Vinyl Information

Vinyl Information Page

Vinyl has been growing in popularity for years and is completely back in style. More and more artists are releasing their albums on vinyl again, even creating unique and exclusive colored editions. But if LPs are something new to you, you might need a little help discovering what’s out there, what to look for in a turntable, and how to best take care of your records. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions.

How can I properly maintain my LPs?

To start, always keep your LPs in their sleeves as much as possible. This helps prevent dust buildup. Dust that collects on your records can also get on the needle while playing, which may cause static or distortion in the sound.
If dust does appear, you can easily remove it with a record brush. Finally, try to avoid fingerprints on your LPs by handling them carefully when taking them out of the sleeve. Fingerprints can damage the vinyl over time.
A good tip: hold the edge of the LP with the palm of your hand and the label with your fingertips.

My LP sounds slowed down or sped up — why is that?

A turntable has different playback speeds. It’s possible that you’re playing the record at the wrong speed. Look for a button or switch labeled 33 and 45. Most 12-inch LPs are played at 33 rpm, but there are exceptions — some must be played at 45 rpm. The correct speed is almost always indicated on the record label. Generally, all 7-inch singles are played at 45 rpm.

The sound of my LP is poor or distorted — what’s wrong?

This is often caused by dust that has collected on your LP or on the needle of your turntable. Carefully remove any dust from the needle with a small, soft brush designed for that purpose, and clean your LP with a record brush or a soft cloth.

My LP has scratches — is that a problem?

A scratch isn’t always audible. If it is, unfortunately, it cannot be repaired. That’s why it’s important to always handle your records with care.
If you notice a scratch on your LP immediately after receiving it, it’s considered a defect and you can return the record.

My LP is warped — can I return it?

A slight warp usually doesn’t affect playback — most turntables (except many budget models) can handle minor warping. However, if the LP is too warped, it can cause problems. If you receive a record that’s severely warped, it’s considered a defect and you can return it.

How should I store my LPs?

Store your LPs vertically whenever possible. Stacking them horizontally can cause them to warp.
If you also value the condition of the cover, protect it by placing it in an outer plastic sleeve. It’s also recommended to replace cardboard inner sleeves with lined ones — they help prevent wear when taking the record in and out.

My LP skips or gets stuck — what should I do?

This issue often isn’t caused by the LP itself, but by your turntable. There are several possible causes:

1. The motor isn’t powerful enough to spin (especially heavier) vinyl at a stable speed.

2. The tonearm isn’t properly balanced, causing the needle to lose contact with the groove.

3. The needle is worn out and no longer makes proper contact.

Always check carefully whether the LP itself is actually damaged. Of course, it’s also possible that your LP does have a defect — a deep scratch, for example, can cause the record to skip or loop.