Do You Really Need That Dust Cover?

Paul Seydor's alternative solution works well!

Decades have passed since I've owned a turntable equipped with a dust cover. It seems the more expensive the turntable the less likely it is to come with one. I don't miss having it. Instead, I use an old record that's been cleaned. Of course it fits perfectly over the platter preventing dust from settling on it. The rest of the turntable is easily wiped clean with a microfiber cloth.

Anyone who's visited here knows I do not have a cleaning person (though I could obviously use one), so I don't worry about an overly zealous duster destroying a cantilever, but if that's a concern for you, it's easy enough to use the stylus guard when you're expecting the cleaning person.

Paul Seydor recently sent me an old record fitted with a wooden dresser knob that makes it even easier to remove and replace the place holder record. He also applied a small cork "mezzaluna" to the contact side, which keeps it from making full platter contact. I guess that's to allow air to circulate? Poor Paul is away on a European river cruise vacation with his family so I can't ask its purpose right now.

This is an easy to create fix for a no dustcover turntable. And it's highly recommended!