2. analog
  3. 177351-1662

How best to eliminate LP warps

I own about 2500 LPs, and I like to think they're flat.  Furthermore, I espoused the view that warped LPs ought to be discarded.  But lately I have found 2 or 3 of my LPs that do have warps but sound too good and are too precious for the music recorded on them to throw away.  So I am in the market for ideas on how to remove warps.  I am aware that there was a device on the market that looked like a large waffle maker, to be used for warp removal.  I think Furutech made it, but I never see it advertised these days.  I am also aware of the DIY method of placing an LP between two glass plates and heating the ensemble.  The question there would be how hot and for how long?  Any suggestions are welcome, especially opinions on the efficacy of the Furutech.  Thanks.  Please no comments on vacuum hold down; I think it's a great idea but none of my five turntables has that feature.

lewm

Showing 2 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 

What’s surprising is how resilient the LP is.

Amazing the LP grooves maintain integrity with all the deformation(is that even a word?) going on.

 

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 

"No it is actually not, a wrapped record is stretched but all is depending on how bad the warp is"

optimize-

yes, that's what I envision what's physically happening. I'm thinking a  simple flattening during playback thru a VPI type outer weight makes more sense to preserve the LP, rather than any heating and prseeing/flattening of the disc?

Perhaps once an LP is warped, any attempts at straightening are technically(maybe not audible) compromising integrity of the groove? 

Because I'm a period press fan, I've got more than a few great albums, but they're real zingers-like a mogul ski run for the cartridge.

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