Here's trick that will keep "lip replacement" on a manual Nitty Gritty or Record Doctor RCM to an absolute minimum. When you turn the record to remove whatever cleaning product you use, simply alternate clockwise and counter-clockwise movement of the record. I used to replace the lips frequently, but after trying this, I'm still using the same ones a year later. No I don't use my machine daily, but it has cleaned a heck of a lot of LPs. Dave
Record Cleaning Backlash
I bought myself a Nitty Gritty RCM about a year and a half ago. I started out using NG Pure2, applying it to the velvet lips and cleaning as per NG's instructions. It seemed ok, but as all things in this hobby, we wonder about the next step. So I bought some Disc Doctor and some AI pure water and started a multi-step process. Applying the DD with the DD brushes, taking it off with tissue, using pure water, off with tissue, another pure water rinse and vacuum it all off. I also tried L'Art Du Son and kept the mixed portion in my fridge. Also, the same multi-step procedure as Disc Doctor. I never went as far as Walker.
Well, I think I just got sick of spending so much time cleaning and went back to a very simple procedure. Nitty Gritty Pure 2 one-step fluid, applied with a DD brush, and then vacuum off with the NG. I will tell you - it works great and it's fast, easy and clean. I play the record after cleaning and there's nothing on the stylus tip.
Caveat - I'm talking about new or almost new vinyl here. I'm not trying to get 20 year old Pepsi out of the grooves. For that, the procedure would be more involved. So I ask you to free yourself of the tyranny of record cleaning and get sensible again. Or not! Whatever makes you happy. I'm just reminding myself and you that you can effectively clean both sides of a record in three minutes with great results and not having to clean 6 brushes when you're done. Enjoy.
Well, I think I just got sick of spending so much time cleaning and went back to a very simple procedure. Nitty Gritty Pure 2 one-step fluid, applied with a DD brush, and then vacuum off with the NG. I will tell you - it works great and it's fast, easy and clean. I play the record after cleaning and there's nothing on the stylus tip.
Caveat - I'm talking about new or almost new vinyl here. I'm not trying to get 20 year old Pepsi out of the grooves. For that, the procedure would be more involved. So I ask you to free yourself of the tyranny of record cleaning and get sensible again. Or not! Whatever makes you happy. I'm just reminding myself and you that you can effectively clean both sides of a record in three minutes with great results and not having to clean 6 brushes when you're done. Enjoy.