VPI 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine - Performing a general inspection and updating components.

[@tonyharrison2542]

Nicely done Scott. The 16.5, as you indicated, is truly an extremely reliable workhorse of a machine. I purchased mine 35 years ago and everything is original with the exception of a new cork mat that I purchased 10 years ago and the addition of the larger center hold-down clamp. Even the arm tube and the associate support structures are original. When needed, I do remove, glue and replace the arm tube pads (or lips). By the way, if requested, VPI will graciously send you replacement pads for the tube at zero cost - great company. Two years ago, I did add a second vinyl cleaning machine with the purchase of an Audio Desk Systeme Vinyl Cleaner Pro X ultrasonic cleaner and absolutely love it! However, I continue to operate my trusty and faithful 16.5 for "used records" which are then followed up being cleaned with my Audio Desk Systeme last. This works out very effectively.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, Tony! I think it's the most reliable equipment I've ever bought! Tell me was it difficult to remove the old cork cleanly? I haven't attempted it yet, and was looking for tips. I was thinking goo gone and a hair dryer. Any ideas?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Im also researching ultrasonic, but something a little more affordable - maybe Kirmuss?

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

Scott, believe it or not, Scubbing Bubbles does an excellent job cleaning records. I have cleaned thousands of them with absolutely no damage to the record. It really cleans down in the grooves. I saw in one of your other videos you live in Miami. I'm about 200 miles north of you in Lake Wales.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I believe it! I have a home brew for very stubborn records, and I only use it as a last resort. It works better than most commercial solutions. Part of its success is the technique. I was amazed because I had all but given up hope of this Hi-Q playing quietly. I assumed it was damage. I may do a video on this brew / technique but I know I'll get a lot of negativity from the purists.

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

@@ThePressingMatters Yes you may get a few negative comments when it comes to cleaning records. Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid also does a good job.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Good old sink rinsing does wonders too! Followed up by distilled water and a vacuum.

[@nicholas6823]

I have one that I bought in ‘97. It has never given me any problem and is built like a tank. I did replaced the cork mat recently and got a new vacuum tube. It does a very good job and I really wouldn’t want to be without it. I use the diskdoctor cleaner which does involve a rinse, but I have found it to be the best over the vpi fluid. I use the vpi brush, which I like as it has a stiffness to it that gets deep into the groove. I also have the diskdoctor pads, which I didn’t realise you could get new pads for. I would like to get another tube etc to separate cleaning from the rinse at some point. Thanks for the video, my waste tube is still ok just a little yellowed.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Nicholas, I didn't yet attempt the cork mat, could you give us any tips on the easiest way to remove the cork in order to replace it? That would be really helpful as I don't want to mess it up.

[@nicholas6823]

@@ThePressingMatters mine was not cork it was black foam that was disintegrating. I cleaned that off with goo gone. The new cork one has a separate inner circle, about 2 inches in diameter, that I positioned first. Then placed the larger piece, carefully aligning it withe the smaller inner piece and pressed it flat. It wasn’t difficult really.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@nicholas6823 i guess hoo gone or a hair dryer would assist in getting it off. I'll try it when I'm back from vacation.

[@waybackwhen88]

Great video VPI 16.5 is the best purchase i made had mine 14 years its brilliant. The tube needs changing thanks to your video that’s gonna changed now. It’s been bugging me for years. Did you replace the cork mat ? And was it easy to replace ? Thank you

[@ThePressingMatters]

I did but an additional cork mat, but was hesitant to change it. So I've been keeping it clean in a bag and I use it for the cleaned side of a record when I flip it to do the other. It's a great machine, extremely reliable going on 20 years or more!

[@jasonhoffer9017]

I am hoping to skip over this VPI model - I have been doing spin clean for a few years (using a dry clean then the wet clean) and am hoping that my next purchase will be a Klaudio - Vinyl LP Record Ultrasonic Cleaner with Dryer. I remember using a hand wet vac with a toothbrush and a broken turntable at first - I agree with you that cleaning is important in this hobby. Another great video Scott.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks, Jason! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I am looking at ultrasonics but my budget won't stretch for the Klaudio. Have you researched any of the less expensive offerings?

[@brianlewis5042]

The VPI 16.5 has one of the best purchases in the last 2+ years since came back to record collecting. Yes I am curious about ultrasonic cleaners, but for now I will continue to use my 16.5. As you suggested, I will pick up a second holder and tube. On for washing my records and one for rinsing. My only problem is determining when you should replace a tube?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Brian, I love having this machine in my arsenal - it makes a huge difference once you've got your technique perfected as you know. The velvet pads will appear flat and a little faded when it's time for replacement. I'd do it a little sooner than that. You do not have to replace the whole tube as replacement pads are available from vpi and disc doctor. There is a suggested record limit - maybe 300 sides? Not sure but glad you are enjoying cleaner records. So much more enjoyable. I'm watching the untrasonic wars carefully before I take the plunge. Not in a hurry on that. Thanks for your comments always.

[@drumcorpsfan]

HI!!! I just bought my first VPI Machine (Used) and I need some parts. Where did you buy your parts and do you have part # or model # for those parts? I also have a 16.5 and need a suction tube (maybe need the whole assembly) and a new drain tube! So glad I found your channel!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Congratulations! I think I got them from either Music Direct or Acoustic Sounds.

[@pjcdrummer]

Great video I got a used one on e bay it should be here tomorrow, question where did you get vacuum tube & drain hose from I might need them Thanks.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think they came from either Music Direct or Acoustic Sounds. One of them has all the accessories.

[@pjcdrummer]

@@ThePressingMatters Got the machine I Love it along with my Ultrasonic machine. Mine didn't come with the drain hose? I guess they except the liquid to evaporate? Also it came with a real small clamp? I made a bigger one out the the same material (Black Delrin)But, I made mind 3.70 (3inches & 3/4 Diameter) on occasion the record stops spinning when the vacuum comes on? Either I'm clamping it too hard or not hard enough or my clamp is too big? I already had that center screw spin on me & I pulled it out Had to glue it back in! I'm going to take their platter off and put my old one on for my project VC-S machine that one just clamps on the label. I tried it out already but the vacuum wand was too long it hit the top clamp I have to cut it down about 1" I'll do it Monday at work I'm a machinist . Yes my center spindle got hot & so did the platter a bit.. But according to everybody that's normal. Thanks for responding I'll keep you posted on what I do next!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@pjcdrummer Glad you got the machine. I am assuming its an older model. I'm very surprised there is no drain hose. If there is no hole for it on the lower left back then it's not that it's missing Some early models did not have one I believe. I would be cautious in marathon cleaning sessions with lots of rinses. Check with VPI about that aspect. There is a larger Delrin knob i picked up later - i think its an official VPI product, and it works very well. The record should be gripping tightly to withstand the force of the vacuum. Clamp it down tight. If it's still stopping, you may have the tube positioned incorrectly. The holder you have is probably not with the internal pin. New holders have this as well as the new tubes having a notch. Although it has very little play, it can and should be twisted up slightly to the incoming direction of the record. Do not force it! Since you may have the notchless tube, you can have more flexibility in positioning it. I actually preferred the early tube assemblies like you have. Just gently see the available play and orient it to be more open to the incoming fluid.Some air coming in will help the platter and record spin freely without sticking. Make sure the tube it seated fully into the holder. Also if the model has the hinged lid, be sure to remove the tube assembly before closing the lid. I've had a few accidents cracking a tube by not doing this. Let me know how things go and if you need more advice I'd be happy to help.

[@pjcdrummer]

@@ThePressingMatters HI thanks for all your help! The pin /screw in the center came out on me. It's in front of me as I type this! There is really no room for me to put a step on the bottom for a small C-clip to hold the pin from coming up. Another thing is it keeps spinning so the hole is shot! slightly too big maybe?. I could possibly get some wood glue and some sawdust and pack it in there with the pin? but eventually it'll probably start to spin again! I tried Crazy Glue the other day but it didn't work!. Once I trim down the top part of the clamp from my other Project machine at work tomorrow so the arm will fit, (it was a bit too big) & this one just grabs on the label I'll try to install it and make a short video to show you what I did. If it still doesn't work I'll get or make a new platter or plug up the hole completely & start from scratch . Question is the vacuum wand height adjustable? it looks like a set screw on the side to move the ring up/down but, none of my allen keys fit it? Thanks again Paul..

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@pjcdrummer The vacuum wand automatically adjusts - the vacuum pulls it down. The assembly is supported on a spring. It should pull down to the record with the vacuum on and pop up just after the vacuum is turned off. Is the spring supporting the Delrin tube assembly? Do you even have a spring?

[@taralewis9916]

Hi Scott, I've been collecting and enjoying my Vinyl collection since the late 70's. My technician that built my vacuum tube electronics and was a big Linn LP12 advocate told me that putting any liquids on Vinyl damages it. He argued that the tiny microscopic information deep in the groves are impacted by anything that makes contact with them only negatively. This is due to vinyl being a soft material especially at the microscopic level. The real true question is: have you ever been able to clean an LP that was noisy and be honest here, make it even a small bit less noisy. I'm not talking about obvious surface stuff on the LP.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Tara, I have never heard any suggestion such as your technician mentioned. As long as it's a quality product being used and it's rinsed off thouroughly, I've never had any harm occur. Just the opposite in fact, many records have benefitted from a deep enzyme clean and rinse on o vacuum machine. Back when I was picking up a lot of second hand records, I got dramatic reductions in noise, pops and tics from cleaning out those grooves. Even new vinyl benefits in a significant way.

[@taralewis9916]

@@ThePressingMatters I'm not allowing an solvents or liquids to come in contact with any of my expensive LP's. I handle them with kit gloves and always have the table not spinning when placing or removing my precious records.

[@HarryAndAGuitar]

What fluid do you use?

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've used so many different ones - vpi concentrate, nitty gritty pure 2, MOFI. disc Doctor and Audio Intelligent, as well as some home brew stuff. That's why I wanted to start fresh and I'm starting by testing the Audii Intelligent 6, but I'll do a rinse stage even though it's One Step.

[@ergloo6660]

Sorry been there done that got the T shirt, once you have a specialised ultra sonic cleaner you wonder how you managed before. Bought a Degritter 2 years ago, the sonic difference was staggering. Stop buying records, save up and get one, some of my collection is > 50 years old and was subjected to smoke and beery rooms parties etc, now they look and sound new, I have a very low number White album which I thought sound so so, post cleaning WOW. If you're a serious collector beg, borrow or steal one.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Im researching the ultrasonic cleaners now. Several have been mentioned in this thread so far - AudioDesk, Klaudio, Kirmuss and Degritter. Clearly a lot to research! I know a couple are out of my price range but I'll do the research and post something when I decide. Thanks for your comment!

[@taralewis9916]

Including any goop products to clean my 3K cartridge tip clean

[@ThePressingMatters]

Curious what cartridge you have?

[@taralewis9916]

@@ThePressingMatters LINN Akiva but I'm planning on updating it to a LINN Kandid

[@ThePressingMatters]

My first real table was an LP12. Was stolen. Would love to still have it.

[@taralewis9916]

@@ThePressingMatters I've never heard of a turntable being stolen. What kind neighbor do you live in..Gee Scott

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@taralewis9916 was stolen in a storage facility. Inside job

[@bubby372]

No need for gadgets like this that need maintenance. I use an acrylic label saver warm water, dish detergent and a high quality microfiber to gently clean my records when needed. No muss no fuss.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I used to do that too. Pretty good results but I found vacuum cleaning to really go deeper. If you're getting quiet vinyl though it's all that matters. Check your stylus for any buildup though. Thanks for your comment!