Last record preservative

[Sam]

Members, does this stuff affect the sound? Does it really protect? Does it damage the record in any way?

[Pinknik]

Ask 100 people get 100 different answers. I've used it with no negative results as far as wear, but I don't think my system can resolve a difference in sound. The Disc Doctor (Duane) advises against it because it leaves a residue of some sort and he feels it does negatively affect sound. Some use it just on older, used worn records. I think the better your turntable and the cleaner your LP's, the less wear you will have and you won't need the preservative. God probably knows for sure, but I don't know if he follows this forum.

[Paul Chang]

When I get two copies of the same pressings, I'll run a "sound test". ;)

Last claims "one application is all that is necessary to keep records sounding brand new for 200 plays or more." This would be a good test case for the Consumer Report to verify. I haven't notice any ill effect and all my Last System Formula 2 treated new records still play like new. I haven't played any of my records 200 times yet. Heck, not even 20 times. Too many records, too little time. :(

I also preclean my records with Last System Formula 1 Extra-strength Record Cleaner before I clean them on my VPI 16.5 machine. Afterward, I apply the Record Preservative after one side is cleaned with the record being spun on the VPI. Then I machine clean and preserve the other side. I haven't used The Disc Doctor's Miracle Record Cleaner and shall give it a try one of these days.

[Paul Chang]

Originally posted by Pinknik
The Disc Doctor (Duane) advises against it because it leaves a residue of some sort and he feels it does negatively affect sound. Some use it just on older, used worn records. I think the better your turntable and the cleaner your LP's, the less wear you will have and you won't need the preservative. The Disc Doctor is right about its leaving residue in the grooves. How else will the Last Record Preservative protect the grooves? If he just "feels" it affects the sound negatively, I would like to know how he "feels" about his Record Cleaner makes certain types of records noisier, so I read. And I don't understand some people's logic of using it only on worn records. If it sounds bad to you, don't use it. Otherwise, use it if you think it works. Are they going to wait until their brand new records wear out to use it?

After a record is cleaned or "preserved", its surface is altered, either temporarily or permanently. When it is being cleaned, liquid/solution is applied on it then removed. Who knows if all the elements we want to remove are off and the those we want to keep intact remain so? Then the Record Preservative can be considered "foreign" to the vinyl. What about the question on sound? I think it could only be answered by playing the records, at least two copies of the same pressing as I suggested in the previous post. Playing a record also changes its surface!

Where is the multicopies of different pressings man when we need him? :D

[ArneW]

I have never used Last, although I was tempted to do so several times. But if they claim it to «keep records sounding brand new for 200 plays or more» it must leave some kind of «protective» lacquer in the grooves. I think with the use of such product there is a risk that you enclose tiny dust particles within the "Last layer" without ever being able to remove them again.

The way I clean used records is not for the faint-hearted, but it is simple and effective. I first rinse the surface with lukewarm water. Then I brush it (back and forth, but always parallel to the grooves) with a velvet brush on which I have applied a few drops of window cleaner. I do that for about a minute or so, letting it build up a foam. Then I rinse the surface again, wipe off the excess water with another velvet brush and «finish» the surface with a hairdryer, which only takes about 15 seconds or so. The results are absolutely comparable to what my used record dealer achieves with his megabucks Keith Monks machine.

Arne

[Claus]

Don't use LAST... that's my opinion!

[Gary]

I've used Last on some of my records back in the '80's. I can't hear any difference between Last-ed records and un-lasted-records.

I have Last-ed records that are just as pop/click-ey as un-lasted-records. Sorry, I have no idea how many times I played them.

But if / when I have time, I'll try Arne W's method on a Last-ed record. Methinks it'll be an improvement since even Last-ed records should be cleaned, right?

So I think Last is a waste of money - does not really make the record last longer.

[Paul Chang]

Originally posted by ArneW
The way I clean used records is not for the faint-hearted, but it is simple and effective. I first rinse the surface with lukewarm water. Then I brush it (back and forth, but always parallel to the grooves) with a velvet brush on which I have applied a few drops of window cleaner. I do that for about a minute or so, letting it build up a foam. Then I rinse the surface again, wipe off the excess water with another velvet brush and «finish» the surface with a hairdryer, which only takes about 15 seconds or so. The results are absolutely comparable to what my used record dealer achieves with his megabucks Keith Monks machine.

Arne Arne,

Are you using tap water or distilled water? I wouldn't rinse my records with tap water no matter how pure it is. Just thinking about the particles, minerals and chemicals in it makes me cringe.

[ArneW]

I've never gone that far, no. Heating distilled water until lukewarm, I mean. ;) I've never noticed stains or sth. on the record surface after this process. But rest assured, it works almost perfectly. And I bet there are a lot more questionable chemical ingredients in the delicate japanese inner sleeves we all use to protect our treasured vinyl once it's clean!

Arne

[Paul Chang]

Arne,

What about the organic matter that fish left in your water? :confused:

[Paul Chang]

Oh, I get it! I think that's why Arne's never used Last. :eek: Got to get a few bottles of that fishy water imported from Cologne. Wait, maybe I could home brew, uh breed some.

Hey Arne, what species is the fish makin' whoopee in your water?

[Gary]

I really think you're missing the point, Paul. Arne W is in Germany, therefore his taps pour out beer, not water. Thus his "Don't drink water..." warning.

So it's warm beer suds that clean vinyl. Get it?

Frankly, my beer never has a chance to get that warm.... it's gone before I know it! ;)

PS What's the cost of a house in Germany.... methinks it may be a cost savings to live there!

[Paul Chang]

Oh Gary, beer could be more damaging than fishy water. The vinyl may gain a fat mid range, anti-MoFi-smiley-face-esque. :eek:

[ArneW]

(Transl.: «If I had 0,2 wishes...»)

[Tristan]

I've used the Last LP preservative for years now, and haven't
noticed any audible noise. However, I do use it according to their directions which stipulate using the record preservative PRIOR to their record cleaner. I find that the grooves feel smoother, hence the reduction of friction, thus the preservation of vinyl. Additionally, I then clean the LP(after the Last treatments) on a VPI HW17 with Torumat. For really grimy LPs, like diamond-in-the-rough thrift store finds, I first begin this process with Disc Doctor. I've been cleaning LPs this way for almost 5 years now, with excellent results... and I've tried almost everything out there!
LOL
Tristan