Anyone have a VPI 16.5 RCM and replaced the tube strips?

I just did with some velvet sheets from Amazon and they are definitely a bit thinner than the VPI strips and I don't think they do as well of a job. Wondering if anyone has found a different solution, other than buying a new tube obviously - pretty pricey just to get new strips...and no VPI doesn't sell just the velvet strips... TIA

 

l have this when the strips run out... you have to buy the whole tube.

 

crap. figures. it's just velvet strips for F sake... I did buy some but they aren't quite as thick as the ones on the VPI wand.

 

I thought they used to sell just the strips? I need to replace mine...

 

Buy these, it's what I use (linky)


M~

 

I just sent an email over to VPI but I'm betting they tell me to buy another wand...

 

Thanks. the real question is how thick are they. I bought some off amazon and they were definitely thinner than the ones on the VPI and you could tell when the vacuum was in use.

 

Not cool for those with Delrin wands! I need replacement strips myself.

 

for the money, IF you can find thick enough ones, you can buy a paper cutter and a bunch of large sheets of the velvet and cut your own, all for $25 and should last you about 20 years...

 

Well, VPI must source theirs from somewhere...

 

I bought replacement strips around May 2020 from an Ebay Seller in the Czech Republic. They didn't work out well. I am using a VPI HW-17F and I presume that the tube/pads are identical to those on the 16.5 model? The replacements seem slightly wider than the VPI ones but the Wand would not stay flat on the record unless I applied slight pressure when I was vacuuming up the liquid on the disc. This occurred at the inner part of the record, for some reason. Overall, a failure. I just checked an original VPI Tube with factory pads with another VPI Tube on which I fitted the replacement pads and they look identical, almost from width. I don't know how I could have fitted them incorrectly, it doesn't seem possible. When I use the tube with the replacement pads though, the tube will not stay on the record and lifts. I couldn't fathom what the problem was/is. There is another thread here from last year on this very subject, i.e. replacement pads. A number of members have reported success with replacement velvet pads so it must be possible?

It's pricey having to buy a new tube each and every time. $30 is a crazy, stupid price for what you get. I'd pay $15 maybe. There must a very large profit margin. I don't begrudge VPI its profit but $30 is too steep, I think?

 

You've obviously had success with these replacement strips? They are more expensive than the ones I bought. If these work, I may be minded to buy a set. I have to send to the States every time I need to replace a tube so it's quite cumbersome and shipping from the States these days is expensive even for a small item like this.

 

Yes they are as stated in my response.

M~

 

I replaced mine a few months ago. I bought them off Amazon. Kinda expensive for what they are as I recall, but they work great.

 

I've been using these for quite a while Mobile Fidelity - Replacement Record Brush Pads (Pr) | Shop Music Direct

They are as thick as the VPI strips, but a tad bit shorter, but are long enough to cover all the grooves, see the tube on the left.


I cut them at 1/4" wide, place the bare tube on the 16.5 located over the LP and mark the width of the grooves and adhere the strips. A lot of strips there for 6 bucks.

 

I used those Music Direct replacement pads also.


M~