Wax as record lubricant?

[Lenoirstreetguy]

It wasn't just EMG: I've run across several ads for " record dressing" materials of various oily sorts{" makes an old record a new record" that sort of thing. When I have a moment I'll scan an ad or two.

Jim

[Swing Band Heaven]

BTW: S-B-H, I hope you brought it to the dealer's attention before you gave the negative feedback. Most record sellers don't play grade thus would not know there was a problem. I've seen many records that look E+ but play barely V (and the opposite as well).

Jim

Not wishing to drag this thread off topic - yes I did. They did not accept that there was an issue. I did as I think its dishonest to sell a worn record polished up to look shiney and new. No refund was forthcoming and as a result I left negative feedback relating specifically to the use of wax to polish up the record.

S-B-H

[phonojim]

S-B-H: Good for you for trying to resolve the issue. So many people don't.

And now: Back to Wax On/Wax Off.

Jim

[GMEMG]

Records DO NOT dry out (as far as I'm aware !) but he SURFACES do and as RH rightly says if you use original equipment then a little wax does help.

When I say "Fibre Needles" i do us the term in the original sense - meaning both Bamboo or Cactus - I mainly use IM Pointmaster needles which I believe are Cactus thorns.

Waxing records is indeed a different subject - that has been done since records (particularly Operatic) became collectable and valuable Post - War and is indeed used to make a worn record look in better condition thus worth more - i don't think it's done now but records treated in that way certainly still turn up and reputable dealers certainly mention it when selling.

[WDC]

Records DO NOT dry out (as far as I'm aware !) but he SURFACES do and as RH rightly says if you use original equipment then a little wax does help.

I must have reached the limit of my imagination, but in case a (shellac based) record surface is wet or at least has a certain humidity on it, it can likely catch mold. I new or old record should usually have a the same dry surface. That's at least how I have been understanding the materials. Nevertheless, I am anxious to learn something new.

It just brings me to the point that some use wax as a lubricant to reduce the devastating impact of steel needles.

While having no proof yet, I furthermore assume, that even the use of pure wax will leave a considerable amount in the grooves that was 'kneaded' into the groove by the needle. This is because of the generally abrasive surface structure.

And thanks S-B-H for pointing it out that it will likely cause severe trouble with modern pickups.

[OrthoSean]

And thanks S-B-H for pointing it out that it will likely cause severe trouble with modern pickups.

It will indeed. About 10 years ago, I was given around 50 or so late 20s and early-mid 30s classical sets, all Orthophonic Victors and Columbia Viva Tonals. The original owner had done this to every single on of them. It's nearly impossible to remove the stuff cleaning the disc with proper materials even (like Disc Doctor's Miracle Record Cleaner, which is all I use). It got rid of some of it, but certainly not all, 30 seconds into a side with my modern system and the stylus was so clogged with waxy crap that it would just fly across the disc. I was able to get most of the rest of it out by playing them with cactus needles on my Credenza a few times per side, wiping off the stuff after each play and doing it again and again. Finally, I'd clean the disc again with Disc Doctor stuff and I got rid of what little was left. What a pain! It literally took a couple of hours to clean up an otherwise MINT set of three or four discs. I know I'll never use the stuff!

Sean