-600 nowadays. My best advice would be to look for a used one on eBay, Craigslist, Audiogon, etc. They're built very solidly and will last a long time unless damaged somehow, so you can buy used with some degree of confidence. There is also something out there called (I think) Spin Clean which costs considerably less but is supposed to do an acceptable job cleaning records. If a VPI isn't in your budget, check one of those out. Good luck!

[@kfsfkakf]

The record store I go has one of those and they use it on every record

[@TheStokes79]

@EoLoVoX Yeah, I stand corrected, its Dave Sheridan, who worked with Gilbert Shelton & Paul Mavrides on the Freak Bros. and many other "underground' comix back in the day........

[@EoLoVoX]

@Mr666skulls - You'd love one of these, Frank. Especially if you buy a lot of used records.

[@EoLoVoX]

@56jensen - Thanks for the tip. I think I know someone who sells Shaklee products.

[@EoLoVoX]

@leadballoon83 - Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to particularly rare or valuable. The music on it is generally recognized to be fairly top-notch jazz from 1972, though. I would certainly agree. However, one seller's photo on eBay clearly showed the "reversed" covers like mine, and he was asking only $5 for it. About what I paid. Still, I think it's kind of cool to have in the collection, and perhaps that's all that really matters. Thanks for watching!

[@EoLoVoX]

@56jensen - I don't really have lab experience, I just have a chem lab at work! I teach math at a local college and just happen to know a kind chem lab tech there who can "get me what I need" in terms of my record cleaning supplies. However, I could not agree with you more about your last statement.

[@EoLoVoX]

@ROBERTyay - Thanks Robert. Haven't figured out how to clean 45s on this thing yet, but it does a fabulous job on 12" records!

[@EoLoVoX]

@beninski707 - Thanks Mark! I've got to tell you, as expensive as those machines can be, I couldn't do without mine at this point. If it croaked, I'd definitely replace it. Keep an eye out for a deal on one. You'd love it.

[@EoLoVoX]

@punktexas - Wow, thanks! Depending on one's interest in the machine, it's either an informative demo or an 11 minute bore. Obviously, I'm hoping people lean toward the former!

[@EoLoVoX]

@InvaderOfYourHeart - That debut album is such classic cover art, though!

[@dereckvon]

Thanks for demonstrating. A little out of my price range unfortunately.

[@EoLoVoX]

@Kiwizig - Thank you!

[@EoLoVoX]

@dimebagdave77 - It IS simple and effective. And, if you have a lot of used records, it almost essential. It is to me, anyway. Thanks for watching, DBD!

[@EoLoVoX]

@astrosafari727 - I'll look for your record cleaning video. The VPI machines certainly are expensive. I was lucky to have gotten mine at a decent discount from someone I knew. I bought it at a time when I had just inherited a bunch of records from a library that was getting rid of all their vinyl, so I really needed it. I've got to tell you, though, that it's such an awesome cleaner and has paid for itself at least once over already. Highly recommended if you can find an affordable one.

[@dimebagdave77]

@EoLoVoX i'd rather have the metal toggle switches anyway!

[@amcrebelfan]

Still can't find that comp you cleaned been looking ever since I first watched this. Almost 2 years ago. :( It must be a popular comp.

[@festersuncle6298]

FairlaneGuy - Some Comp. Lp's were given away at service stations and even hi-fi shops. I think the comp. in question was a freebie.

[@EoLoVoX]

@glowing00cabbage - Thanks Jeff! Keep your eye out for deals on them. I see some, every now and then, for as much as $100 off the MSR. I can't recommend these things highly enough. And, no, I don't work for VPI!

[@EoLoVoX]

@dimebagdave77 - I actually think they're kind of cool. I was really disappointed when I saw the newer, plastic ones on my friend's machine.

[@EoLoVoX]

Probably just the opposite, Steve. This one is the only one that I've ever seen in the wild, so I don't imagine they sold very many copies of it.

[@EoLoVoX]

@dereckvon - I hear you. Price is the biggest drawback. I have to say, though, that mine has more than paid for itself in super-clean records over the past 10 years.

[@56jensen]

• I would endorse the use of Shaklee's "Basic H" over Ivory soap, as it's much more of an organic surfactant, and considerably cheaper.

[@EoLoVoX]

They are certainly pricey. It was a stretch for me to buy one even though I got a pretty good deal when I did. However, consider this: I've had this machine for at least 12 years now, I've cleaned at least 1000 records on it, it's still going strong and I've only had to replace one small part (the vacuum wand) in all that time. I've had cars that didn't last as long. These things are built like tanks. I wish they were cheaper but I wouldn't say they've overpriced. You get what you pay for here.

[@TheStokes79]

Gilbert Shelton of 'the fabulous furry freak bros.' fame, that is

[@EoLoVoX]

I grew up in Cleveland, but don't get back to Ohio much at all these days.

[@tenantrep]

No vids in 8 years?

[@EoLoVoX]

You would not regret it, especially if you buy a lot of used vinyl.

[@EoLoVoX]

@JasonsVinylObsession - Keep an eye out for deals. You'd love it!

[@EoLoVoX]

@robhaerr - It's a pretty cool machine.

[@EoLoVoX]

@ROBERTyay - Definitely worth the investment to me! If this thing died on me, I would budget for another one without hesitation. With all the 7" records that you have, though, you might want to look into other cleaner models. There might be something out there that's better suited for that size record. (I know you've got 12" records, too, but you've got a LOT of 7" records!) I just never did a lot of comparison shopping because a deal on this thing popped up at the right time.

[@56jensen]

@EoLoVoX • It appears we both have lab experience. I used to have D.D.I. water at my disposal(Distilled_Deionized), a corrosive in certain situations, but helps to eliminate ionic charge. In the early nineties, I worked in R&D at CETAC Technologies on the DIN(Direct Injection Nebulizer. Its capacity was to detect PPQ(parts per quadrillion), obviously a good place for someone as anal as I, clean was the word. I learned things I wish'd I didn't know, mankind has not been kind to Mother Earth.

[@56jensen]

@EoLoVoX•With the size of your bottle, I wouldn't use more than one drop of Basic H. Pharmaceutical grade denatured alcohol may be to your advantage too, as it's far cleaner and dries faster. Basic H is a worthy investment and a very little goes a long way. If I had sickly fish, I would administer two drops per five gallons of water. Plant bathing/watering, it has countless uses. We can indeed be fussy, what's cost for "their" correct recipe wax cleaner dope? ... then there's brush cleaning ÷D