Re: Fixing warped vinyl

Has anyone ever tried to un-warp a vinyl album? I bought the Human League's Fascination ep from a thrift shop yesterday for the princely sum of $1.18. I checked the surface condition which was fine, but didn't notice the warp. I looked online and found this website that offers methods for fixing the vinyl: https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Warped-Vinyl-Record

Before trying any of these, I thought I'd throw it out to the forum...have any of you tried one or more of these methods (other than the prevention, of course)? What were the results?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2021 11:36AM by zoo.

I’ve tackled this situation twice… once successfully, once not.

Both times I put the record (in a paper sleeve) between two flat pieces of plywood, held tight with c-clamps, and put it in an oven.

The successful time I made sure the clamps were not placed over where the record was situated and I only kept it in oven a short time. (Less than 10min?)

The unsuccessful time I placed the clamps right over where the record was and left it in oven too long ( over a 1/2 hour?). The record was flat but grooves got melted and where the clamps were placed was ruined.

I might try the no-heat method mentioned in your article first as it’s the least risky. But you need patience.

If you wreck the record, I wouldn’t fret… I see that particular Human League one now and then at decent prices so at least it’s not something difficult to replace.

Thanks for the input. I currently have it placed between 18-in tiles, two on top to provide sufficient weight. I'm going to give it a few days to see if it does anything. The record is severely warped. Had I noticed I wouldn't have bought it, even for the very inexpensive price.

Warps never show themselves until you try to play them on your home turntable! Let us know how you make out….

If it's a little warped, I do the ol' put-a-nickel-on-the-tone-arm trick. Even tape that sucker down, if necessary. But severely warped? I'm too chicken to try any of those methods.