Re: [ARSCLIST] Record Gunk

[David Lennick <dlennick@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Christie Peterson wrote:

> We have a 33 1/3 rpm record from 1958 with what can only be described as
> white gunk all over the surface.  I'm looking for diagnoses and/or
> advice about what to do with it (other than don't play it, which is
> impossible in its current condition anyhow).
>
> I've posted pictures here:
> http://abacus.bates.edu/Library/aboutladd/departments/special/Disc.jpg
> http://abacus.bates.edu/Library/aboutladd/departments/special/GunkUpClose.jpg
> http://abacus.bates.edu/Library/aboutladd/departments/special/Sleeve.jpg
>
> We rubbed a small amount of the stuff off from the blank surface near
> the label (visible in the pictures).  It came off fairly easily, and had
> a waxy texture.
>
> This disc has been stored alongside a number of others that are all
> fine, so I'm guessing this is something to do with the initial
> manufacturing process, but not sure.  Based on the label, I wouldn't be
> surprised if this was some sort of instantaneous recording disc.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --

Does it feel as if it has an aluminum base and does it have at least one extra
hole visible under the label (possibly 3)? If so, it's definitely an
instantaneous disc and these often turn white, from palmitic acid exuded from the
lacquer coating. Windex (original, Blue, no generic imitations) works on
these..try some on a blank portion of the disc if there is one. Shpritz on, wipe
off, rinse with distilled water. And hope that cleaning the disc doesn't reveal
flaking of the lacquer coating.

Wrote this before looking at the image..if I had, I'd have seen the word
"Soundcraft" on the sleeve behind the disc, which confirms everything I wrote
above. Soundcrap discs are notorious for this stuff.

dl