robobob

A record brush typically is only good for removing surface dust and debris that is loose on the record. As a general rule it will NOT address more stubborn grit and contaminants that may be embedded in the grooves itself. For that you would want at minimum a good cleaning solution, a brush to scrub the record, pure rinse water, and some sort of cloth or vacuum to remove the contaminated water and rinse water.
 
A good record cleaning machine is a critical tool for your records and probably the most overlooked part of the entire vinyl hobby by most people in my experience. Ultrasonic being the best, a vacuum based system being second best, and manual systems like a Spin Clean would be last on that list. Things like wood glue I consider extremely bad practice for countless reasons so I wouldn't even remotely consider that a safe option no matter what anyone decides to argue otherwise. If budget is an issue then get yourself something like a Spin Clean and you'll be good for a while. If you can afford it, I suggest something closer to a VPI 16.5 at minimum and if your budget really allows then something like the Audio Desk Systemme (ultrasonic cleaner) would be the best by far. Just remember something like this is essentially a piece of gear you'll keep with you as long as you own your record collection so it's absolutely a forward-thinking investment. Don't be afraid to spend some real money here because the benefits over the years will more than make up for the initial investment. I cannot emphasize this enough.
 
All records benefit from cleaning including brand new/sealed records. Why? Even records from the factory contain contaminants from the pressing process itself. It's good practice to clean all your records before spinning them whether new or used. I also highly suggest keeping some spare inner sleeves, preferably anti-static and scratch free sleeves like Mobile Fidelity inner sleeves or other similar rice paper sleeves. Regular paper sleeves are chock full of debris and paper scrap that will just recontaminate your freshly cleaned record. Once a record is cleaned, it's relatively safe to re-use the sleeve if it was replaced though eventually you may want to replace it again just to ensure your sleeve is absolutely clean.
 
As mentioned above there are several cleaning solutions that work well and also DIY solutions that are very affordable. Most of those are mixtures of pure water (distilled, de-ionized, etc.), some type of soap like Dawn, Kodak PhotoFlo which acts as a surfactant, and often pure alchohol (isopropanol NOT rubbing alcohol.)
 
I weighed in on this only because I've worked closely with brands like VPI and their RCMs and am in the process of designing a new vacuum-based one for sale to the public at a lower price point as their 16.5 as well with added functionality and better design features. Hoping to have that done in the next month or two at most.

Instead of a test press, the prize should be a Mac book.

Pre-ordered the 2 pack when it went up. Love Big Kids and the Acid Fast 7" so obviously stoked for more tunes. 

Surprised no one in here is talking about the controversy regarding the recent pressing of Magnified. Apparently Failure posted on Facebook about a segue missing on the vinyl towards the end of the album.

Got mine in today, currently spinning it. Sounds awesome.

There's always gotta be one person who defends mind-blowingly high-priced records in these threads...

Shipping confirmation!!

Not to beat a dead horse, but I feel like we all need to get on the same page, before this thing escalates into even further confusion.
 
Allow me to say this: lahispute's gender is irrelevant as far as the roasting or flaming goes.  She isn't receiving flack because she's a girl, or because "we're all sexist pigs".  She's being ridiculed because;
 
- She's new.
- She's exceptionally gullible.
- Her username is dedicated to La Dispute.
- ...Of whom she tried to dedicate a thread to, and ended up deleting when fellow members voiced an opposing opinion.
- The majority of her posts read like something written by a girl in junior high.
- She tries to BFF anyone who sticks up for her.
- She tries to BFF anyone who doesn't necessary disagree with her.
- She tries to BFF anyone who isn't completely negative towards her.
 
Honestly, that's all flame bait.  The fact she has a rack does not make her impervious to it.  Sorry, guys.  While I agree that there's no reason to get nasty or sexist, I would also say that it's arguably sexist to "let her off the hook" by shiting on anyone who calls her out.  Like many people have said, that's part of VC membership.  A rite of passage, if you will.  Would we all have eased up off of Teenage Eric if he were a girl?  Let's be real.
 
And that patthickey kid is a joke.  I've read maybe one or two comments in this entire thread that could be perceived as sexist.  No one is playing the "get off of VC and back into the kitchen to make me a sandwich" card, nor are there dudes posting sexual jabs or being foul.  Way to blow things out of proportion, hickey.  And as far as updating status / blogs / tweets / whatever: I envy your life if an internet scuffle is that traumatic for you.  You're in for a rude awakening if you ever step out into the real world and witness legitimate sexual harassment or domestic abuse.  And calling out the dozens of members who choose to not fan this flame?  Guys like myself who've read this thread without feeling the need to dive into the shit-storm, up until now?  Piss off, man.  You're a tool for trying to shame anyone who's above all the shit in this thread.  Someone had to say it.

I don't know about you guys, but I need a Xanax every time I click 'add to cart.'

Don't make an ASSUMPTION, because you will be an ASS and the UMP will TION you!
 
I totally assumed clear though. Fo really.

Go and vote for TOUCHE AMORE in Fuse TV's best new artist poll for the punk category
 
http://www.fuse.tv/2013/08/best-new-artist-fan-poll#12
 
When you are done voting come back here and complain about how Touche isn't new, and then that you are sick of this thread getting bumped before the preorder is up.

Just in case anyone was wondering, the 6131 version is band approved and the Shop Radio Cast is being done without the bands approval. Shady shit continues.

This has gone too far.

GOUD MORONING
 
Should I make you all a nice tall, cup of F-5?

I got my copy of Pinkerton today. This is my first Mofi release and experience with sound stage direct and I must say, I am throughly impressed. From the sturdy gatefold cardboard jacket, to the fancy "archive quality" vinyl sleeve, the packaging is just exquisite. SSD shipped my lone LP in their own fancy mailer inside a larger carboard box; they made damn sure there was no wiggle room. I asked in the notes to place the LP outside the jacket to prevent seam splits (which they bring to customers attention as an option during the check out process) and sure enough the vinyl was packed inside its archive grade sleeve inside a seperate polybag. As I was opening this package I began to feel guilty for using the coupon code and getting the package for $26 shipped. Listening to the album and it sounds amazing. I cant think of an LP I own that sounds much better. Now I know not to hold any reservations. I waited a while to pull the trigger due to that $30 price tag, but if the presentation and sound quality of this release reflects the mofi catalogue, I wouldn't hesitate from ordering any future releases. Worth every penny. If you're on the fence, JUST BUY IT.

I have a copy of Nirvana at my desk. There's a sticker on the poly bag that says Pallas Audiophile Quality - 180 gram vinyl - Pressed in Germany.
It came from Universal, not Warner like those blue colored copies that HT had about a year ago. This one is black vinyl

It is done. All original members.