Skippy needles make local DJ commit suicide....

**The_Kid** · 09-17-2001

OK, I need everybody's input on how to reduce needle skipping. It's just at the point with me now that I may snap at any moment if my needles skip again. I'm all ears to ANY tips posted on how to reduce skippage. I have 2 Shure M44G carts, both with new styli. I keep them at 2 grams each, anti-skate at 0, and height at 2.

Help...

**contec** · 09-17-2001

if you're using 1200's or vestax tables, try waiting for your styli to break in. You might want to just leave them sitting on a record overnight for 4 or 5 days (with the turntable OFF!!!) this will break them in pretty quick.

If you're using any other tables take a hammer, smash them into little tiny pieces and go buy some real decks.

**baire** · 09-27-2001

I've got the m44G's as well, and they never skip for me. Some things that might affect their performance are: a) not enough weight on tone arm. Those styli can take a lot of weight, so don't hesitate to weigh em down a bunch (although the heavier they are, the sooner your records wear down. Its a compromise).
b) your slipmats might be too soft. If there is a lot of room for the record to travel (i.e. a lot of potential compression of slipmats) when you push down on it, this could cause your needles to bounce. Warped records have the same affect.

When everything is set proper, those needles won't go anywhere.
(also, I put arm height @ about 1.5. IMO, more weight, less arm height, thinner, more solid slipmats. Bien!)

**contec** · 09-27-2001

Originally posted by baire
I've got the m44G's as well, and they never skip for me. Some things that might affect their performance are: a) not enough weight on tone arm. Those styli can take a lot of weight, so don't hesitate to weigh em down a bunch (although the heavier they are, the sooner your records wear down. Its a compromise).
b) your slipmats might be too soft. If there is a lot of room for the record to travel (i.e. a lot of potential compression of slipmats) when you push down on it, this could cause your needles to bounce. Warped records have the same affect.

When everything is set proper, those needles won't go anywhere.
(also, I put arm height @ about 1.5. IMO, more weight, less arm height, thinner, more solid slipmats. Bien!)

I agree about the slipmatt thing - don't use those cushy, soft matts - get some thinner, slicker ones.

But more weight is NOT the answer. Too much weight will actually make your needles skip MORE.

M-44G's are rated for .75 to 1.5g - this is pretty light, I find that you can go above the factory ratings a bit, so I set mine at about 2.5 for skratching and 1.5 for mixing. 1 to 1.5 is about right for height. I have no problems with these settings.

If you set your shures up this way and are still having problems, you probably just need to PRACTICE. Handling the record so it won't skip isn't easy - you have to learn it. But remember - none of the old-skool dj's had shure needles or slick slipmatts - and they still cut it up crazy style on ****ty technics cartridges. It's all in the hands.

**The_Kid** · 09-27-2001

True, true. I'm going to invest in some thinner slipmats pretty soon, I've just got some standard Neoprene dealies. Hand technique needs work, definitely, especially on quick forward stabs. I think the needles have broken in, but the warped records still jump.... ::::

:::: Oh well. Thank God for ISP's Superseal Breaks- I got the record yesterday. One side is completely unskippable! Thanks for the help and peace,

The_Kid

**contec** · 09-28-2001

I'd advise against using Super Seal Breaks when you're learning to skratch... seems to me like you don't have to learn that hand control, and then when you get on a skratch record that ISN'T unskippable, you'll be skipping the needle all over the place.

I got a copy of Hee Haw Brayks and the samples are wicked, there are more of them than on super sealed.

**The_Kid** · 09-28-2001

I JUST got superseal- I've been skratching for a good year now. You're right about hand contol- I'm only using superseal for recording/performance purposes. Every other record I've had up until now has been skippable.

**baire** · 10-03-2001

Originally posted by The_Kid
I think the needles have broken in, but the warped records still jump.... :::::::: Oh well.
The_Kid

Warped records will skip no matter what needles you've got. A very very light touch is really the only solution to scratching with warped records (some claim you can "unwarp" records, but I've had little luck with that).

**dr pepper** · 10-04-2001

i can do it, but only temporarily...meaning i fix it right before i use that record, and its cool for a good while..but i usually have to do it again...still it works