Blame Jocelyn 7 Inch: Turntable Setup and Care Basics

By The Yetee | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: Guias Práticos

Learn how to play a 7 inch vinyl record, set up your turntable for a 45 rpm single, and keep small vinyl records clean and stored safely.

Quick answer

To play a 7 inch vinyl record, set your turntable to 45 rpm, place the record on the spindle with the A side up, and lower the tonearm gently into the lead-in groove. For the Blame Jocelyn 7", start with the A side, then flip to the B side for "Jocelyn."

Why 45 rpm matters for 7 inch singles

Most 7 inch singles, including the Blame Jocelyn 7", are cut at 45 rpm rather than the 33⅓ rpm used for most full-length albums. If your turntable is set to the wrong speed, the music will play too slow or too fast and may sound distorted. Check the speed selector before you lower the needle, and make sure the belt or direct-drive motor has reached full speed.

Small records need a different touch

A 7 inch record has a smaller label area and a shorter lead-in groove than a 12 inch LP, so the tonearm has less room to settle. Lower the cueing lever slowly and aim for the outer edge of the record, not the label. Because the record is lightweight, it can slip if you handle it by the grooves; always hold it by the edge and the label.

Cleaning basics for a new single

Even a new record can carry dust from the sleeve. A carbon-fiber brush and a small amount of record-cleaning fluid are enough for routine care. Avoid spraying fluid directly on the record; apply it to the brush or a microfiber cloth first. For the Blame Jocelyn 7", clean the A side before playing and let it dry completely before flipping to the B side.

Step-by-step: play and care for your 7 inch single

Set the turntable speed to 45 rpm: Locate the speed selector on your turntable and switch it to 45. Wait a few seconds for the platter to reach full speed before placing the record. If your turntable has a separate 45 adapter for large-hole records, make sure it is not installed unless your 7 inch record requires it.
Place the record on the spindle: Hold the Blame Jocelyn 7" by its edge and label, and lower it gently onto the spindle with the A side facing up. Never touch the grooved surface; oils from your fingers can attract dust and cause pops.
Cue the tonearm: Use the cueing lever to lift the tonearm, move it over the outer edge of the record, and lower it slowly into the lead-in groove. Check that the stylus is clean before each play; a dusty stylus can damage the grooves.
Play the A side, then flip: Let the record play through "Blame Brett." When the tonearm reaches the run-out groove, lift it with the cueing lever, stop the platter, and flip the record to the B side for "Jocelyn." Always stop the platter before flipping to avoid accidental scratches.
Clean the record after playing: Use a carbon-fiber brush or a microfiber cloth with a small amount of cleaning fluid to wipe the record from the center outward. Let it dry fully before returning it to its sleeve. Clean both sides even if you only played one; dust settles on the exposed side.
Store the record upright: Return the Blame Jocelyn 7" to its inner sleeve and outer jacket, and store it vertically with other records to prevent warping. Keep small vinyl records away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Product facts

Blame Jocelyn 7": This is a 7 inch record with The Beaches' viral hit "Blame Brett" on the A side and their new song "Jocelyn" on the B side, exclusive to Record Store Day Black Friday 2024. Because it is a two-song single, you will flip it once during play, so set up your turntable for easy side changes and keep the record clean between sides.
Blame Jocelyn 7"