7 record accessories I never knew I needed - now I can't live without them 

All the years when i bought a record and the hole a little tight to put on the turntable i grab a pencil and and go through the hole a little and there you go the record fits and didn't cost a thing. I'm sure others like me did this lol. Have a good day!

My anti static brush is my #1 accessory. Gets surface dust and a little bit of static off just before playing.

Wow, hadn't realized there were so many cool accessories I could make use of myself. Thanks for sharing.

YES, a record roller for me is a MUST! Before every spin, the record gets a once (or twice) over w/ one, even after it's been ultrasonically cleaned and sleeved properly (I also use a Humminguru and LOVE IT) I used to use a record weight but moved on to an actual "clamp", and IMO seems to do a MUCH better job, especially w/ albums that have warps (mine was only around $30)

Loved your comment about paying for quality too. Some things are worth the extra bucks

I have a record weight and digital stylus force gauge that I consider essential. I use a record weight to set the records down if I need to put the record down after playing it. I have tried many record cleaning devices - Spin-Clean, Groove Washer, Record Doctor, and some others. These were all manual and I’m getting older and lazier. When the price of the Pro-Ject VC-S2 record cleaning machine’s price dropped to 350, I finally pulled the trigger. It’s motorized with a strong vacuum that sucks off the cleaning solution in a few rotations. Does a great job in cleaning records.

Great info. Thanks! I'm getting back into vinyl a second time. I didn't wanna go balls out the first time. Got an vintage Kenwood tank, AT VM95ML cartridge. The cleaner machine though? Wow! too expensive for now. Thanks again 😀 I'll keep watching

Hey Frank. As always a very informative video. Always looking forward to the next one! I used to think a record weight was not necessary but after getting one I found that they "help" with that annoying record(s) that everyone has that has a slight warp. While it doesn't completely flatten the record it does make it to where it's listenable without the stylus jumping. I now have 2 for both of my turntables, Technics SL- 1200 Mk 2 and my 1st turntable a Technics SL- 220 (1978 and still going strong- pretty good for what some people think is junk). And they look "cool as Hell"! The transit platter is something that I think I'm going to need but WOW, a whole lot pricey! Maybe a DIY one? Your videos always give me something to look forward to in this "strange" world we all live in. Thanks again!

I have the same stylus force gauge. I bought it because it was cheap and well reviewed. I've had zero issues with its accuracy or reliability so far. I'm sure it was made in China. There are plenty of products that are made China and are dirt cheap that turn out to be great. This is what reviews exist for. If someone wants to spend more than they need to on a product, that's on them. But I'm always looking for the best balance of quality and affordability.

I also use a record weight for certain records. I have a stylus gauge but in all honesty, I’m afraid of ruining my needle. The other accessories you use will debut on my wish list, too.

I still love these videos. I first found your channel (years ago now) whilst looking for this kind of advice about accessories, storage, organization, etc., and found so much value in the information. While I wasn’t new to the format, I didn’t know much of anything beyond just spinning records, so I’m glad you’re still revisiting topics like these. I hope others can enjoy the benefits I did at the time. I’ve got most all of these, with a few exceptions or alternatives (record dr vs humminguru, for example), and when I need one of these tools, I’m so grateful I have them at my disposal. I was initially hesitant about the reamer (bc of price), but ultimately got sick of so many occasional LPs where the hole wasn’t adequately big and bought one. I don’t often need it, but when I do, I thank you to myself. Best to you and yours, amigo.

I have one of those record reamers and love it. Been using it for a couple of years now. The transit platter looks neat as well :) Great Video

Some of these are 100% necessary, I bought a racking force meter and it changed my listening immediately. I can definitely see the benefit of the reamer too, I'd say about 25% of my newer records have needed it. Great video as usual Frank 👌

Thanks to your video a few years ago I bought myself not just 1 but 2 of that record reamer about 1.5 year ago, Frank. It's very well made & it's pricey but it should last many years. Already used it on a few records whose spindle holes were too tight for my turntable. Very easy to do. The reamer did the job superbly. Totally worth it.

Hey, Frank - you'll love this! I use an orange Canadian Tire practice puck as a record weight. They're heavier than a normal puck, and apparently similar in weight to actual record weights. I drilled a hole in the bottom, leaving the logo facing up, that is just slightly tight on the spindle to act as a clamp, as well. I'm not a big hockey fan, but as a Canadian, it seemed too perfect, especially for a cheap option. I also use a 1200, and agree that the weight is certainly not a concern for the motor. Similarly, I was amazed that there was actually a noticable difference when using it, and now always use it when recording.

I played an album without a record weight, it sounded good! But when i put the weight on it, it seemed to "open up" dynamics! Everything in mechanical analog makes a difference!😊

I definitely recommend the tracking force scale tool. Saved my records as my TF gradually increased at a fast rate.

Thanks for the top tips Frank. Didnt know about the record label protector. I was using my hand to cover the label when spraying, which isnt always Ideal !! order placed and kepp on spinnin !!

I love My Record Weight .

Great video! I use my record reamer all the time.

My harman/kardon T55C purchased in 1982 came with their own branded record weight (stabilizer). This one weighs slightly over 1 lb; I use it on every play; motor has never struggled. I have replaced the belt twice. Cartridge x6.

You missed your Vintage "Disc Washer Brush" I can't live without mine!

I love the record reamer. Never have a problem with the spindle hole again.

Great list, Frank! Mine would be very similar. Glad to see you you’re a fan of the Stable 33.33 products! They really are the definition of “didn’t know I needed it…” and they make great gifts. Hope you are doing well! Cheer! 🍻

I have the chrome Fluance weight and think it is great. Even if it does not do much it sure looks nice spinning on the turntable

One item that I find very useful is getting a pack of antistatic record bags. Lots of records only have paper sleeves, which generate static as well as paper/dust that sits on the record when it's at rest. If a record comes in its own antistatic sleeve, fantastic. If it comes with a paper or cardboard sleeve, I remove the record from the inner sleeve and place it in the antistatic bag. Then I slide the sleeve back into the cover and keep the record itself, opening turned inward, within the sleeve, either right in the middle of a gatefold, or slid into a single panel sleeve right beside the original sleeve.

Loved the video Frank. Some interesting products there. I use a Zero-stat gun myself.

I was tempted by a roller but decided I didn't really need one. I do have a weight (400g) with my Technics SL1700 and been working fine with it for the last few years. I don't use it for every album. I fancy trying a record clamp. I have also been looking at getting a gauge as I want to swap headshells but also double check the weight of my current cartridge. One thing I have bought recently is a new brush like a shaving brush but bigger. It has goat hair and it works really well to just to quickly wipe of dust when on the platter.

Hey Frank. Would any of those vinyl gadgets change an LP that doesn’t have the hole centred properly lol. I’m thinking of the movie A Mighty Wind. Thanks for the video.

Fantastic video, as usual. Have the Clearaudio version of the Record Reamer - very useful! I like to support Canadian companies (I have and love my Oracle Audio turntable, made in Quebec), so will pick up the Stable 33.33 Reamer as a gift to my nephew, who often borrows mine. Would just like to share my experience with the ZEROSTAT 3 anti-static gun. I clean my LPs with my RCM first, which eliminates most of the static. Using the ZEROSTAT 3 afterwards still didn't eliminate most of the remaining static. So what did I do? I purchased the Furutech DeStat III. It uses four AA batteries, and looks like a miniature curling stone. It can be used on LPs, as well as CDs, SACDs, DVDs, Blu Rays. The verdict - it is absolutely INCREDIBLE! I only hear a couple of very quiet pops occasionally on an ENTIRE LP. The bad news - it costs about $500 Canadian, or about 3-1/2 times as much as the ZEROSTAT 3. It's worth every penny, though - and in this case, you truly get what you pay for. Incidentally, I am in no way affiliated with, sponsored by or compensated by Furutech for my comments😂 Just sharing my experience. Keep up the great work, Frank. Have been watching you for years, but think this is the first time I've commented on on any of your videos. Look forward to more great content from you!

Hey Frank, Another useful device I use and recommend is a “Tonearm Azimuth Gauge” aka alignment block. Found mine for $10 or less on Amazon. Great for visually aligning the VTA of your tonearm from the side and checking the azimuth from the front. As always, thanks for your vids to help the vinyl community. I just ordered the record reamer. Best!

might have to look at some of the stuff in your videos all the best from me in England

Record weight is only useful for playing some warped records. Do not expect it to help flattening any warped record, though. Also, I think some weights that are on the heavier side may be just too heavy for many modern turntables, which tend to have weaker motors (and maybe worse spindel bearings too) than the vintage stuff. For example, my lp120 measures slightly worse wow with the weight on than without it, although it's only about 300 g. Scales are useful. Cheap and definitely good to set tracking force properly by excluding guesswork from the process. Especially useful for readjusting the force if you use more than one cartridge on interchangeable shells.

I have a weight but don’t use it too often. I tend to use it when the vinyl itself is less flat than I’d like and when I am not feeling lazy😂😂

I've been having thoughts on getting a record weight for a while. I have a custom printed platter for my LP60X record player that I bought on Etsy a few years ago and the records I've test so far worked well except for my copy of the Eight Crazy Nights OST from VMP (yeah, it's a real vinyl press and I just got it cuz of the movie being a weird guilty pleasure to me). When I play it, it starts to go normal and all of a sudden, it starts to slow down because of it slipping and not being intact with the mat. I put on the default mat that came with my player and was working normally. Then I tried to add in weight into the center with some coins after hearing about these and it actually worked.

I have been using record weight on my U-Turn for 6 years, everything is all good!

On the record weight: I can say from experience it definitely helps. I have a Fluance RT85 turntable with the acrylic platter, and sometimes the records I have, particularly colored vinyls, slip on the surface. My weight prevents that from happening. Other times when I'm brushing the record with an antistatic brush before playing, the record "slides" in place and stops rotating with the platter. The weight also helped fix that.

I have a record weight that I yse on my Fluance RT85. I definitely see a benefit. Fluance sells record weights, so I doubt that it has any negative effect on the motor as some people fear. I have noticed that it helps stabilize records that aren't perfectly flat. Nowadays it's hard to find a perfectly flat record. I do have a question about the record roller. I just ordered one from Amazon. Since it has a sticky surface, is there any chance of imparting some residue onto the record? Otherwise it seems like it would be a time saver for a quick dust removal.

Transit platter…..Frank, my friend, put it back on the TT 👍 until ready to put in the sleeve and jacket.

Been looking for some sort of record weight. I used to use a thick bottomed shot glass decades ago. Works great for albums, but not quite for 45s. So something I keep watching for are those small crystal candle stands that Goodwill sell. But its a size thing. The 2 i got so far are just a little too big and its just too close to the labels edge when the needle gets stuck in the end groove. Best part is that they should be just heavy enough. And if you get the right one. You end up with a handle for on the top. Which is actually the bottom of the candle holder. Height may matter as well. So the search continues. Been thinking if a hockey puck would be enough weight. Once again, would only work for full label records. The candle idea at least should have enough clearance inside for the 45 adapter. Not sure what the tool was called, but this luther friend of mine has some weird machine head hole tool and he used it on his records that wouldn't fit. The extra stand thing is a great idea. Can't think of how many times one of those would be handy. For some reason, i think i once used those screw in hooks for walls for 45s as well. Just because they were big enough to hang from them. Kinda like when you happen to be drinking ling neck beers and need a spot to hang some 45s off to dry when you clean them.

Record weights can the affect the turntable bearing on lesser turntables best stick to record clamps😊

Am lucky enough to own an orbe t/t which has a screw down clamp but before that I used a michell clamp on my rega , much better than a weight and really works on warped records

Great video Frank! You should do your own record weight with your logo on top I would definitely buy that! What stylus do you use on your record player ?

Man my record reemer is awesome, I also use it all the time

After spending a 'lot' on a Karousel upgrade on my Linn, the thought of putting a weight on it doesn't make sense.

Saw your Temu haul. Got a few things (RCA cables fail) cartridge alignment protractor. Plastic but works for 3 bucks. I've been apprehensive about changing/messing up going from stock AT to Ortofon Red. I have a Yamaha TT-303. Advive on tracking?? works but.....

Awesome video bro

I use a clamp. It does the same thing as a weight. I just don’t like the idea of putting a dead weight on my turntable (though you could argue that the clamp adds weight, too). I have a record label protector, and it indeed came with my Groovewasher record cleaning kit. If you’re handy, you could probably make one without buying a record cleaning kit. Can you tell me why you couldn’t use a 98 cent lint roller instead of a $15 record roller? Yes, the record roller is the perfect size for once around the record. But it would only take an extra round or two for the lint roller. I for one am happy with my Spin Clean. I tried an ultrasonic cleaner, and it did no better than my SC. The key to cleaning with the SC is rinsing off the excess fluid, and drying and polishing your record after you’ve rinsed it (this has been my experience, and it works best for me). I have yet to get a stylus force scale. I’ve been OK so far without it, but I may get one down the line. I use a ball point pen to make the hole larger. I put it in the hole, turn it a few times, then do the same with the other side. Works every time. (you can see I’m very much into record collecting on a budget!!!) I have no need for the stabilizer. I place my records on the cleaning cloth that comes with the Groovewasher. It works just fine!!! Though my comments may not show it, I appreciate you showing these things, Frank!!! It’s good to know what’s out there!!! Have you thought of doing a video on record collecting on a budget? I for one would be interested to see what you-and others in the comments-come up with. And I’m sure others would be interested, too. It would be a real service to the VC , since we all know how expensive this hobby is!!!

gear video! i still use my groove washer i also like the roller and got one after u did a video on it a few years ago

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 I've been playing vinyl for forty years. I've never felt the need for a weight, so I am not bothering now. I use a manual rotary cleaner. I'm quite happy with that. The machines cost between £300 and £400. Saving the money goes towards more music. One thing you didn't mention in this video and in previous videos is a Turntable Platform. I shall be getting one for my Turntable for around £65. They can also be used under CD Players and other Hifi equipment.

C’mon Frank 1 kg = 2.2 pounds . Love all the goodies I think I need some too . Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

Great list Frank! We will definitely try the Record Roller and Record Reamer for sure. Thank you for sharing and the recommendations.🙏🏻P.S. Have you heard the new single by David Gilmour,”The Piper’s Call”? If so, what did you think? Hope you’re having a great week!🎧

I use a light record weight, it's just enough to give enough weight to flatten warped records so the needle doesn't look to be bouncing. I barely had to adjust the speed. That said, I wouldn't use anything bigger.

100% agree with the record reamer. What do we humans do when it's a tight fit? We shove that record on the spindle. Then when we try to remove that record, we wriggle and wrestle with it in hopes that it doesn't break the record. I'll pay the money for a one time buy that's a life saver.

I have the same Record Roller and absolutely love it! It’s great for cleaning light dust off of my record before playing it.

Record weights are a no no with all Technics direct drive tables. All you are doing is wearing the thrust pad out extra more faster. Nice.

I may invest in a record reamer; I can see where it may come in handy.

Weights and clamps are grossly oversold. I bought a weight to use with dished discs, not for any other reason. Label protector? No. Just be careful about what you are doing. Zerostat --- YES, but learning how to use it can be tricky. You have to squeeze and release it SLOWLY in order for it to work. Ultrasonic cleaning should not be needed for most records. If you have some that are terribly dirty, it might help. Gram scale: Yes. But watch out for pricing. The Exact Same Model can cost $14 to $99. Taper reamers are common shop tools. You don't need a special one. I made a record holder for less than $1 from a small wood plaque and a piece of dowel I bought at Hobby Lobby.

Do you think that record roller would work on CDs? Or would it scratch them?

for the last item i just got a groove washer mat and place the record on there

Is this a re-upload? I feel like you posted this video a while back.

How about Zerostat gun. I use the record reamer, record weight, down force scale. I do used two spin cleaners for records. One to wash the other rinse.

Tight spindle hole is better than a reamed loose hole IMO

How about a dual purpose record reamer/ transit platter!

I personally like using record clamps. Less strain on the motor

Are record weights good for belt driven tt

I really want one of those record reamers, but $50 is a bit much. I may still get one. I really need it.

The Transit Platter is cool, but how does it sound?

Question, How noisy is the Huminguru?

What do you recommend for cleaning the platter?

@2:10 -- "...bad for your motor." It depends on the turntable. For 99.999% of turntables, it will not matter. If you have a turntable that cannot handle the weight of a clamp, then you might as well not waste you money on a clamp -- and instead, purchase a new turntable. For example, if you have a suitcase turntable, then it is time for a new turntable. For any good turntable, the extra weight of a clamp is akin to having the weight of groceries in your car. Technically, the groceries do make your car work harder. But if you turntable (or car) is designed properly, then the addition of a clamp is built in to the turntable's design, just as adding groceries to your car is built in to its design. @7:19 "...under 10 bucks", regarding stylus pressure gauge. I would like to see a review of those gauges being tested for accuracy. How much quality control goes in to a $10 product? They probably build them, package them, and ship them. Those gauges could be off by 10%, 20%, perhaps more, and how would we know? With so many low-end, mass produced items being built in China and elsewhere, I find it hard to trust those products where accuracy is a factor. Especially when the manufacturer knows that the customer will not know the difference. It would be great to line up a dozen different, low cost gauges, and see if they agree, or how far they differ in their readings. I would also like to see 3 from the same manufacturer, and whether or not the exact same models agree with their brothers. @8:00 -- The record hole expander is a great tool. One of my favorite records was hard to press down onto the platter, and a real chore trying to lift it off, without scratching it or breaking it. I sometimes wanted to listen to that record, but did not, knowing the chore that would await me. That tool (well, from a different manufacturer) fixed the problem. I rarely need it (I have a small record collection). But when you need it, you will be glad that you have it. @9:47 -- If I was working, I would consider buying one. But since I have the sleeve out from the record that is on the turntable, I can place a record on that sleeve. Not as good as that quality made transit platform, but good enough, when disposable cash is scarce.

The silicone lint roller is worth hundreds of times what it costs.

T-handle tapered reamer (1/8-1/2 (3.175mm-12.7mm). Less than $10.

No it's not a good idea using weight majority of turntables are not suited for weights! you better off with a clamp, and I know that Technics mk 2 because I've service the couple have a nylon thrush washer what will wear down very quickly using a weight get a clamp or suction pad. I have to give a caution about Sonic cleaners they are quite a new product and some evidence is coming to light that multiple cleanings over five times at five minutes per record is causing damage to the record making it sounding dull lifeless so our device to Mark your record and right inside the cover maybe a dot on the record that not to do it more than three times in its lifespan if at all. Best thing to clean records is vinyl cleaner for your car vinyl Groom put it on rub it in leave it for about 3 minutes give it another whiteboard and backwards rinse it off with deionised water

Why not just put the record back on the platter? Mind blown. Lol

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A lot of these accessories are really unnecessary I’ve heard that these record weights can put stress on the turntable motor and cause trouble

Glad you have the money to spend on all these gadgets, some ridiculously over--priced.

Für das ganze Geld kaufe ich lieber neue LP's!

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Why don’t you just teach us how to destroy our records 🤬