When listening to music, you may hear your vinyl record jumping or skipping. This is a sign that your record needs some tender loving care in order to continue playing properly. Records will skip if they’re not cared for properly. Vinyl records are sensitive and need to be cared for in specific ways. Failure to follow the correct procedures when handling and storing your record can lead to skips and even permanent damage to the record itself. In this guide, we’ll help you identify why your record is skipping, explain possible solutions, and give tips on how to prevent this from happening again in the future.
What to do when your record skips?
One of the most common problems with skipping records is poor needle-to-disc contact. This is usually caused by a worn or dirty needle. In this case, you should replace the needle and re-record it. You can also try cleaning the stylus with a clean, soft cloth, but do not use alcohol or solvents to clean it; these will damage the stylus.
If Your Turntable Still Skips, There Are Several Other Possible Causes:
1. Dirty Audio Path – The needle is touching some part of your audio equipment that has dirt on it. Clean all parts of your audio path before attempting to record again.
2. Dirty Disc – The disc itself may have dirt on it that is causing the skipping problem, and you can try cleaning it in a special way (see below). However, if this does not work, then you will need to replace the disc and re-record again.
3. Dirty Needle – The needle itself may be dirty, and need to be replaced. You can replace it yourself, or you can take your turntable to a service center and have it fixed there. If you do this yourself, give the service center a copy of this article so they know what the problem is and how to fix it.
4. Damaged Stylus – If the needle is not dirty, but still skips, your stylus may be damaged. You will need to replace the entire cartridge (needle, stylus, and cantilever) in order for your record player to work properly again.
5. Bad Styli – You can try cleaning off the dust or dirt on your style with a clean cloth; however, if you do this too often then the style will become soiled again and they will need to be replaced (see below). However, if you have to replace the style, then you will need to re-record it.
6. Bad Cartridge – If the cartridge is bad, then it may need to be replaced. You can replace it yourself, or you can take your turntable to a service center and have it fixed there. If you do this yourself, give the service center a copy of this article so they know what the problem is and how to fix it.
7. Bad Stylus – If the needle is not dirty, but still skips, your stylus may be damaged. You will need to replace the entire cartridge (needle, stylus, and cantilever) in order for your record player to work properly again.
8. Dirty Cantilever – The cantilever may be dirty or worn out; if you clean off any dirt with a clean cloth then try recording again; if this does not work then you will have to replace the cantilever.
9. Dirty Motor – The motor may be dirty and cause the skipping problem; you can clean the motor with a clean cloth, but if this does not work then you will have to replace it.
10. Bad Motor – If the motor is bad, then it may need to be replaced. You can replace it yourself, or you can take your turntable to a service center and have it fixed there. If you do this yourself, give the service center a copy of this article so they know what the problem is and how to fix it.
10. No Sound – There may be a short in your audio circuit (see below). You will need to repair or replace the short in order for your record player to work properly again.
If You Are Having Trouble Playing Your Vinyl LP Records, Please Follow These Steps:
Clean the Records: You can clean your records by using a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. If you use alcohol, make sure it is 70% or higher and not rubbing alcohol. Swabbing the grooves of your record will remove any dust and dirt that may be present and prevent skipping.
Adjust Your Turntable: Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the speed of your turntable in order for it to play properly. This is especially true if you have been using a different brand of cartridge than what was originally installed on the turntable when you bought it. At times when you are cleaning your records, you may notice that your turntable is skipping. This means that it is not possible to adjust the speed of your turntable. So, if your turntable is skipping, it is recommended that you contact the company that sold you your turntable and ask them to replace the cartridge with one that was originally installed.
Adjust Your Stylus: If you are having trouble playing your records, it is important to make sure that the stylus (needle) on your record player is clean. You can use a soft cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean the needle of your record player. The vinyl record itself will not damage the needle; however, dirt and dust can accumulate on the stylus in such a way as to cause skipping or being out of tune when played on your record player.
Readjust Your Stylus: There are a number of ways in which you can adjust the stylus on your record player. One such way is by using an Allen wrench or screwdriver to adjust the height of the stylus. You can also place a piece of paper or card underneath your records and then turn the arm of your turntable and carefully move the stylus up or down as necessary.
Check Your Tone Arm: If you are having trouble playing your records, you may want to make sure that the tone arm of your turntable is free of dust and debris. You can clean the tonearm by using a soft cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
Clean The RCA Jacks: If there is any dirt or debris present on the RCA jacks, it may interfere with the signal transfer from your turntable to your amplifier. It is recommended that you clean these jacks before playing any records. You can do this by using a soft cotton swab with rubbing alcohol or, in extreme cases, by using mild soap and water on a very dry cloth.
Adjust The Volume: If you are having trouble adjusting the volume on your amplifier, it is possible that there is some dirt or debris present on the volume control knob of your amplifier. To clean this area, you can use a soft cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
Check The Phono Input: If you are having trouble playing your records, it is possible that there is dust or debris on the phono input of your turntable. To clean this area, you can use a soft cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
Conclusion
Keeping your records clean and carefully handled is the best way to ensure they’ll last for a long time. If your record is skipping, the most common causes are a dirty record and a bent vinyl. These issues can be easily fixed by cleaning your record and bending it back into shape. If your record is skipping and it’s not dirty, make sure to check the turntable’s speed setting and alignment.
