[Dixielandjazz] Cleaning 78s

[BudTuba at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/8/04 10:41:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
jnt at blueyonder.co.uk writes:

> I always use a mixture of methylated spirit and isopropyl alcohol.  This
> gets excellent results. Apply with a paint brush and wipe off.
> 



The alcohol sounds a little dangerous to me since alchohol is the solvent 
used to make shellac for wood working, etc. and records in the early days were 
made from shellac.  I'll tell what I have used to great success....now don't 
wince and turn your heads...WD40.  Yes, that all purpose lubricant works great on 
records by removing may of  those clicks and pops you need to remove 
digitally and helps particularly when there is a crack to traverse.  I use the spray 
bottle and mist the record lightly and then wipe it with a clean Kleenex tissue 
to spread it over the entire playing surface and remove the excess .  This 
will make the record look shiny which lasts for about a hour or two until the 
thinner in the WD40 evaporates away.  I have not seen any damage to the records 
as a result of this application.  Try on a record you find too noisy for 
restoration and see what I mean.

Roy (Bud) Taylor
Smugtown Stompers Jazz Band
Traditional Jazz Since 1958
"We aren't just whistling dixie!"