Stylus stuck in groove.


Has anyone developed a stratagem on how to deal with the stylus stuck in groove problem? I’ve tried to get rid of the shmutz using an ultrasonic record cleaner. It seldom works. I’ve also tried the toothpick or fingernail solution but I’m afraid of damaging the record.
I’d love to know how it gets deposited on an otherwise pristine sounding record in the first place.
How does it get there??

128x128rvpiano

What do you mean by “gets stuck”? Does it skip back into the same groove over and over or does it literally get caught (that would be horrible)?

For tough gunk, I’ve found dabbing a microfiber cloth in ultrasonic cleaning fluid and wiping with a lot of pressure along the groove is the best way of getting rid of this gunk. I had this issue in the past when I was using a silicone roller to pick up dust from the records, which at some point started to deteriorate and leave silicone in the grooves. That’s the reason those types of cleaning rollers are now discontinued. 

@blisshifi

It skips back into the same groove

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve ordered the cleaning solution.

@rvpiano I assumed you already had the solution since you have an ultrasonic cleaner. You can also just use distilled water if that is more handy. If you do decide to use solution, you can try adding a few drops on the area and letting it soak for a min or two before wiping.

I’ve also found it pays to be persistent. Keep wiping a while til you see the gunk gone (if it is visible). With a microfiber cloth, you don’t have to worry too much about scratching even with a good amount of pressure applied. 

The Manual Method Using The Link, has transformed my LP's, even the very worst that are from my Teenage Years are rejuvenated and totally playable.  

PACVR-3rd-Edition

@rvpiano I've occasionally come across a record that skips. Each time it was a damaged record (scratch). Can you see the troubled area under a magnifying glass? It might not be dirt.

I have successfully used small alcohol wipes while the LP is on the platter, then a wipe with an eyeglass cloth: but some like you describe are stubborn.

Stop being a Sissy, scrub the bejesus out of it manually. (baby scalp brush).

 

My mix: start with ’record cleaner’ liquid; strengthen it with alcohol; slime it with a few drops JetDry dishwasher spotless stuff; the spinner is made for cleaning, but I use it only for rinse with distilled water, then a light touch of cloth to remove excess water, then into the rack to dry.

I keep the paper label dry using a lid from a soup container.

@pindac   +1.

Written by a high class expert in cleaning, who's generous to boot. We're lucky to have access to that level of expertise.

 

@terry9 The Type of solution referred to in the post prior to yours resembles the type of Solution I had been using for many many years.

The ratios to create mixture as shown in the PAVCR has produced a solution that has been able to decontaminate my LP's of all crud seemingly left as a unwanted residual from previous cleaning solutions and practices.

The PAVCR maunual cleaning methods supplies a Cleanliness never before achieved by using any ratio for a mixture produced from IPA - Distilled Water - Non Perfumed Detergent mixtures. 

The Author Neil Antin has been extremely kind in their offerings to help preserve Vinyl, which a large of Albums has sentimental value resulting from very long term ownership.

I once bought a used record that had something so gooey and gluey that nothing would remove it, and trying just made it worse. As a last resort I used Goo Gone with a microfiber towel on just the contaminated grooves and it worked brilliantly.

I followed up with my standard ultra-sonic deep clean and rinse.

For future reference.

I am surprised if goo gone does not dissolve or distort the vinyl itself.

I’m  adding a virtual system to my profile of my home system. It is surprisingly good sounding. 
 

 

@ghdprentice I'm not sure my Laptop Speaker will do the Virtual System Demonstration Justice.

I would be more trusting in my assessment of the aesthetic and critique of the mounting methods adopted for the system.

Hi Neil, Thank You for this continued support and the producing a update to the already very good source of information.

I recently met a lady who specialises in conservation of artifacts at the Museum of London, we had a great Pow Wow on the subject of Cleaning Solutions and the required disciplines. The info taught from the PAVCR helped me hold my own in such a company.

I didn't get the Job, my Genetic Hereditary was from the 'wrong side of the tracks' 🤣.   

 

Once that starts happening with a given record, even if I solve it somehow, with subsequent listens I get all anxious that will happen again, and the enjoyment goes out the window.  Either get a new lp or just enjoy it digitally