I've found out that if you order records online do not order in the heat of summer especially if you live in Texas like me! I ordered a few LPs last summer and it was anywhere from 105 to 110 degrees outside and the UPS mail trucks, including FedEx and UPS don't have any air conditioning! I ordered 5 LPs last summer and all but one were extremely warped. So anyways, I'm trying to use some common sense and just not order online in the Summertime and just just buy from local shops and wait to do my ordering online during the cooler months. Wish I could afford this Vinyl Flat, money is getting tight these days! Looks like a great product! Great Video!
I've never had a problem with heat during transit. Most come from the warehouses warped due to heat in them. I also don't live where we get a lot of 100 degree days thankfully, so that probably helps too.
@@BriansVinylRecords Texas is a really HOT place in Summer, people can and do actually die from the heat in their homes if their electricity's cut off during summer. They got laws here that's suppose to protect people from this happening to them here!
I just got one before New Years day and I've already fixed 3 records that's been bugging me for months. Temperature maintenance is extremely key for anyone having problems. I strongly recommend using a digital thermometer
My package came with a thermometer, and it works pretty well. Trial and error was the best thing for me, but I also use the groovy pouch and not an oven. Do you use the groovy pouch?
@@BriansVinylRecords nope I just use my regular electric oven. The hard part for me at first was that my oven only goes down to 170 so I have to use the warm and hold feature and open or close the oven depending on more or less heat lol
@@BriansVinylRecords my next experiment is leaving a record in it for 2wks to 1 month under a heat vent in my home office and see if it flattens perfect
Great vid, I've used one for years and it works just fine. I bought mine with the heated jacket which came with a digital thermometer. A very effective way to remove warps from records.
Good video bud! Glad to see this had positive results. The purchase of this just climbed up my priority ladder! Too bad we couldn't hear audio samples of the records, but I totally understand all the RUclips copy write issues. I've had mine blocked before myself. Thanks for sharing the results!
Thank you for posting this!! It’s exactly what I was hoping for in every way. Well done. I’m buying one as I have quite a few gems that need some love.
Great instructive video on how to use the vinyl flattener. I watch a few other youtube videos about the vinyl flattener. Switching them off as they were uninformative ego trips. Some I watched through to the end hoping I would learn something. But knew as much when they finished as I did when they started. Yours is top class. No nonsense. None of the sleep inducing needless waffle. I even learned what the die cut out foam was for. That information is not included in the instructions that came with the flattener. 10/10 for a great youtube video. One thing I’d like to know is, when putting the vinyl in the flattener do you put the warped side facing up or facing down? Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Once again thank you for a great video. I learned so much 👍🏼
I don't believe I have enough records that are warped to warrant buying this but I definitely appreciate the review. I know one thing... this this would pay for itself with one fixed rare psych or jazz album that was bought on the cheap because of a warp.
For sure. I have quite a few warped records that play fine, but are not fun to watch spin on the turntable. I have a record coming next week that sells for good money that I got dirt cheap because of a warp. I am hoping to get a good flattening experience on it. Crossing my fingers.
@@turnover57 So far I have had very good luck flattening records. The only ones I can't flatten are the ones were there are multiple warps in a row like a ripple effect. Those just won't smooth out.
I have Vinyl Flat and groovy pouch coming tomorrow, have 8 yard sale records to flatten out! Thanks for making this video! Will clean them (ultrasonic) before they go in the vinyl flat.
I have a VinylFlat that i use often. I use it for 2hrs on a 100f for 2hrs, let it cool, then 2hrs at 125f, let it cool, then at max recommendation for for the vinyl thickness. have not had any failures or record damage. takes a while but it works well.
A refreshingly straight forward practical review of the kit and an honest assessment of its worth. Thanks for sharing your experience. I've decided to dig out all my old vinyl collection from the attic where its been stored for the past 20 years. It's in excellent condition apart from one box that somehow ended up with other stuff piled on top that has warped most of the albums. I'm hoping this method will be the answer to my problems...
Good video on the vinyl flat which I also have and also I just order the record pi flattener to check it out and see how it works keep up the good work.
I've seen a couple posts about the vinyl flat. I've also read up on it. Seems like a good product. Glad you had success with 3 records so far. Hope all of them turn out good.
About 20 years ago, I was given a box of 78's and at least two of them had an incredible bad warp to them!! They were almost completely bent in half!! They looked like Pringle's potato chips, times 2!! I got two sheets of tempered glass and a pair of picnic benches that we had in the back yard. Cleaned the glass REALLY well, took the glass outside in the sun and laid one sheet down on the benches, that were side by side, put one of the 78's on the bottom glass and then put the other glass on top of it and left it there in the sun for a while. I don't recall how long but, it DID flatten the record! I brought the record sandwich in the house to let it cool on the kitchen table and, when I took the glass off, the record was flat and in perfect shape, again. Second record, same results!
@@BriansVinylRecords True, but, it was an experiment and, other than putting it in the oven (the other route suggested), I had no other option. As for this device, as great as it seems to be, up until a year ago when I bought a few thousand 45's, I only have about 3 to 5 mildly warped records. There might be twice as many in that bunch I bought last year. So, it's hardly worth my blowing over $200 for something I might use a dozen times.
@@RedVynil I have fixed well over 30 records with my vinyl flat. Sadly newer pressed records are coming out warped way too often these days. QC is a major issue that hasn't been fixed. To me it was well worth the investment.
@@BriansVinylRecords I'm wondering if they're using a cheaper vinyl! I've been noticing for the past few decades that, even if you get a record that's on ordinary black vinyl, if you hold it up to a light, you can still see through it! You can't do that with older black vinyl! There's also a few that I've got that are black but, when you hold it up to a light to look through it, it's red. I lost my blacklight about 20 years ago so, I haven't had the chance to check them out under that but, some cheaper records, under a blacklight, turn various colours! In normal light, they're black but, under a blacklight, they turn orange or yellow or red, possibly even brown, and have a swirly looking pattern. Mostly that's on cheaper records, like the ones from the New Jersey area. I don't know why but most records from that area are very badly made!
Great demo! Since it's been a while since you posted this, have you noticed any of your fixed vinyl re-warping? So many methods seem to work at first but then the vinyl slowly returns back to its orignal misshapen condition after a period of time.
I would think that's the case too it helps relax the vinyl relieving the stress causing the warp, I'm not the smartest guy in the world but it makes sense to me. Certain items like picture tubes were heated at far lower temperatures for extended periods to relieve stress in the glass from the processing. I'm sure they did this process because they had some tubes crack either in the factory, during shipping or even worse happen after the set was sold and in a customer's home.
Excellent video, thank you. I purchased one and just received it today and will be working on two albums, including Bob Seger's Greatest Hits. Came to me brutally warped, I got a refund so there's no worries if it gets damaged. Will be a good test run 👍
SO, I paused you for a bathroom break, and I came back to my 20 lb. fat cat standing on top of EXCILE ON MAIN STREET Album..it looks okay..but I have 3 more albums that melted on a hot weather move..Lucky for the cat..The Stones are good!!😻
Thank you, Brian, for the video. I plan on purchasing the Vinyl Flat. It really seems to work fairly well. I can't say I have any severely warped records. The worst would be similar to the record you flattened at the end of the video, which I do have a few of those. I am hopeful that the Vinyl Flat can help with those. Quick question: Some of the records that I would like to flatten are colored records. Should I be concerned with that, or should I proceed as if it weren't a colored record? Thank you again for the video. Blessings!
Have been very interested in this product for quote a while now. Great review and I think I just need to take the plunge. Stupid question: Can you do one long round (say 4-6 hours) instead of multiple rounds (2 hr) of heating and cooling?
Yes you can. I have done as long as 4 hours, but never tried more. I have found that most warps are solved with one 2:45 session. If you did 6 hours I would recommend the lower heat setting.
Hey Brian, do you think this is able to fix a record that has some heat warping damage? It looks mildly wavy in the external part, like a water-damaged paper. Nice channel, buddy. Subscribed!
Unfortunately no. I have not found a flattening system that can fix that kind of warp. I have a couple records like that I would love to find a way to fix, but no luck.
Love it, I got some warped records I would love to straighten. But, what I don't understand... what 'pouch' you talk about? Where do you put it in/on to heat? (Maybe because English isn't my native language I don't understand it).
I bought one but the pouch could never maintain 130 degrees even on the highest setting. Company has been great to work with but surprised they didn't just send me another pouch. I'm in the process of returning it and will have to try something else.
The pouch is not the problem. The problem is probably the heat source. I'm surprised they didn't just send you a new heating pad to try first. Sucks you weren't able to get it working right.
Hi Brian, you mentioned you had it on "Low" heat with the groovy pouch. I own a groovy pouch as well, but it doesn't give me the option on the level of heat (Just an On or Off button). Am I missing a piece for the groovy pouch? Thanks in advance.
You may have a different heating pad in yours than I do. Mine has a low, med and high option. They might have changed that between when I got mine and you got yours.
I bought this years ago when it came out and I had trouble with the heat couldn’t stabilize the heat on the pouch Did they make improvements on the pouch with the heat temperature ? My friends had better success with it than I did
I didn't bother with the oven. I prefer not to use that method as I have a gas oven and it can't keep the temperature low enough to safely use the vinyl flat
@@BriansVinylRecords I agree and think it is safer to use the groovy pouch over the oven method which is easy to overshoot the required temp.. ps I wonder if there are other editions of vinyl flat?? my says to start with an hour then 1 hour 15 minutes. my controller is just on and off and came with no thermometer???
Mine just Arrived today. So the Medium setting for 2 hours at a time sound right? I know it all really depends on the warp but low setting definitely didn’t get hot enough!
It really depends on your heating element. I used a thermometer to see what the temp got to for the one I have and so I do 2.5 hours on high because mine doesn't get as hot as others do. Takes some practice to get the right settings, but once you do you are good. Start on medium for 2 hours. Then see how it did. Follow the directions. Add another 15-30 minutes if it isn't completely gone and run a second cycle for 2 hours 15 minutes. Good luck!
Hello! Yes, I have flattened quite a few since this video. The only failures I have had pertain to albums where they have a ribbon like effect. Several lip warps one after another. It doesn't seem to be able to fix that issue. Otherwise, I have been very successful in flattening out my albums that come warped.
i regretfully bought one of these. it didn’t improve the warp. very disappointed. tried numerous heat levels and durations. the warp was localized to approx 20 deg of circumference whereas the example here the warp looks less severe over 1/2 the circumference. so maybe not good for localized warp?
Is it more of a crease than a warp? If there is any sort of creasing it is very hard to get those out. Lips warps as well are near impossible to get out. But anything where the warp is smooth the vinyl flat fixes very nicely.
It's flat but I see the arm and cartridge jumping around. Which means that the groves are distorted. Not good for reproduction. Makes you wonder if it's worth it to try and flatten a warped record. I've only got 2 or 3 really warped ones out of about 1000 records. More economical to just get better copies.
As long as you monitor the temp, you are good. They use different heating elements in the groovy pouch and some get hot at low, some don't unless it's high. I have to set mine to medium and haven't ruined a record yet!
I bought the first version, and it didn't work very well at all. A bad warp turned in multiple ripples, no temperature probe, over heated and ruined a couple records. Best thing to do most of the time is use a turn table center weight that will hold the record mostly flat as you play.
It depends on what you consider dished. If you mean bowed from the center, yes that works great. If you mean ribboned like the bowl people make out of old records (just not that extreme) this method does not work.
Can I send you a couple albums, of the jazz musician , maybe you could do a RUclips...RJ LAXVESPA-LOSANGELES - first release - Chris Kelly's Black & White New Orleans Jazz Band - Don't Go 'way, Nobody... there's another one that has a pink cover it's a dedicated Album 2 a long gone black musician...
I was wondering if that was an option! Should think it would have some degree of success and without setting my nerves on edge using heat to melt and destroy the vinyl!
You need the vinyl flat for sure. The groovy pouch is just a heated pouch to heat up the vinyl flat. Instead of using an oven, you can buy and use the groovy pouch. I chose that method and am very glad.
They no longer offered on Amazon, Amazon customers are crazy they have the most liberal return policies.. I bought two boxes of a dead Jazz musicians releases.. sealed might be warped... I'm planning on buying one along with the groovy blanket... it's a business write-off... they appear to have their own website... there are some really expensive overseas models available on eBay for several thousand dollars , I think they shipped from Japan.. at least the sealed ones are clean... many of the records I have from Acquisitions are not clean... some of them are so obscure they don't even appear on discogs...
Actually $5.00. I had two copies when I got a second one free. Worked out well and now two DLR fans are happy. Obviously you weren’t the buyer since you appear to have disdain for him, but to each their own.
@@BriansVinylRecords I have vinyl as well but pisses me off how these new releases have crap quality. Parlaphone maiden albums. 3 out of 4 dish warped wtf?
@@tiborosz1825 Oh I agree. Quality control has been a big issue. Thankfully it appears to be getting better as I haven't had a warped new vinyl in a while. I bought this for used ones. You can get used records for cheap if there are fixable warps in them.
ALL THIS CRAP TO TRY AND RESTORE AN LP? CDS MADE ALL THIS NONSENSE IRRELEVANT NEARLY 40 YEARS AGO. NO CONTEST BETWEEN CD AND LP. CDS SOUND BETTER AND CLEANER AND DON'T DEGRADE AFTER EVERY PLAYBACK AS VINYL DOES -STYLUS VS LASER-AND NO NEED FOR DUPLICATION AS CDS CAN BE PLAYED IN THE CAR OR ON THE GO. STORAGE SPACE IS A NO BRAINER. 1000 CDS VS 1000 LPS. CDS HAVE BETTER GRAPHICS AND LINER NOTES AND WITH PROPER CLEANING AND HANDLING WILL LAST FOREVER. NOSKIPS POPS OR CLICKS. THEANALOG VS DIGITAL DEBATE IS IFF UNLESS YOU HAVE THE HEARING OF A DOG. THE REST IS A NO BRAINER. JUST NOSTALGIA FOR OLD SCHOOL LUDITES AND A NEW TOY FOR KIDS THAT NEVER EXPERIENCED THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LPS IN THEIR HEYDAY.
LOL - a "Luddite" is someone who isn't downloading/streaming now. But I'm honestly good with how anyone chooses to collect and listen to music. There are good practical reasons to go with vinyl besides "nostalgia". 1) There are multitudes of vinyl releases and cuts of songs that never made it to CDs or downloads. Of course, if you must have it in a newer format, you can transfer and put the vinyl on the shelf. 2) Per 1, the analog vs. digital "debate" isn't the point when you consider the real debate is mastering here vs. mastering there. Some vinyls have superior mastering and some CDs have shitty mastering. Digital doesn't automagically mean "perfect to everyone's ears". 3) CDs degrade, get scratches, skip, etc. One can take care of vinyl or CDs and maintain a decent collection. Or one can handle either roughly and end up with trash. The only real difference is that it takes real skill to handle/play vinyls well and keep them in great condition. Having a vinyl collection in great condition demonstrates an audiophile with no real comparison. 4) Quite obvious, but LP covers are larger and sometimes considered as art. I know folks who hang them up as such.
Please for the love of God can someone tell us why we still use vinyl records. A scratch and it’s done. Let’s stick with cds or Spotify and call it a day. I spend so much on vinyl and still sounds Like shit. And yes I do know to setup a record player.
Back in the day, RCA would include on their record sleeve, instructions on how to preserve your records. One of those was, NEVER store records on their EDGE. Always lay flat. They also explained how to properly clean your records. Yes, we called them Records back then. Your generation is making the hobby so complicated and aftermarket product heavy for some unknown reason. 🙄
Well thankfully I don’t have RCA telling how to store my records because storing them flat is a terrible idea. The weight of the records on top would damage the ones on the bottom over time. Glad my generation finally figured that out. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Rock on!
@@BriansVinylRecords Please explain what kind of damage. I've done this my entire life. No damage at all. But, I know not to stack them 8 foot high as well. On the other hand, I've seen friends records end up bent like a Pringle potato chip when side standing them. I'm just curious 🤔. Thanks 😊
@@GeemailMailboxx if ur generation did it so well then how come so many of my 60s-70s records look so jacked up? Stacking them on their side is silly. You can't easily grab a record on the bottom of the stack, the weight leads to warp, and it's a great way leave ring wear on all ur records.
@@__Diavolo__ I guess it really didn't matter back then because they were a dime a dozen at that time. Think about it, I would run the hell out of Chevy Chavelle back then, today, I wouldn't think of doing that. Records are a gimmick now for the new kids. They are plentiful and overpriced. Look at the rooms full of Records you youtubers have, thousands of them. Hardly a rare commodity, just an overpriced hobby now. 😏
@@GeemailMailboxx not for me man. I keep good care of my records because they are important to me. I don't buy overpriced modern garbage, 99% of mine are old pressings which in many cases aren't dime a dozen. I'm also not a RUclipsr, not rich, and don't have thousands. I don't get being so crochety over people enjoying the same media format u used to.
I've found out that if you order records online do not order in the heat of summer especially if you live in Texas like me! I ordered a few LPs last summer and it was anywhere from 105 to 110 degrees outside and the UPS mail trucks, including FedEx and UPS don't have any air conditioning! I ordered 5 LPs last summer and all but one were extremely warped. So anyways, I'm trying to use some common sense and just not order online in the Summertime and just just buy from local shops and wait to do my ordering online during the cooler months.
Wish I could afford this Vinyl Flat, money is getting tight these days! Looks like a great product! Great Video!
I've never had a problem with heat during transit. Most come from the warehouses warped due to heat in them. I also don't live where we get a lot of 100 degree days thankfully, so that probably helps too.
@@BriansVinylRecords Texas is a really HOT place in Summer, people can and do actually die from the heat in their homes if their electricity's cut off during summer. They got laws here that's suppose to protect people from this happening to them here!
I just got one before New Years day and I've already fixed 3 records that's been bugging me for months. Temperature maintenance is extremely key for anyone having problems. I strongly recommend using a digital thermometer
My package came with a thermometer, and it works pretty well. Trial and error was the best thing for me, but I also use the groovy pouch and not an oven. Do you use the groovy pouch?
@@BriansVinylRecords nope I just use my regular electric oven. The hard part for me at first was that my oven only goes down to 170 so I have to use the warm and hold feature and open or close the oven depending on more or less heat lol
@@BriansVinylRecords my next experiment is leaving a record in it for 2wks to 1 month under a heat vent in my home office and see if it flattens perfect
Great vid, I've used one for years and it works just fine. I bought mine with the heated jacket which came with a digital thermometer. A very effective way to remove warps from records.
Yeah I have that as well. Glad you enjoy yours too.
Good video bud! Glad to see this had positive results. The purchase of this just climbed up my priority ladder! Too bad we couldn't hear audio samples of the records, but I totally understand all the RUclips copy write issues. I've had mine blocked before myself. Thanks for sharing the results!
Thanks boss! I hope your results are as good as mine.
Might have to get one
Thank you for posting this!! It’s exactly what I was hoping for in every way. Well done. I’m buying one as I have quite a few gems that need some love.
Thanks for watching. I hope you have as much success as I have
Great instructive video on how to use the vinyl flattener. I watch a few other youtube videos about the vinyl flattener. Switching them off as they were uninformative ego trips. Some I watched through to the end hoping I would learn something. But knew as much when they finished as I did when they started.
Yours is top class. No nonsense. None of the sleep inducing needless waffle. I even learned what the die cut out foam was for. That information is not included in the instructions that came with the flattener. 10/10 for a great youtube video.
One thing I’d like to know is, when putting the vinyl in the flattener do you put the warped side facing up or facing down? Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Once again thank you for a great video. I learned so much 👍🏼
I don't believe I have enough records that are warped to warrant buying this but I definitely appreciate the review.
I know one thing... this this would pay for itself with one fixed rare psych or jazz album that was bought on the cheap because of a warp.
For sure. I have quite a few warped records that play fine, but are not fun to watch spin on the turntable. I have a record coming next week that sells for good money that I got dirt cheap because of a warp. I am hoping to get a good flattening experience on it. Crossing my fingers.
Ahoy Eric!
I was doing the math myself.
Maybe I'll get the device and try using an electric blanket.
@@BriansVinylRecords did the flatening expérience was good with other record?
I just saw your vidéo,good job man
@@turnover57 So far I have had very good luck flattening records. The only ones I can't flatten are the ones were there are multiple warps in a row like a ripple effect. Those just won't smooth out.
Pretty cool. Found this because I received a purchase and both LPs are warped.
New Sub.
Thanks!
I have Vinyl Flat and groovy pouch coming tomorrow, have 8 yard sale records to flatten out! Thanks for making this video! Will clean them (ultrasonic) before they go in the vinyl flat.
Rock on! I wish you much success!
@BriansVinylRecords 1st one was a fale (100% my fault) the others came out perfect!!!!
@@edwardyoung8575 bummer on the first one, but I'm glad to hear you got the rest working well. So exciting.
I have a VinylFlat that i use often. I use it for 2hrs on a 100f for 2hrs, let it cool, then 2hrs at 125f, let it cool, then at max recommendation for for the vinyl thickness. have not had any failures or record damage. takes a while but it works well.
I like that approach. Very cool.
A refreshingly straight forward practical review of the kit and an honest assessment of its worth. Thanks for sharing your experience. I've decided to dig out all my old vinyl collection from the attic where its been stored for the past 20 years. It's in excellent condition apart from one box that somehow ended up with other stuff piled on top that has warped most of the albums. I'm hoping this method will be the answer to my problems...
As long as there is no groove damage from storage, this method should work well.
Good video on the vinyl flat which I also have and also I just order the record pi flattener to check it out and see how it works keep up the good work.
Thank you, im getting one of these. Too many mail orders are warped I’m guessing from the extreme heat. Great to have a solution.
Hope you enjoy it!
I've seen a couple posts about the vinyl flat. I've also read up on it. Seems like a good product. Glad you had success with 3 records so far. Hope all of them turn out good.
Thanks Todd! I hope so too. I have a really nasty warped record coming in, and if I can get it to flatten and be playable I will be so excited!
Great video! I always wondered about this contraption.
same here... just bit the bullet and ordered it. :)
Back in the day we just put them in between 2 pieces of glass and left it in the Sun for 15-20 minutes at a time.
some still do that! I just never had luck with the two pieces of glass method.
My metallica album is warped on the "In justice for all" LP : O
I'm hoping this works. One side plays well.
Other side wobbles everywhere.
depends on the warp, but if it plays then the vinyl flat should take care of it. Might take a couple cycles.
About 20 years ago, I was given a box of 78's and at least two of them had an incredible bad warp to them!! They were almost completely bent in half!! They looked like Pringle's potato chips, times 2!! I got two sheets of tempered glass and a pair of picnic benches that we had in the back yard. Cleaned the glass REALLY well, took the glass outside in the sun and laid one sheet down on the benches, that were side by side, put one of the 78's on the bottom glass and then put the other glass on top of it and left it there in the sun for a while. I don't recall how long but, it DID flatten the record! I brought the record sandwich in the house to let it cool on the kitchen table and, when I took the glass off, the record was flat and in perfect shape, again. Second record, same results!
That is one way to do it, but I would worry about groove distortion and damage myself.
@@BriansVinylRecords True, but, it was an experiment and, other than putting it in the oven (the other route suggested), I had no other option.
As for this device, as great as it seems to be, up until a year ago when I bought a few thousand 45's, I only have about 3 to 5 mildly warped records. There might be twice as many in that bunch I bought last year. So, it's hardly worth my blowing over $200 for something I might use a dozen times.
@@RedVynil I have fixed well over 30 records with my vinyl flat. Sadly newer pressed records are coming out warped way too often these days. QC is a major issue that hasn't been fixed. To me it was well worth the investment.
@@BriansVinylRecords I'm wondering if they're using a cheaper vinyl! I've been noticing for the past few decades that, even if you get a record that's on ordinary black vinyl, if you hold it up to a light, you can still see through it! You can't do that with older black vinyl! There's also a few that I've got that are black but, when you hold it up to a light to look through it, it's red. I lost my blacklight about 20 years ago so, I haven't had the chance to check them out under that but, some cheaper records, under a blacklight, turn various colours! In normal light, they're black but, under a blacklight, they turn orange or yellow or red, possibly even brown, and have a swirly looking pattern. Mostly that's on cheaper records, like the ones from the New Jersey area. I don't know why but most records from that area are very badly made!
@@RedVynil I think it's more to do with not letting the vinyl cool enough after pressing them due to the high demand for vinyl now. Not sure though.
Great demo!
Since it's been a while since you posted this, have you noticed any of your fixed vinyl re-warping? So many methods seem to work at first but then the vinyl slowly returns back to its orignal misshapen condition after a period of time.
I haven't had any issues with albums rewarping at all. Everything has been good and stayed flat.
I would think that's the case too it helps relax the vinyl relieving the stress causing the warp, I'm not the smartest guy in the world but it makes sense to me. Certain items like picture tubes were heated at far lower temperatures for extended periods to relieve stress in the glass from the processing. I'm sure they did this process because they had some tubes crack either in the factory, during shipping or even worse happen after the set was sold and in a customer's home.
just found your channel. Very interesting video. I've seen this before. I think I may have to try it. Thanks
Thanks for checking me out
Excellent video, thank you. I purchased one and just received it today and will be working on two albums, including Bob Seger's Greatest Hits. Came to me brutally warped, I got a refund so there's no worries if it gets damaged. Will be a good test run 👍
Awesome! I hope you have as much success as I have. I just flatted another this last week. Love it!
@@BriansVinylRecords yup, full success on all 3 albums. Very very happy 👍
@@tjveith fantastic!
Very good presentation. Enjoyed! Andre’
Glad you enjoyed it!
SO, I paused you for a bathroom break, and I came back to my 20 lb. fat cat standing on top of EXCILE ON MAIN STREET Album..it looks okay..but I have 3 more albums that melted on a hot weather move..Lucky for the cat..The Stones are good!!😻
Phew, glad Exile is ok. Great album
Ahoy Brian!
What a salesman, I'm sold!
Now I know.
Thank You!
May your results be as good as mine.
Thank you, Brian, for the video. I plan on purchasing the Vinyl Flat. It really seems to work fairly well. I can't say I have any severely warped records. The worst would be similar to the record you flattened at the end of the video, which I do have a few of those. I am hopeful that the Vinyl Flat can help with those. Quick question: Some of the records that I would like to flatten are colored records. Should I be concerned with that, or should I proceed as if it weren't a colored record? Thank you again for the video. Blessings!
I haven't seen any issues with color vs black vinyl. I think you will be okay.
@@BriansVinylRecords Thank you, Brian!
great video, very informative, thank you very much!
Glad it was helpful!
Good work, bro! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed
Thanks for sharing this man!! Enjoyed it bro, Peace
Thanks Rod!
Have been very interested in this product for quote a while now. Great review and I think I just need to take the plunge. Stupid question: Can you do one long round (say 4-6 hours) instead of multiple rounds (2 hr) of heating and cooling?
Yes you can. I have done as long as 4 hours, but never tried more. I have found that most warps are solved with one 2:45 session. If you did 6 hours I would recommend the lower heat setting.
@@BriansVinylRecords Thank you Brian!
Hey Brian, do you think this is able to fix a record that has some heat warping damage?
It looks mildly wavy in the external part, like a water-damaged paper.
Nice channel, buddy. Subscribed!
Unfortunately no. I have not found a flattening system that can fix that kind of warp. I have a couple records like that I would love to find a way to fix, but no luck.
Love it, I got some warped records I would love to straighten. But, what I don't understand... what 'pouch' you talk about? Where do you put it in/on to heat? (Maybe because English isn't my native language I don't understand it).
They sell a pouch with a heating element. It's an add on and totally worth it.
www.vinylflat.com/product-page/the-groovy-pouch
@@BriansVinylRecords Ah okay, thanks!
I bought one but the pouch could never maintain 130 degrees even on the highest setting. Company has been great to work with but surprised they didn't just send me another pouch. I'm in the process of returning it and will have to try something else.
The pouch is not the problem. The problem is probably the heat source. I'm surprised they didn't just send you a new heating pad to try first. Sucks you weren't able to get it working right.
Hi Brian, you mentioned you had it on "Low" heat with the groovy pouch. I own a groovy pouch as well, but it doesn't give me the option on the level of heat (Just an On or Off button). Am I missing a piece for the groovy pouch? Thanks in advance.
You may have a different heating pad in yours than I do. Mine has a low, med and high option. They might have changed that between when I got mine and you got yours.
@@BriansVinylRecords thanks for your reply! That makes sense, I thought my pouch was missing something.
After 3 years of using the VINYL FLAT, you still having success flattening records? I just got one and am testing with a warped record now.
I don't have as many warped records as I did, but when I have had to use the vinyl flat it works perfectly.
I'm not quite sure I follow how this gizmo works. Why is the pouch required? Does it heat the vinyl?
The pouch is not required. If you don’t have it you can use your oven. I didn’t want to do that, so I bought the pouch instead.
I bought this years ago when it came out and I had trouble with the heat couldn’t stabilize the heat on the pouch
Did they make improvements on the pouch with the heat temperature ?
My friends had better success with it than I did
Yes, I believe they changed the heat source on them. I don’t recall, but so far so good for me.
Great video...have you noticed any difference while trying to flatten coloured vinyl?
Just remember, black vinyl is color vinyl as well. You shouldn't see much difference :)
RUclips recomended and new sub
Thanks
Nice review and info
Thank you
Do you get the same results using the Vinyl Flat in the oven?
I didn't bother with the oven. I prefer not to use that method as I have a gas oven and it can't keep the temperature low enough to safely use the vinyl flat
Ahoy Chris!
An oven might be to hot.
I would try an electric blanket.
@@BriansVinylRecords I agree and think it is safer to use the groovy pouch over the oven method which is easy to overshoot the required temp.. ps I wonder if there are other editions of vinyl flat?? my says to start with an hour then 1 hour 15 minutes. my controller is just on and off and came with no thermometer???
Mine just Arrived today. So the Medium setting for 2 hours at a time sound right? I know it all really depends on the warp but low setting definitely didn’t get hot enough!
It really depends on your heating element. I used a thermometer to see what the temp got to for the one I have and so I do 2.5 hours on high because mine doesn't get as hot as others do. Takes some practice to get the right settings, but once you do you are good. Start on medium for 2 hours. Then see how it did. Follow the directions. Add another 15-30 minutes if it isn't completely gone and run a second cycle for 2 hours 15 minutes. Good luck!
Have you flattened any more? Did you end up having any problems. Just got mine and wondering if you had any more tips after 5 months
Hello! Yes, I have flattened quite a few since this video. The only failures I have had pertain to albums where they have a ribbon like effect. Several lip warps one after another. It doesn't seem to be able to fix that issue. Otherwise, I have been very successful in flattening out my albums that come warped.
@@BriansVinylRecords have you had any attempts that ended up with the "orange Peel" effect some people have talked about when you overdo it?
i regretfully bought one of these. it didn’t improve the warp. very disappointed. tried numerous heat levels and durations. the warp was localized to approx 20 deg of circumference whereas the example here the warp looks less severe over 1/2 the circumference. so maybe not good for localized warp?
Is it more of a crease than a warp? If there is any sort of creasing it is very hard to get those out. Lips warps as well are near impossible to get out. But anything where the warp is smooth the vinyl flat fixes very nicely.
@@BriansVinylRecords no it’s not a crease, but the warp is 1/2 inch in amplitude over very localized area. finally gave up.
It's flat but I see the arm and cartridge jumping around. Which means that the groves are distorted. Not good for reproduction.
Makes you wonder if it's worth it to try and flatten a warped record. I've only got 2 or 3 really warped ones out of about 1000 records. More economical to just get better copies.
I'm not sure what video you watched, but I don't see any cart movement in the video. No groove damage here.
Would you say the quality of the audio was at all compromised by this process?
No, I have not had any issues with audio quality when using the vinyl flat.
Have any idea how many watts of energy the pouch consumes?
The same amount as a heating pad because that’s what it is.
Do Not go above the LOW setting on the Groovey Pouch. I've ruined a record or two by doing so. Don't say I haven't warned you!!
As long as you monitor the temp, you are good. They use different heating elements in the groovy pouch and some get hot at low, some don't unless it's high. I have to set mine to medium and haven't ruined a record yet!
Do you preheat the pouch and if so what temperature do you preheat it
I typically will let the pouch warm up for about ten minutes then put in the vinyl flat and start the timer.
@@BriansVinylRecords do you have any experience doing 45s? If so give me some tips
@@djranman I've never tried a 45. I believe it comes with felt rings for them though.
I bought the first version, and it didn't work very well at all. A bad warp turned in multiple ripples, no temperature probe, over heated and ruined a couple records. Best thing to do most of the time is use a turn table center weight that will hold the record mostly flat as you play.
The one I have must have fixed all those issues. Works great for me!
@@BriansVinylRecords I complained to them and they never answered. Not even sure the two plates were actually flat. It just was wasted money.
Hi…any results from a “dished” record?
It depends on what you consider dished. If you mean bowed from the center, yes that works great. If you mean ribboned like the bowl people make out of old records (just not that extreme) this method does not work.
@@BriansVinylRecords thanks
Can I send you a couple albums, of the jazz musician , maybe you could do a RUclips...RJ LAXVESPA-LOSANGELES - first release - Chris Kelly's Black & White New Orleans Jazz Band - Don't Go 'way, Nobody... there's another one that has a pink cover it's a dedicated Album 2 a long gone black musician...
Thanks for the offer RJ, but I am not a big Jazz fan. I'd rather they go to someone that would appreciate them.
Would the vinyl flat still work without heat if you left it for a month?
I don't know. I have never tried that method. I believe it is an option though. I think there are guidelines for that in the instructions.
I was wondering if that was an option! Should think it would have some degree of success and without setting my nerves on edge using heat to melt and destroy the vinyl!
Hi Brian, do i need to buy both or I can buy the Groovy Pouch ?
You need the vinyl flat for sure. The groovy pouch is just a heated pouch to heat up the vinyl flat. Instead of using an oven, you can buy and use the groovy pouch. I chose that method and am very glad.
@@BriansVinylRecords Thanks Brian! :)
Donde puedo conseguir el vinyl flat?
vinylflat.com
Has anyone figured out how to use this on 45s?
I would think it would be the same as normal. Just use different padding.
I’m nervous the grooves will get ruined then causing damage to the stylus
So far so good. The felt liner helps with that. Just have to make sure not to overheat. That is when it damages grooves.
Hey So Where Do I Buy This From? There Website Directly? Can I Order It On Ebay Or Amazon, Or It Only Sells On There Website
Only on their website as far as I know
They no longer offered on Amazon, Amazon customers are crazy they have the most liberal return policies.. I bought two boxes of a dead Jazz musicians releases.. sealed might be warped... I'm planning on buying one along with the groovy blanket... it's a business write-off... they appear to have their own website... there are some really expensive overseas models available on eBay for several thousand dollars , I think they shipped from Japan.. at least the sealed ones are clean... many of the records I have from Acquisitions are not clean... some of them are so obscure they don't even appear on discogs...
Have you tried this on colored vinyl?
Yes I have and it works the same. No change.
@@BriansVinylRecords Thank you for answering that question because I was wondering about colored vinyl.
@@BriansVinylRecords found the answer to my question :) Thanks Brian! Can't wait for some more podcasts 😉
And now that you've fixed the David Lee Roth record, you can sell it for $1.00- $3.00 lol...
Actually $5.00. I had two copies when I got a second one free. Worked out well and now two DLR fans are happy. Obviously you weren’t the buyer since you appear to have disdain for him, but to each their own.
Great video but trust me,i think you will be fine with tour prince recordafter all its just prince,no great loss there man 😅
You are obviously not from Minnesota
haha, that LP was NOT badly warped. Nothing compared to some of the horror stories out there :)
I have a couple of those horror stories my collection. LOL
I've seen worse get fixed.
Me too!
If it’s a thinner record, forget about it.
I’ve had no issues with standard weight albums. Most of the albums I’ve flattened are standard weight.
Wait a minute...You actually spent money on a David Lee Roth album?? LMFAO!!
Sure did and it was worth every penny
A two dollar record in my time. If that.
That’s why you use it to test.
The pathetic overpriced existence of vinyl addicts. An LP toater for 2k..gimme a break. Just get a CD!
Thanks for watching. I love CDs. I have over 1100 of them. I love vinyl too. Sorry you feel the need to be a jerk. Have a great day.
@@BriansVinylRecords I have vinyl as well but pisses me off how these new releases have crap quality. Parlaphone maiden albums. 3 out of 4 dish warped wtf?
@@BriansVinylRecords how much was the toaster btw?
@@tiborosz1825 Oh I agree. Quality control has been a big issue. Thankfully it appears to be getting better as I haven't had a warped new vinyl in a while. I bought this for used ones. You can get used records for cheap if there are fixable warps in them.
@@tiborosz1825 I bought it with the groovy pouch and it was about $120 in total if I remember correctly.
ALL THIS CRAP TO TRY AND RESTORE AN LP? CDS MADE ALL THIS NONSENSE IRRELEVANT NEARLY 40 YEARS AGO. NO CONTEST BETWEEN CD AND LP. CDS SOUND BETTER AND CLEANER AND DON'T DEGRADE AFTER EVERY PLAYBACK AS VINYL DOES -STYLUS VS LASER-AND NO NEED FOR DUPLICATION AS CDS CAN BE PLAYED IN THE CAR OR ON THE GO. STORAGE SPACE IS A NO BRAINER. 1000 CDS VS 1000 LPS. CDS HAVE BETTER GRAPHICS AND LINER NOTES AND WITH PROPER CLEANING AND HANDLING WILL LAST FOREVER. NOSKIPS POPS OR CLICKS. THEANALOG VS DIGITAL DEBATE IS IFF UNLESS YOU HAVE THE HEARING OF A DOG. THE REST IS A NO BRAINER. JUST NOSTALGIA FOR OLD SCHOOL LUDITES AND A NEW TOY FOR KIDS THAT NEVER EXPERIENCED THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LPS IN THEIR HEYDAY.
Hey man, thanks for watching. I enjoy CDs too… hell Cassettes even. Rock on!
LOL - a "Luddite" is someone who isn't downloading/streaming now. But I'm honestly good with how anyone chooses to collect and listen to music.
There are good practical reasons to go with vinyl besides "nostalgia".
1) There are multitudes of vinyl releases and cuts of songs that never made it to CDs or downloads. Of course, if you must have it in a newer format, you can transfer and put the vinyl on the shelf.
2) Per 1, the analog vs. digital "debate" isn't the point when you consider the real debate is mastering here vs. mastering there. Some vinyls have superior mastering and some CDs have shitty mastering. Digital doesn't automagically mean "perfect to everyone's ears".
3) CDs degrade, get scratches, skip, etc. One can take care of vinyl or CDs and maintain a decent collection. Or one can handle either roughly and end up with trash. The only real difference is that it takes real skill to handle/play vinyls well and keep them in great condition. Having a vinyl collection in great condition demonstrates an audiophile with no real comparison.
4) Quite obvious, but LP covers are larger and sometimes considered as art. I know folks who hang them up as such.
@@StefenTowervalid points
Please for the love of God can someone tell us why we still use vinyl records. A scratch and it’s done. Let’s stick with cds or Spotify and call it a day. I spend so much on vinyl and still sounds
Like shit. And yes I do know to setup a record player.
Better question is why are you watching vinyl videos if you dislike them so much?
exactly 😁
Vinyls last way longer than CD's and sound open, not digitally compressed.. we were tricked by Martha Quinn of Mtv that CD's were the shit...
You don't get it vinyl is like a religion.. might come in all shapes and flavors....LAXVESPA-LOSANGELES
Back in the day, RCA would include on their record sleeve, instructions on how to preserve your records. One of those was, NEVER store records on their EDGE. Always lay flat. They also explained how to properly clean your records. Yes, we called them Records back then. Your generation is making the hobby so complicated and aftermarket product heavy for some unknown reason. 🙄
Well thankfully I don’t have RCA telling how to store my records because storing them flat is a terrible idea. The weight of the records on top would damage the ones on the bottom over time. Glad my generation finally figured that out. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Rock on!
@@BriansVinylRecords Please explain what kind of damage. I've done this my entire life. No damage at all. But, I know not to stack them 8 foot high as well. On the other hand, I've seen friends records end up bent like a Pringle potato chip when side standing them. I'm just curious 🤔. Thanks 😊
@@GeemailMailboxx if ur generation did it so well then how come so many of my 60s-70s records look so jacked up? Stacking them on their side is silly. You can't easily grab a record on the bottom of the stack, the weight leads to warp, and it's a great way leave ring wear on all ur records.
@@__Diavolo__ I guess it really didn't matter back then because they were a dime a dozen at that time. Think about it, I would run the hell out of Chevy Chavelle back then, today, I wouldn't think of doing that. Records are a gimmick now for the new kids. They are plentiful and overpriced. Look at the rooms full of Records you youtubers have, thousands of them. Hardly a rare commodity, just an overpriced hobby now. 😏
@@GeemailMailboxx not for me man. I keep good care of my records because they are important to me. I don't buy overpriced modern garbage, 99% of mine are old pressings which in many cases aren't dime a dozen. I'm also not a RUclipsr, not rich, and don't have thousands. I don't get being so crochety over people enjoying the same media format u used to.