CD stabiliser rings

[Pulcinella]

I have just had delivered a s/h 3CD set, in which two of the CDs have what I think are known as stabiliser rings affixed.
A quick Google revealed that these were thought to reduce stutter, but that the added weight could cause problems (and of course they do not fit into some systems).
Any thoughts/comments/advice?
I don't want to try removing them, as I fear there could be a very sticky residue left behind.

[Bryn]

I have just had delivered a s/h 3CD set, in which two of the CDs have what I think are known as stabiliser rings affixed.
A quick Google revealed that these were thought to reduce stutter, but that the added weight could cause problems (and of course they do not fit into some systems).
Any thoughts/comments/advice?
I don't want to try removing them, as I fear there could be a very sticky residue left behind.

And could remove some of the crucial lacquer protecting the reflective layer.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Firstly, you've not received what you ordered and paid for so should be able to return it - they are modified CDs, are not what a CD would be defined as - and could harm your equipment. I'd be surprised if consumer law (or if the River people, their stringent conditions for sellers) was not on your side.


If they are rare, then obviously its your call, but :

If I really wanted to take the chance, I might try a scrap CD or CDs with a hair drier, playing heat over it in stages of heating, and see what happens to the physical state, let it get cold, then see if it plays. Then trying it at higher temperatures. (They seem to survive car temperatures in hot counties?)

Were it me, I might try getting some grippy double sided tape (can send you some if you like) and sticking on a similar piece of material to the ring (I've never come across them) and seeing if heat will release the adhesive without removing the plastic or layers - or at least to slide and lift the ring off.

I recall I got told off for thread drift for putting this tip about the sticky residue in a thread a while ago, but while I'm here I'll repeat it - some adhesives are oil based so working e.g. sunflower oil into a small test area (with a scrap old nylon washing up pad is good - gently) would result in it loosening up. If so when it is all worked loose and an oily but not sticky mess, wash it with warm water and dish washing liquid. If not, then it might have to be solvents, or maybe put non yellowing sellotape over it.
They would have to be very important, with few other options, to have me trying all the above, and not returning the CDs.

[MrGongGong]

Send them back

[Pulcinella]

Thanks.
I have contacted the seller to ask for a refund and advice on how to return!

Not rare, and readily available elsewhere!

[Bryn]

Send them back

You're last person I would have expected such a Trumpish comment from.

[Serial_Apologist]

You're last person I would have expected such a Trumpish comment from.

[MrGongGong]

You're last person I would have expected such a Trumpish comment from.

[Pulcinella]

Complete refund offered, with no mention of having to return the CDs: probably not worth it.
Away from home today, but I'll thank them and check that they do not want them returned when I get back.
I might have a couple of non-slip coasters to use instead and get to keep the booklet, which is probably not included in the latest issue of the recording: the Hogwood/Preston Messiah, which I used to have on LP and was reminded of when reading Timothy Day's I saw eternity.... recently.

[cloughie]

Complete refund offered, with no mention of having to return the CDs: probably not worth it.
Away from home today, but I'll thank them and check that they do not want them returned when I get back.
I might have a couple of non-slip coasters to use instead and get to keep the booklet, which is probably not included in the latest issue of the recording: the Hogwood/Preston Messiah, which I used to have on LP and was reminded of when reading Timothy Day's I saw eternity.... recently.

Do they play OK?

[johnb]

If the rings were originally self adhesive I would try naptha (aka cigarette lighter fluid) as it is a solvent for that type of adhesive and it shouldn't harm the CD. Apply carefully with a small stiff-ish artist's brush, allow lots of time and many applications until the rings are loose.

It is reportedly successful at removing self adhesive 'tap plates' from classical guitars, though it is a slow process - something I will be attempting in the days ahead (when I get up the courage) on a luthier made second hand guitar I bought a while ago.

[richardfinegold]

My experience, fwiw, with CDs is that they are pretty resilient. I agree that the OP should simply send them back but it would have been interesting to see the outcome of some of the suggested fixes.
Years ago one had apparently slipped out of the case when I was carrying it to the car in the winter. I found it a few days later on the floor of the garage with tire tracks and ice and snow firmly embedded into it. I cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol and warm soapy water and it plays. I just listened to it recently (Zimmerman/Boulez in the Ravel PC). Try that with an lp!

[Pulcinella]

Do they play OK?

I was reluctant to try after the comment about the extra weight potentially damaging the drive mechanism.
But I did play the shortest one and it seemed ok!

Think I ought not be a cheapskate though, and that I should splash out for a brand-new copy!
I'm pleased to have had a full refund.
HMV here in Liverpool (where I came for the day) had some 2CD Decca sets on sale at £6.99, but sadly not a copy of that Messiah.

PS: Perhaps it's been deleted. Amazon search just now not too successful, but I will explore more later, as I'm off soon to catch train home!

[Bryn]

I was reluctant to try after the comment about the extra weight potentially damaging the drive mechanism.
But I did play the shortest one and it seemed ok!

Think I ought not be a cheapskate though, and that I should splash out for a brand-new copy!
I'm pleased to have had a full refund.
HMV here in Liverpool (where I came for the day) had some 2CD Decca sets on sale at £6.99, but sadly not a copy of that Messiah.

PS: Perhaps it's been deleted. Amazon search just now not too successful, but I will explore more later, as I'm off soon to catch train home!

More important than the matter of weight as such, any eccentricity in the application of the stabiliser rings. That would apply unwanted stress to the spindle and motor. Remember, when it starts playing a CD from the first track, the CD is spinning at around 500 rpm.

[Old Grumpy]

I was reluctant to try after the comment about the extra weight potentially damaging the drive mechanism.
But I did play the shortest one and it seemed ok!

Think I ought not be a cheapskate though, and that I should splash out for a brand-new copy!
I'm pleased to have had a full refund.
HMV here in Liverpool (where I came for the day) had some 2CD Decca sets on sale at £6.99, but sadly not a copy of that Messiah.

PS: Perhaps it's been deleted. Amazon search just now not too successful, but I will explore more later, as I'm off soon to catch train home!

Is this the one you're looking for?

I bought it when was reissued - excellent recording.

OG