Purchasing a VPI HW-16 Record Cleaner

[gener8tr]

I know the HW-16 is old-school compared to the units available today, but I'm getting this unit in like new condition for a grand total of $135.00 which includes shipping (from a person I trust implicitly).

Since I'm fairly new (or should I say re-newed) to the vinyl game, I'm hoping this record cleaner will make the listening experience all the more enjoyable.

I think the machine is necessary to ensure the longevity of my stylii (all the records I buy are used, and although I get the nicest ones available, I'm sure there is years of built-up dirt, fingerprints, etc. on the surface and in the grooves).

I have a Shure V15 Type IV on my Sansui SR-636 TT in the living room and an Audio Technica AT12S on the Yamaha PX-2 TT in my bedroom. I also just ordered some ONZOW ZERODUST Stylus Cleaner from a friend in Japan... It's nice to have a friend in Kyoto. $25.00 plus $3.00 shipping for the ONZOW. I think that stuff sells for closer to $65.00 on ebay :(

Anyway, as previously stated, I know the HW-16 isn't as efficient as the 16.5 or 17 (or whatever VPI is up to now), but I'm hoping it will get the job done for me.

Anyone else own this model and have any comments. Thanks!

[TONEPUB]

I don't own a VPI anymore, but you are getting a great deal and you should get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Here's a couple of little tips:

Don't use the VPI cleaning solution, it tends to get moldy after a while.

There are about six others that will all provide you with great results....

Pick up a spare cleaning wand to use with really dirty records and clean it after using. Keep one wand for cleaning new vinyl and keep the one for dirty records in a ziplock when not in use.

Otherwise you will have a great time, you got a great deal!!

[portisphish]

Nice deal! I wish I would break down and buy one. My DIY model got scrapped because I couldn't ever get the crevice tool to suction correctly. Keep me in mind if you move up to a higher end model.

[Ski Bum]

Excellent deal for an excellent machine that should give you years of service. Try starting with the RRL cleaning solutions. An extra vacuum wand will make you cleaning much more efficient.

[gener8tr]

Thanks for the tips, fellas.

Here is a quick photo of the front of the unit. Never thought I'd look forward to cleaning and vacuuming anything :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v710/gener8tr/VPIFront.jpg

[Robin L]

I got one back in 1988. Wore it out! Great machine.

[Oyama]

Frank, congratulations on your purchase and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy cleaning vinyl with it! I also recommend getting some RRL cleaning fluid, an extra vacuum wand (http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=AVPIPUTUBE) and perhaps another cork mat (http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=AVPIMAT) (could make your own).

I use one wand for the RRL Super Deep Cleaner (http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=ARRDEEPCL) and the other for the Super Record Wash (http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=ARRRECWSH). This way there’s no chance of cross contamination between the two. I also do this with my cleaning brushes.

I like to use the extra cork mat for when I place a dirty LP on the VPI for the very first time and then remove it once I have one side cleaned.

I also found an anti-static gun to be very helpful in cutting down the static when cleaning LPs on the VPI, actually I wouldn’t be without one.

My only caveat with the VPI is that the spindle can get very hot when doing too may LPs in one session. The heat can quickly transfer to the vinyl, causing some warpage (my experience anyway), so just a word of caution.

Enjoy buddy!

[gener8tr]

Thanks, Nelson, I'll keep all of that in mind.

I think I need to buy some new brushes... Do you know where?

[JohnLaubenheimer]

If this is an HW-16, you won't have a cleaning wand. The suction tube will be built into the lid. The separate wand came with the advent of the HW-16.5. HW does manufacture an upgrade which brings the HW-16 up to (almost) an HW-16.5. (You may need to check with VPI about this.)

MUSIC DIRECT has some very nice (and inexpensive) brushes that work quite well with this unit. Buy several, and use them for different fluids.

Both DISC DOCTOR and RRL market quality cleaning fluids that work quite well in this machine. BUGTUSSEL Vinyl-Zyme is good for really grungy disks. But, remember, one fluid that you should (must?) also buy is a bottle of distilled water (about a dollar or so in your local supermarket). And, keep a spare brush just for this. This will be required to completely remove the other fluids (and residue) from the disc surface.

Enjoy ... it's a very nice machine. Noisy, though! I've had one for years.

[quicksilverbudie]

Bought some records for a dollar each last weekend and the sound quality of
these 50s and early 60s pressings are fantastic better than re-issues IMO as
the master tapes were new back then. After they are cleaned using the below
method.

1. Wipe record with record cloth and use compressed air to remove loose dirt.
2. Stop rotation, and scrub back-and-forth (6-10) times with the Disc Doctor
brush so the solution foams and the complete record surface is
covered. Then I squeegy the brush and soak with distill water go back and add
Distill water back to the record to saturate all the suds I use an older LAST
applicator to do this as it pushes the water won't absorb.
3. Vacuum the surface for 2-3 rotations. Clean tube with distilled water...and
sqeegy.
4. Rinse again with distilled water and vacuum.
5. Apply VPI fluid and use second Disc Doctor
brush (rinse) so water beads up on leading edge of brush as record
rotates.
6. Vacuum for 2-3 rotations
7. Zero-Stat record surface.
8. Then apply LAST preservative (optional)

Then I place on turntable and use a carbon-fiber brush for a
rotation or two before playing.

it takes about 15-20 per side...but once it is done ....its done.

sean

[teaser5]

I have the 17. I love it except the vac is too bloody loud but it's only for a couple of seconds at a time. I mostly use Ski Bums recipe which includes both DD and RRL fluids with distilled H2O and separate brushes and vac wands. I have the formula printed up in a protective cover taped to the inside of the dust cover. I have two little Tupperware containers that I got at the Container Store for the DD Brush phases. I also have (or all things) a male urinal that I got at the pharmacy which seems to be the best thing for draining out the used fluid

Have fun!
Peace-
Norm

[gener8tr]

Thank you very much for the last three responses. I will follow all advise!

[Oyama]

Frank, did you get the RCM yet?

[MusicMtnMonkey]

Nice grab!!

Anything with a vacuum is an upgrade from just brushes.

You want the Zyme! I use the separate brushes for each fluid. Start with Bugtussel vinyl zyme, then use RRl Deep Clean, then rinse with RRl Super Wash. The zyme does seem to really be a great deep cleaner, get's rid of stuff that causes surface noise.

[nelamvr6]

Great deal! I'm envious! :righton:

[TONEPUB]

Call Todd the Vinyl Junkie for help with your VPI, he's the greatest!

www.ttvj.com

[vinyluver]

Nice looking. Too bad Harry discontinued the walnut finish.

[David P. Hill]

Just got my new VPI 16.5 from Music Direct. It was the "deluxe set" before the price increase went up Monday. The 2 bottles of MF record wash was "backoredered". Don't know when it will shipped.
Also got the new MFSL Allman Bros "Idlewild South" gold cd. :goodie:

[Dugan]

Mine showed up Tuesday evening from Acoustic Sounds. Haven't got a chance to play around with it that much yet.