The 6 Worst Reasons for Record Player Scratchiness

From dust to bad needles, learn what causes your record player to sound scratchy and how to fix it

No matter how well you take care of your record player and vinyl records, sooner or later you’re going to experience some scratchiness. It’s inevitable. But there are some things that can cause your records to become scratchy more quickly than others. In this blog post, we’ll explore the six worst reasons for record player scratchiness.

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Scratches on the Record

If your record player is sounding scratchy, there are likely six reasons why. Here are the top three most common culprits: dirt, dust, and hair. When these particles get caught up in the spinning turntable platter, they create static electricity that causes feedback noise. The second most likely cause of scratchiness is a worn or broken stylus. As the needle hits the vinyl surface over and over again, it can start to break down and wear down. This eventually results in poor tracking – which Causes sound glitches and distortion when played back through speakers or headphones. Lastly, improper storage can also lead to scratches on your records as they rub against each other while being stacked or stored improperly. Keep your vinyl looking shiney and new by following some simple rules for storing and handling records:

  • Avoid touching the grooves of the LP with your fingers – this will only smear dirt and grime
  • Clean off any dust or debris that gets onto the LP using a soft cloth (or vacuum cleaner if needed)
  • Make sure all connections between components of your stereo are tightened properly – loose connections can cause issues too

Dust Storm

Dust on the Record

Dust on the record can be caused by a number of things, such as pets or furniture moving around, but often times it’s due to negligence. If you don’t keep your record player clean, dust and dirt will build up over time and affect the sound quality. Here are six ways to avoid record player scratchiness:

  1. Keep your vinyl clean! Cleaning your records regularly will prevent them from becoming dirty and dusty, which will greatly reduce the chances of experiencing scratchy playback. Use a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or dirt; make sure to use mild cleaning chemicals only if necessary.
  2. Store your records vertically! When stored vertically, albums tend to stay away from moisture and air circulation, which helps prevent them from becoming dusty or scratched.
  3. Keep clutter away from your records! If there are objects nearby that could potentially fall onto the discs while they’re in play (like pictures on a wall), try to move those items out of range before putting the album covers on.
  4. Play freshly wiped discs! Before playing any disc that hasn’t been played recently, wipe it down with a damp cloth just enough so that no residue remains on the surface. This step is especially important for laserdisc players because repeated exposure to fingerprints can cause damage over time.
  5. Avoid vibrating furniture near your record player! Vibrating couches or chairs may knock over CDs/vinyls unintentionally and cause scratches in their grooves. Alternatively, try placing pieces of furniture at least 3 feet apart from one another when listening to music indoors so as not to create vibrations throughout the house..
  6. Always store unused recordings properly! Once you’ve finished listening to an LP/CD etc., put it away safely so that children or pets cannot access it and accidentally ruin it – ideally storage should involve putting them into an acid-free sleeve if possible so they cannot be damaged by moisture/the elements
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Poor Quality Record Player

There are a few reasons why your record player might sound scratchy. One common issue is dust on the record. When the dust gets stuck in the grooves of the record, it causes the turntable to skid and sound scratchy. If you frequently play records that have a lot of dust on them, it’s important to clean your player regularly to avoid this issue.

Another common cause of record player scratchiness is a worn out cartridge. When the cartridge doesn’t move smoothly across the record surface, it causes the turntable to make noise and sound scratchy. If you notice that your player is making a lot of noise or scratching when you play a particular record, it might be time to replace your cartridge.

Finally, if your player is not properly aligned, it can also cause scratchiness. If the tonearm is not positioned correctly on the platter, it can cause the stylus to hit the record at an angle and cause noise and distortion. If you notice that your player is making a lot of noise or scratching when you play a particular record, it might be time to have it aligned by a professional.

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Poor Quality Turntable

One of the most common reasons for a record player to sound scratchy is that it has poor quality parts. Poor bearings, slides, or motor can produce excessive noise and distortion in the audio signal. If you are experiencing excessive noise and distortion from your record player, there are a few things that may be causing the issue. First, make sure all of the moving parts inside your device are well lubricated. Second, if it is an older model, upgrading to a newer model with better quality components may be necessary. Finally, if you experience poor playback on one side of the stereo system but good playback on another side (or even on different channels), it may be time to have your turntable serviced by a qualified technician.

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Holidays

Incorrect Tracking Weight

If your record player is exhibiting scratchiness, there are a few potential causes that you may want to investigate. One common culprit is an incorrect tracking weight, which can cause the platter to wobble and create noise. If you notice that your player is making a lot of this type of noise, it might be time to take it in for service or upgrade the turntable’s components.

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Incorrect Anti-Skate Setting

Dusty Records

Dusty records are the worst. Not only do they often produce scratchiness in playback, but they can also be affected by dust and other particles that find their way into the grooves of your favorite LP. If your record player is incorrectly set up to combat such problems, it may not adequately clean or lubricate the stylus, leading to audible sound distortions. A defective cartridge or tracking weight may also cause this issue – make sure to get a tune-up if you notice any inconsistencies with playability.

Dirty Needle

If your record player is producing an unpleasant scratching sound, chances are that the anti-skate adjustment has been incorrectly set. The anti-skate control keeps the turntable from moving side to side as it plays records, which can cause damaged vinyl and create a scratchy sound. To fix this issue, turn the anti-skate control all the way counterclockwise (or until it no longer makes a noise). If your record player still produces a scratchy sound even after adjusting the anti-skate setting, it may be time to replace your needle.

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Improper Cartridge Installation

If your record player is scratchy because of a dirty needle, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. First, make sure that the needle is properly installed in the cartridge. If the needle is not seated properly, it can cause the record player to scratch. Second, make sure that the cartridge is clean. If it is dirty, it can cause the needle to hit the disc improperly and cause scratching. Finally, make sure that the turntable is properly cleaned. Dust and debris can accumulate on the turntable over time and cause scratching.

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If you’re experiencing issues with your record player, it’s likely due to one of the six reasons listed above. Be sure to check out our other content for more information on how to troubleshoot and fix these problems.