The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have been starting a project of going through all my records. Over the past 40 years, I have always put records aside that came with phonograph purchases. I have amassed a huge mess. I have been going through boxes and playing every record. Then I decide if it stays or goes. I have jettisoned so many clean records that are less than pleasant to listen to. It never fails that when I come across one that I really like and want to keep, it is cracked. This is one I came across recently.

Some years ago, I bought of box of unused, dealer stock 4M wax Amberol records. All of them perfect, except for one... "Ernest Shackelton's South Polar Expedition". Cracked... Damn it!

Well, I have some experience with large collections of records. The cracked record can sometimes be repaired, or the crack sound can be removed in software.

Ken, I would suggest that you use a spreadsheet to log the records that you keep. It is work, but having the knowledge will help.

My spreadsheet of records contains many thousands of entries but is very useful.

Let me know if I can help.

Marc

Hey Ken,

Don't cry. At least your record is only cracked --- you can still play the whole thing!!!

My Lightnin' Hopkins record (which is aptly titled) potentially would have been the only "decent" disc I found in a five-gallon pail full of records --- last record at the very bottom ...

I feel your pain,
Bob

I have been given some advice on how to glue the crack using Weldbond glue. I hate to toss the record so I might give it a try. It will be a wall hanger if nothing else. Why couldn't this happen to the numerous copies of "Silver Threads Among the Gold" records I have come across?

I have repaired many radial cracked records using liquid superglue lightly applied to the record perimeter end of the crack. The glue migrates by capillary action along the crack.

It is essential to ensure that the adjacent sides of the crack are level. I prepare before hand a clean flat surface. A pane of glass on a flat clean table top is ideal. Place the record on it immediately after applying the glue and press firmly and evenly either side of the crack until the glue hardens.

It is hit and miss the audibility of the click. It is often inaudible but even if detectable, I found it is always listenable. The fix is strong and stands up to the massive pressures imposed by the acoustic soundbox.