History Then

Welcome to our website, where we provide high-quality record-cleaning machines for vinyl enthusiasts who want to keep their collections in pristine condition.

Our company has a rich history that spans over half a century. Keith Monks, along with the BBC, invented the first vinyl record-cleaning machine in the late 1960s. Keith Monks commitment to providing the highest quality record cleaning machines for vinyl enthusiasts was evident in the precision engineering and unparalleled performance of his machines.

Keith Monks Audio became one of the most renowned audio accessories manufacturers worldwide, launching various products in hi-fi and later professional audio. His wife, Sheila, joined the company to manage the office and "keep the boss in order."

During the 1970s and 1980s, sales of the Keith Monks Record Cleaning Machine grew, and it became a staple in most major radio stations worldwide. The machine was so popular that every major city worldwide boasted at least one KMAL dealer. In 1977, a special silver Record Cleaning Machine was presented to the Queen for her Silver Jubilee, and Keith and Sheila were summoned to Buckingham Palace to demonstrate the RCM to an apparently delighted Prince Charles. The decade culminated in the opening of Keith Monks USA in New England, an award for Audio Excellence from the AES, and The Absolute Sound awarding the Keith Monks Record Cleaning Machine their coveted award for "Audio Accessory of the Decade."

By the early 1990s, the late boom had dwindled to a trickle, and Keith decided to pursue a quieter life in the South West of England that he and Sheila had always promised themselves. However, the Record Cleaning Machine was not out of his system yet. Keith closed the factory and moved to Cornwall, where he set up an engineer in his backroom. Together, they built and sold the Machine "cottage industry" style, right up to his death in 2005. During this time, some notable customers were added to the roll of honour, including the British Library, the US Library of Congress, and Harrods in London. After Keith's passing, his son Jonathan relaunched Keith Monks Audio Works, bringing the story full circle.

In 2010, Jonathan witnessed a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl and an increased demand for vinyl care. To meet this demand, he spearheaded a full factory production with a new 2000 sq.ft facility and established Keith Monks America once again, this time in New England. Collaborating with original Keith Monks engineers, Jon conceptualized the "Discover One" which was eventually replaced by the "Redux." As vinyl interest persisted, the team recognized the need for a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing machine that would fit any home. This resulted in the creation of the Prodigy, which has become a favored option for those seeking a top-notch, compact record cleaning machine.

At our core, we are committed to providing the highest quality record cleaning machines, just as Keith Monks did many years ago. We take pride in our products and strive to ensure that each machine meets our high standards of precision cleaning and vinyl care.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in keeping your vinyl collection pristine.