Has anyone succeeded with the "Bluenote-Kymyas" ki

JA · #1 November 7th, 2002, 11:49 AM

Hi fellow vinyl lunatics,
did anyone succeed in eliminating vinyl scratches using that Bluenote-Kymyas ??

I found this stuff on Needledoctor.com, where it's offered for $59. I've never tried it and I don't wanna make myself a guinea-pig; so before I shell out anything, I'd like to read testimonials from folks who've successfully used it (c'mon, there must be at least someone who has tried it on this planet

) - please describe how the scratched area looked and sounded like after treating the scratches; please also tell me how long has the repair held (Needledoctor, in their comments about this product, notes it's "quite durable" and "long lasting" - suggesting the repair is not permanent...), if you've noticed.

I haven't got yet a reply on Audioasylum.com and have no
access to Audiofile and Stereofile magazines :( , so p-l-e-a-s-e, please answer.

Cheers, Jay

BrunoRepublic · #2 November 7th, 2002, 05:25 PM

I saw your post on Vinyl Asylum. I must admit that I'm rather suprised to see anyone from there posting here, given how the bulk of the VA crowd appears to have graduated from the "Disco Sucks" school with honours. Anyway --

The original product blurb reads: The treatment is based on one cleaning liquid and one scratch restoring liquid. Simple, efficient, easy to use and durable. It is not auto oxidant, which means that the effect is very durable. I suspect that there may be a translation issue here, given that Bluenote (not to be confused with the jazz label) is an Italian company.

If nobody from VA is willing to speak up about it, then very few people must have tried it. You can mention the most obscure cartridge/turntable/tonearm there, and somebody out there has it.

While Needledoctor isn't known for selling bogus solutions, and Bluenote's turntables seem to be very nice indeed, I must admit that I am very skeptical about this one. I just don't see how it could work in principle, never mind reality. Fixing a scratch on a CD is one thing; as the surface is supposed to be flat. But how could you fill in a scratch on an LP without filling in the surrounding groove? I just don't get it.

Secondly, Bluenote also sells "ALAKTOS", which appears to be a similar thing for CDs. They claim:

The treatment is based on one cleaning liquid and one treatment liqid. Simple, efficient, easy to use and durable is not auto oxidant. Increase focus, details and bass extensions of any laser disc.

Now, that is pure BS.

Bernie · #3 November 7th, 2002, 06:11 PM

After more than 20 years into audio & video including selling equipment and record care items, I'm not convinced of Bluenote's claim and concur with Graham's assertion that it doesn't make any logical sense. I value my record collection too much to even try it out. I'd pass on this.

JA · #4 November 8th, 2002, 03:23 AM

Hats off to you both, Graham and Bernie, you were so prompt and have made me feel there's always someone who is willing to tackle an issue on this board. 2 thumbs up. :D

You know, I've been bitten by the skepticism bug since reading your replies. So if you don't mind, I'd like to ask just one more question about another product. The LAST Record Preservative is "guaranteed to keep records sounding new for 200 plays or more. Reduces record wear and static buildup" and "LAST Record Preservative reduces noise and distortion on new and used records. It stops almost all record wear. You can actually hear the enhanced sound performance."

I for one already suspect that LAST's purporting to reduce distortion on vinyl is mumbo-jumbo. I also suspect you guys will second this. But what about the rest of this product's features?? Do you consider this thing worth trying out?

Thanks a lot in advance, Jay

P.S. (to Graham):

Quote:

I'm rather suprised to see anyone from there posting here, given how the bulk of the VA crowd appears to have graduated from the "Disco Sucks" school with honours

Graham, Vinyl Asylum has never been my habitat - I've just posted there once; I've got no intention of calling it home or becoming a community member. I had never even known that most of their members detest Disco. And don't worry, I'm incorrigibly discoholic. I've also felt cosy here, much before I became a member.

BrunoRepublic · #5 November 8th, 2002, 09:18 AM

I tried LAST years ago and noticed no improvements whatsoever. Actually, I distinctly recall that surface noise increased instead.

From first-hand experience, I've learned that using a cartridge that has a reputation for good tracking, and that is properly set up, will give much lower distortion than any expensive magic potion. Likewise, ensuring that the stylus is clean, in good shape, and being used at the correct tracking force and anti-skating will virtually eliminate wear. Mind you, if you're DJing, this is all beside the point...

Bernie · #6 November 8th, 2002, 09:53 AM

When it comes to LAST record care products you can put your "skepticism bug" aside. I've used all their products on my records since the 1980s and it does have a positive effect although it's not a magic bullet. More importantly, it has not done any harm to my valuable records. I used to have many of my clients back in NYC use it on their records as well and they always came back for more.

The effects of using LAST #2 (record preservative) and LAST # 5 (Stylus treatment) are cumulative and help to reduce wear and the deterioration of sound over time. A good analogy is when one goes to change the oil in their car. The effects are not immediately apparent, but prolong the life and enhance performance of the engine.

If you are still uneasy about using LAST #2 & 5, and that is understandable, do use their "power cleaner" which is LAST #1 and LAST # 4 their stylus cleaner.

Graham- I'm surprised you found a negative effect. It sounds like you may have applied it to a record that was not completely clean. It's also possible that it simply uncovered some problems with system setup and just exagerated them.

JA- I have an excellent old Stereophile article on proper turntable setup and record care that I sent to Graham a few weeks back. It's an almost 20Mb file, but if you want it let me know.

BrunoRepublic · #7 November 9th, 2002, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernie

If you are still uneasy about using LAST #2 & 5, and that is understandable, do use their "power cleaner" which is LAST #1 and LAST # 4 their stylus cleaner.

Actually, I recently started using LAST #4 and 5. The former because so many of these records have a lot of crud in them, even after cleaning; the latter on the advice of a brilliant-but-possibly-insane audiophile acquaintance.

Quote:

JA- I have an excellent old Stereophile article on proper turntable setup and record care that I sent to Graham a few weeks back. It's an almost 20Mb file, but if you want it let me know.

When -- if -- maybe -- I ever get around to updating my sorely out-of-date page, I will be putting up a section on audio restoration that will emphasize the need for proper turntable setup and cartridge choice. I will include some of the info that you provided on this as well. But there just never seems to be any time for me to work on it!

JA · #8 November 25th, 2002, 06:18 AM

Thanks a zillion to you both, Bernie and Graham!!!!!! :D

Sorry for the extremely belated reply, long long overdue... :roll:

Your advice is worth far more than 24K gold chunks!!! :D

Also, a special thanks to Bernie, for having taken some time off your hectic schedule twice to address such a topic. :)

NickNack · #9 November 25th, 2002, 09:43 PM

Hey Bernie and Graham,

Excellent information sharing, especially for a hack like me who can play records pretty well but treats them like mad dogs. :evil:

Can you share some contact info about LAST? Do they have a website? (Don't tell me, LAST.com.) :o