[78-L] Mechanical removal of crackles and scratches???

[Michael Biel]

It could also be a practical joke.  I heard no difference in the video
of the before and after, but it is a cheap ceramic cartridge and the
camera mic picking up the sound.  The comments about the needle is from
someone else, so an idiot seems to attract other idiots.  

What IS true is that reverse play of a SKIP or STUCK GROOVE is a way to
fix it.  Often it is caused by a burr that sticks out into the groove
from a scratch across the groove.  Reverse play can nudge it back into
the groove wall.  I used to do this all the time when I used to play
vinyl microgroove with crystal/ceramic cartridges.  You'll bend a needle
in a modern cart.  General play in reverse seems unnecessary.

Mike Biel  mbiel at mbiel.com  


-------- Original Message --------
From: "Milan Milovanovic" <milanpmilovanovic4 at gmail.com>


Well folks, this is what I've found yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ypJFVwwCs

This guy talks about playing records backwards with tonearm on the
record.

I myself heard no improvement on attached video (muffled sound during
entire clip recorded through crappy microphone). 

Also, some comments contain such words:

"For very noisy 78s, try this, it works wonders: play the record with a
sewing needle held between thumb and third finger,? using index to add
pressure, at an angle about 20 degrees off vertical. Press heavily, do
not fear. Turn needle every 30 seconds or so, for it wears quite fast.
Lay off on high volume passages, bear down on quiet ones. If record
stalls, help it with other hand. A couple of needles are needed to clean
one side. May be repeated with advantage. You will be pleased, believe"

So, I'm asking if anyone tried these "tricks", or this is another
mumbo-jumbo science for beginners in 78 rpm record field.  Thanks, Milan