You've been digging for records all day. Your book bag is very heavy, causing your shoulders to ache. Before you get home, you must stop by the liquor store for libations. Once home, you put the needle to the freshly dug copy of Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue, first generation original Columbia pressing, complete with the six eye label. The cover has seen better days, but the vinyl looks pretty good. Besides who can pass on Miles?

A few minutes have passed, and now you are one with the chaise lounge. All of a sudden the worst happens. Midway through a freshly mixed drink, in full anticipation of that special note Miles will flawlessly nail two minutes into Flamenco Sketches, the record skips. What happened? Let's examine this tragedy in further detail.

First, gently remove the record from the phonograph. Next, examine the record in detail to see if there are any obvious scuffs or scratches. Looking for flaws in the store does not have the same effect, as the lighting oftentimes can be a little dim. Try to locate a fluorescent light. If no fluorescent light is available, the brightest light you have in your home will do. After holding the record directly under the light and examining both sides, I am willing to bet you will find more flaws than you noticed before.

Used records tend to have more flaws and one must be really careful when out digging. Why all the flaws? One has to remember that most original records that collectors enjoy, were pressed over 30, 40 and even 50 years ago. Over the years they've become worn, and minor flaws are almost inevitable unless sealed. Sealed original records are worth more money, because they practically guarantee the collector is free of such defects. For example, this very Miles Davis record with its flaws may have been worth around $5.00. However, if you are one of the fortunate people to get your hands on an original pressing in mint condition, the same record would be worth around $300.

The best way to alleviate a record from annoying skips is to avoid buying records that are scuffed or scratched. Sure these records will cost a little more, but in the long run, the value of a crisp record will surely continue to rise. Scuffed records are virtually worth pennies in the open market. If you feel a record is so rare, that you are willing to gamble on it regardless of the scrapes, be sure to clean it. Cleaning the record properly will almost always guarantee a much smoother play. To clean the record properly, be sure to use a mild cleanser such as a 10/90 mix of alcohol and water. Pay close attention as there is a reason for the dilution. Using too much alcohol will strip the record of its natural wax, and thus make the record look and play even worse.

If you are uncomfortable making your own solution, take a trip to your nearest used vinyl shop. They will more than likely have professional record cleaner for sale, and prices usually start around $5.00. Be sure to grab a soft cloth and clean the record in a counter clockwise motion. This will lift dirt from the record, as opposed to rubbing it in further, which can cause more damage. Please beware of dealers who are notorious for over polishing scuffed records. This helps unscrupulous dealers increase the resale value as it gives one the illusion that the record is clean. Over polishing a record does absolutely nothing for the sound quality, and in some cases the quality becomes worse. The dirt that should have been removed is now trapped beneath a thick layer of polish, causing even more surface noise. Following these instructions, in addition to storing your records properly in their sleeves, will ensure smooth play every time!

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