Lots of good advice here!
I second the motion to lubricate or make sure the bearing on your TT is properly lubricated! A good habit to get into is to check that on an annual basis or more frequently, depending upon how much you spin your records.
With regard to TT mats, if you haven't done so already, I would recommend some reading on Analog Planet and/or Stereophile, among other reputable publications. If memory serves correctly, I believe Michael Fremer may have done an article or two on this and I don't think he's fond of felt mats. As I recall, I think he said they generate static electricity and would wreak havoc on a stylus in an oops moment.
Before experimenting with mats, I would recommend using a record clamp if you aren't already. I very much like and have been using this one for quite some time now:
Michell - Reflex Record Clamp | Shop Music Direct
Check the spindle clearance on your Pioneer to make sure this will work or just ask Michell, Music Direct or whomever. There are other less expensive clamps like The Record Doctor and a few others. I've never used anything other than the Michell and found I don't need to use the included optional washer recommended for significantly warped records. I only have 1 record with a slight but significant warp. It's unplayable without the Michell clamp but plays beautifully with it and no washer. Record pucks or weights accomplish the same idea. However, I've never liked the notion of putting significant extra weight on a TT bearing.
If you decide to do the record clamp or weight thing, just for fun, play your favorite record without the clamp or weight, first. Then, play it again with the clamp or weight right afterwards. I wasn't expecting much when I did this. However, I was quite pleasantly surprised with the results.
Good Luck! And please let us know how you make out!
I second the motion to lubricate or make sure the bearing on your TT is properly lubricated! A good habit to get into is to check that on an annual basis or more frequently, depending upon how much you spin your records.
With regard to TT mats, if you haven't done so already, I would recommend some reading on Analog Planet and/or Stereophile, among other reputable publications. If memory serves correctly, I believe Michael Fremer may have done an article or two on this and I don't think he's fond of felt mats. As I recall, I think he said they generate static electricity and would wreak havoc on a stylus in an oops moment.
Before experimenting with mats, I would recommend using a record clamp if you aren't already. I very much like and have been using this one for quite some time now:
Michell - Reflex Record Clamp | Shop Music Direct
Check the spindle clearance on your Pioneer to make sure this will work or just ask Michell, Music Direct or whomever. There are other less expensive clamps like The Record Doctor and a few others. I've never used anything other than the Michell and found I don't need to use the included optional washer recommended for significantly warped records. I only have 1 record with a slight but significant warp. It's unplayable without the Michell clamp but plays beautifully with it and no washer. Record pucks or weights accomplish the same idea. However, I've never liked the notion of putting significant extra weight on a TT bearing.
If you decide to do the record clamp or weight thing, just for fun, play your favorite record without the clamp or weight, first. Then, play it again with the clamp or weight right afterwards. I wasn't expecting much when I did this. However, I was quite pleasantly surprised with the results.
Good Luck! And please let us know how you make out!