Why is my vinyl record skipping? No more missteps! Find out why your vinyl is skipping and how to fix it

A walk through Malasaña and the art of caring for vinyl records

I was walking around Malasaña, enjoying those vinyl shops where you always find something unique. Suddenly, I see two girls, María and Vero, rummaging through records, excitedly debating which ones to take. As a good vinyl “expert”, I couldn’t resist and went over to help them out. After a while, the conversation became lively, and I couldn’t help but invite them for a coffee to continue chatting.

Back in the cafeteria, between laughs and anecdotes, we ended up talking about something serious: how to take good care of those records they had just bought. The excitement of having found good vinyls had them delighted, so I took the opportunity to tell them some tricks I have learned about the care of these musical treasures. I warned them that these tips would save them from more than one headache and that it was worth learning them if they wanted to enjoy their records for a long time.

The Importance of Keeping Vinyl Records Clean

“First, girls, dust is the number one enemy of a good vinyl. If it accumulates on the surface, the record can skip and the sound loses quality,” I explained. I told them that, before putting the record in, it is a good idea to clean it well. “A good antistatic brush or a special cloth, and you will avoid those annoying noises,” I added, while they nodded.

The Stylus: Cleaning and Replacing for Perfect Sound

The stylus is also crucial to avoiding skips and maintaining sound quality, I told them. “The stylus also gets dirty over time, and if you leave it dirty, it ruins the experience. Ideally, you should clean it from time to time, and when it’s worn out, it’s time to replace it.” They looked at me in surprise, and laughing, admitted that it had never occurred to them. A simple tip, but one that makes a big difference.

Needle Calibration: The Secrets of Impeccable Sound

Here I got a little more technical. “Needle calibration is essential,” I told them. If it is incorrectly adjusted, the sound loses quality and you can damage the record. I explained to them step by step how to do it:

• Needle Check : “First, make sure the needle is in good condition. If it is worn, it is best to replace it before adjusting anything.”
• Tracking Force : The ideal pressure for most turntables is about 1.5 grams. I suggested checking your turntable's manual to make sure.
• Stylus Height and Angle : I told you that the height and angle of the stylus also have a lot to do with it. “If it’s too low, it can damage the record; if it’s too high, the sound is lost. All of this is adjusted by the counterweight on the tonearm.”
• Sound Test : “Nothing beats listening to see if everything is okay,” I told them. A clear sound means the fit is perfect.

Preventing Damage to Vinyl Records and Protecting Your Turntable

Finally, I talked to them about the importance of storing discs properly. “Scratches, marks, dust... All of these things affect the quality. So each disc should be in its case and in a safe place,” I warned them. I gave them a brief demonstration of how to store and remove the disc without touching it directly to avoid scratches or dirt build-up. “No fingers on the surface and always in a place where they are not exposed.”

And of course, I also mentioned that if you ever heard something strange and it wasn't a problem with the record or the needle, it was best to check the cables and the connection of the turntable. “And if it continues to give problems, take it to a technician. Better to be safe than to spend money on a new one.”

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After the chat about vinyl, we stayed a while longer, laughing and talking about music, and some more personal topics that remained between us. In the end, they thanked me and left with the records and a smile. I realized that, in addition to helping them take care of their new vinyl, I had passed on to them a bit of the passion that I feel every time I play a record.

And who knows, maybe on my next walk through Malasaña, I'll end up in another café with new stories to tell.