Why does my new vinyl record keep skipping? If your brand-new 180g vinyl is skipping but has no visible scratches or factory defects, the issue is likely your stylus or your turntable setup. Modern high-fidelity pressings feature deep, dynamic bass grooves that entry-level suitcase record players lack the counterweight tracking force to play smoothly. Before initiating a return for a defective record, perform a quick physical inspection for vinyl warping, check your stylus (needle) life, re-align your cartridge, and balance your tonearm. Discover how to troubleshoot vinyl skipping issues and upgrade your Hi-Fi audio gear with expert tips from our record store crew.