Turntable skipping/skating

If your Vinyl is skipping, jumping  or “skating” (where the stylus will suddenly slide to another part of the record) it can be quite tempting to assume there is an issue with the record, however, this can sometimes be due to how the player is configured and there are couple of things that you can check that may solve this issue.

1. Ensure the player is on a stable and perfectly level surface - If not, a number of outside factors can affect the playability. The stylus and needle have been exerting a consistent amount of downward pressure into the grooves of the vinyl and an uneven surface will cause the needle to jump out of the grooves or slide at an angle across the record, causing skipping.
   
   
2. Check the condition of the stylus/needle - Needles are incredibly fragile and prone to picking up dust and grit, even the slightest bend or build up will cause skipping. It is recommended that the stylus/needle of a turntable is replaced at approximately 1000 hours of record playing time, or more regularly to maintain the quality of playback.
   
3. Invest in an anti static vinyl cleaning kit - Vinyl records will pick up dust easily and this can build up in the grooves of a record quite quickly, causing the sound quality to degrade and the album to become more prone to jumping. It is therefore highly recommended that you invest in a vinyl cleaning kit and clean your vinyl before and/or after use to keep them in good condition and long lasting.
   
   
   Should you have followed the above advice and continue to experience issues with your turntable, please Contact Us for further assistance.