Back in the day when a record got scratched and wasn’t listenable anymore, that was pretty much the end of the record. You either stopped listening to it or bought a replacement vinyl album or perhaps a different format such as a cassette.
A record skips when the stylus (needle) of the turntable that plays the record gets stuck in a groove and repeats a section of the music, rather than tracking the groove and playing the music smoothly.
There are several factors that can cause a record to skip and not all of them are due to actual record damage so it’s important to first figure out what the cause is.
Common reasons for a vinyl record skipping include:
- Dust and debris: Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of a record and cause the stylus to jump out of the groove.
- Worn or damaged stylus: A worn or damaged stylus can also cause a record to skip, as it may not be able to track the groove properly.
- Uneven or damaged record: If a record is warped, scratched, or damaged, it can cause the stylus to jump out of the groove and skip.
- Poor turntable setup: A poorly set up turntable, with incorrect tracking force, anti-skate or tonearm height can also cause a record to skip.
- External vibrations: External vibrations, such as footsteps, can cause the turntable or the surface the turntable is sitting on to vibrate, causing the stylus to skip.
To prevent records from skipping, it’s important to keep them clean and free of debris, properly maintain the turntable and stylus, and make sure the turntable is set up correctly. It is also important to handle records gently, avoiding dropping or bumping them.
Can you repair a skipping vinyl record?
It may be possible to repair a skipping vinyl record that is damaged, depending on the cause of the skip and the severity of the damage.
Here are some methods that can be used to repair a skipping vinyl record:
- Cleaning: If the skip is caused by dust or debris on the record surface, cleaning the record may help to remove the obstruction and reduce or eliminate the skip. There are a variety of cleaning methods available, from basic wet cleaning to more advanced record cleaning machines.
- Stylus inspection and replacement: If the skip is caused by a worn or damaged stylus, inspecting the stylus under a microscope and replacing it with a new one may help to eliminate the skip. In this case, replacing the stylus ASAP can help to prevent damaging other records.
- Record flattening: If the skip is caused by a warped record, flattening the record may help to eliminate the skip. There are several methods for flattening records, including using a record clamp, a vinyl flattener, or placing the record between two sheets of glass and leaving it in the sun.
- Record groove repair: If the skip is caused by a damaged groove, there are a few specialized tools that can be used to repair the groove, such as a groove repair kit or a manual groove cutter.
It’s important to note that some skips may be too severe to be repaired and that attempting to repair a record can sometimes cause further damage. It’s always a good idea to handle records with care and avoid situations that could cause them to become damaged or skip in the first place.