Are you tired of your turntable skipping and ruining your listening experience?
Skipping can be caused by a variety of factors, including dirt and dust on the record, an unbalanced tonearm, or even the setting of your record player.
But don’t worry, there are simple solutions to these problems that can help you enjoy your vinyl collection without any interruptions.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to clean your records, adjust the tonearm, and troubleshoot any issues with your turntable.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to stop turntable from skipping!
How To Stop Turntable From Skipping
Step 1: Clean Your Records
The most common cause of skipping is dirt and dust on the record. To troubleshoot this issue, start by cleaning the record.
Use a lint-free soft cloth to gently wipe down the record in a circular motion. Try playing the record after dusting. In some cases, the dirt is on the outside of the record and the skipping will stop with simple dusting.
If the skipping continues, then use a record cleaning product and a soft cloth or a record cleaning brush for a deeper clean. Follow any guidelines set by the product and be careful when using any liquid on your records to avoid getting the label wet.
Allow your record to dry completely before playing it again. In most cases, the skipping will stop after you clean the record.
Step 2: Adjust The Tonearm
If your record and stylus are clean, then the issue causing the record skipping could be the tonearm’s balance. To determine if the proper balance is being used, you will need to start by checking the weight of the tonearm to see if its balance is off.
Too little tracking force on the records can cause the needle to jump, but too much will put added pressure on the records, which can damage the vinyl.
To adjust a tonearm that’s out of balance, start by setting the anti-skate control to zero. Then, unlatch the yoke and gently lower the arm until it rests by itself. This will help you to see if the tonearm is balanced or not.
If it sits on the record, it needs to be adjusted. Move the counterweight until the arm is balanced in the air without any support. Once the arm is perfectly balanced, lock it in position at a tracking weight of 0 grams.
Then, readjust the counterweight to make sure it is in the right position. This should be done until you feel resistance from the tracking force. Once the tonearm is balanced, secure the yoke and reset the anti-skate control.
This anti-skating safety should help protect the needle from wearing too quickly and keep it from scratching the surface of your records.
Step 3: Use Good-Quality Records
Using good-quality records can also help prevent skipping while walking or moving around. Cheap or poorly made records are more likely to skip than high-quality ones.
Investing in good-quality records can save you from frustration and ensure that you have an enjoyable listening experience.
Identifying The Cause Of Skipping
Skipping is a common problem that can occur with turntables, but identifying the cause of the issue can be tricky. Here are some things to consider when troubleshooting skipping:
1. Check for dirt and dust on the record. This is the most common cause of skipping and can be easily fixed by cleaning the record with a soft cloth or a record cleaning product.
2. Inspect the grooves of the record with a magnifying glass to see if there is any dirt or debris lodged in them. If so, use a record cleaning brush or a similar tool to remove it.
3. Check the balance of your tonearm to make sure it is properly adjusted. Too little tracking force on the records can cause the needle to jump, but too much will put added pressure on the records, which can damage the vinyl.
4. Make sure your turntable is level. If it is not, gravity will pull the stylus with a force across the record that might cause it to jump between grooves.
5. Consider investing in good-quality records. Cheap or poorly made records are more likely to skip than high-quality ones.
By following these steps and identifying the cause of skipping, you can ensure that you have an enjoyable listening experience without any frustrating interruptions.
Cleaning Your Records
Cleaning your records is an essential step in preventing skipping. Dust and dirt are often found in the record grooves before buying the vinyl at a local record store. It can be found on new vinyl records, and even paper sleeves don’t provide enough protection against dust to keep the records spotless. In fact, even the oils found on your skin can be transferred to the vinyl and cause record skipping.
To clean your records effectively, you can use several methods. Record cleaning using distilled water, a cleaning solution, and an anti-static brush will sweep the surface of the records clean and help keep it lint-free. When wiping your records, always make sure to move the brush or the rag in a circular motion without using too much pressure.
Wet cleaning your vinyl only needs to be done from time to time, but each time you play them, you should run a carbon fiber brush along the grooves to make sure the dust and particles on the records don’t disrupt the music.
If you notice any scratches or dirt lodged into the groove of the record, then use a record cleaning brush or a similar tool to remove it. You may need to use a toothpick or a similar tool for some problems if the brush does not remove the object or dirt.
It’s important to note that you should never “clean” your records with wood glue. This is the best way to damage your records in as few spins as possible. Instead, you can use a 4:1 solution of distilled water to 91% rubbing alcohol with 2 drops of blue Dawn dish soap for each quart of solution. Spin the record and wet wipe with the solution for 4-5 full rotations with a microfiber cloth. Follow up with 2-3 full rotations with a dry microfiber cloth, and you’re good to go.
By following these steps and keeping your records clean, you can prevent skipping and ensure that your turntable plays your music smoothly and without interruption.
Adjusting The Tonearm
Adjusting the tonearm is an important step in troubleshooting record skipping. The tonearm is the part of the turntable that holds the stylus and tracks the grooves of the record. If the tonearm is not balanced properly, it can cause skipping.
To adjust the tonearm, start by setting the anti-skate control to zero. This control applies outward force on the tonearm to keep the stylus centered in the groove. Then, unlatch the yoke, which is a hook about halfway down the arm, and gently lower the arm until it rests by itself.
Check to see if the tonearm is balanced or not. If it sits on the record, it needs to be adjusted. Move the counterweight, which is located on the back of the tonearm, until the arm is balanced in the air without any support.
Once the arm is perfectly balanced, lock it in position at a tracking weight of 0 grams. Then, readjust the counterweight to make sure it is in the right position. This should be done until you feel resistance from the tracking force.
Once the tonearm is balanced, secure the yoke and reset the anti-skate control. This anti-skating safety should help protect the needle from wearing too quickly and keep it from scratching the surface of your records.
It’s important to note that adjusting the tonearm can take some trial and error until it’s set perfectly. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right on your first try. Keep adjusting until you can get through a full side without any skipping.
Troubleshooting Turntable Issues
If you have tried cleaning your records and adjusting the tonearm, but the skipping persists, then there may be other issues with your turntable. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps to take:
1. Check for Warped Records
Warped records can cause skipping because they do not sit flat on the turntable. To check for warping, hold the record up to a light source and look for any visible warps or bumps. If you find any, try using a record clamp to flatten the record while it plays.
2. Inspect Your Stylus
If your stylus is worn or damaged, it can cause skipping. Inspect the stylus under a magnifying glass to see if there are any visible signs of damage. If you see any issues, replace the stylus with a new one.
3. Check Your Turntable Belt
If your turntable has a belt drive, a worn or loose belt can cause skipping. Check the belt for any signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary.
4. Ensure Proper Grounding
Poor grounding can cause electrical interference that can lead to skipping. Make sure your turntable is properly grounded by connecting it to a ground wire or ground post on your amplifier or receiver.
5. Consider Upgrading Your Cartridge
If all else fails, consider upgrading your cartridge. A high-quality cartridge can improve sound quality and reduce skipping.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve any issues causing your turntable to skip. Remember to always handle your records with care and maintain your turntable regularly for optimal performance.
Preventing Skipping In The Future
Preventing skipping in the future involves taking good care of your turntable and records. Here are some tips to help you prevent skipping in the future:
1. Store your records properly: Keep your records in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid stacking them on top of each other as this can cause warping and damage to the vinyl.
2. Keep your turntable clean: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your turntable, causing the needle to skip. Clean your turntable regularly with a soft cloth to prevent this from happening.
3. Use a good-quality stylus: The stylus is the part of the turntable that comes into contact with the record. Using a good-quality stylus can help prevent skipping and ensure a better sound quality.
4. Avoid moving or bumping your turntable: Moving or bumping your turntable while it’s playing can cause the needle to skip. Make sure your turntable is placed on a stable surface and avoid moving it while it’s playing.
5. Check your turntable settings: Make sure your turntable is properly calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the tracking force and anti-skate controls if necessary to prevent skipping.
By following these tips, you can help prevent skipping in the future and ensure a better listening experience with your turntable.
