A warped record doesn’t have to mean the end of the music!
At Mr Vinyl, we offer a professional record flattening service from our Johannesburg store to help rescue your warped vinyl and get it back on the turntable.
We use the industry-leading ORB DF-01iA Record Flattener, which uses a highly controlled heating and cooling cycle to relax the vinyl back into its original flat shape.
How it works?
1. Precision Dual-Heating We place your vinyl inside our professional flattener, which uses advanced top and bottom semiconductor heating films to deliver perfectly even warmth across the entire surface of the disc.
2. Automated Temperature Control Our equipment automatically monitors and adjusts the temperature throughout the cycle. By gently warming the vinyl rather than overheating it, we eliminate the warp without risking damage to the grooves.
3. Uniform Pressure & Flattening Over the course of a few hours, the machine applies precise, balanced pressure across the entire record, gradually guiding the vinyl back to its original flat state.
4. Quality Preserved Once cooled, your record is ready to play. Because the heat and pressure are strictly controlled, your vinyl retains 100% of its original audio quality and sound dynamics.
Pricing & Service Details
- Cost: R160 per record (charged whether the process is successful or not, as each record requires a dedicated machine cycle).
- Process Time: While the actual heating and cooling cycle takes a precise 12 hours, we process records on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on our current queue, it may take a few days before your record goes into the machine.
- Drop-off Only: This service is in-store drop-off only. We currently do not accept records sent to us via courier, PostNet, or mail for flattening.
- Collection: Once your record has finished its cycle, we will contact you directly via WhatsApp to let you know it is ready for collection.
What We Can & Cannot Flatten
While the ORB flattener is highly advanced, not every record is a candidate for flattening:
- Storage Warps Only: We can only flatten records with standard storage-related warps. Records with physical heat damage cannot be flattened.
- No Picture Discs: We are unable to flatten picture discs.
- No Multi-Colour/Blended Vinyl: We cannot accept records with “multi-colour”, “marble”, or “blended” finishes.
Important Terms, Risks & Conditions
By leaving your record with us for our Record Flattening Service, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and risks:
- No Guaranteed Completion Dates: Because the flattening process takes 12 hours, relies on a machine queue, and can be interrupted by load shedding or power issues, we cannot provide a definitive start or completion date.
- The Risk of “Pinched Grooves”: Records with extensive warping or undetected heat damage may flatten with “pinched grooves.” This can make certain parts of the record unplayable or cause a “locked groove.”
- Warp Memory: While we aim for a permanent fix, some records have “memory” and may slowly return to their warped state over time.
- Imperfect Flattening: Some records may not achieve a perfectly flat state and might still retain a small warp or minor imperfection after the process.
- Coloured Vinyl: Certain coloured records are affected by the cooling process and may not achieve a flat state.
- No Guaranteed Outcome & Liability: While we always strive for the best possible result, we do not guarantee a successful outcome. Mr Vinyl Proprietary Limited, its employees, owners, and directors do not accept any liability or responsibility for loss or damage sustained as a result of the flattening process. By using this service, you agree to indemnify and hold Mr Vinyl harmless for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, arising from the service.
