Always in good shape: Storing records correctly
5min read
21/05/2019
Black gold – that’s what the round black thing with the hole in the middle was once called. There was a time in the last century when the vinyl record was what the streaming service is today – the ultimate in music listening. First the CD replaced good old vinyl, then the digital music revolution followed.
But the record never really went away. On the contrary, for some time now it has been experiencing something like a second spring. In recent years, sales figures have risen again and in many places record shops are once more part of the cityscape.
Often, both used and new records are sold there. What hardly anyone knows: there are actually Official German Vinyl Charts.
Top or Flop – The Record Auction
But black vinyl is not only traded in shops or online shops. With Top oder Flop, there is a series of events in many German cities where LPs are auctioned off: Visitors bring old records. These are played on the record player. The starting bid is 50 cents. If there is no bidder, the record is destroyed live.
However, this is rather the exception, mostly the LPs are traded as collectors’ items. Some record owners do not even have a record player to play the records. The record with the large cover simply looks chic and is used as decoration. Often sentimental feelings also play a role: buyers bring back memories of their childhood and youth.
But regardless of whether you are a collector, dealer or nostalgic person – everyone should consider the correct handling and storage.
Which material to use for storing records?
Shellac – the precursor of vinyl – and also vinyl are the materials from which records are made. Unfortunately, plastics are very susceptible to damage. And once your favourite record has been scratched, the damage is permanent: the sound quality suffers and, last but not least, the collector’s value drops. For this reason, the correct packaging of the record collection is essential. Especially if you buy and sell a lot.
In principle, records should always be stored in a suitable sleeve. This means the record cover made of cardboard. Ideally, the record should also be placed in a soft cover. antistatic packaging. However, since the outer packaging made of cardboard still does not provide sufficient protection against moisture and dust, the following are suitable for this purpose Plastic bag with a pressure seal in the size 35 x 45 cm. The bags are stable and tear-resistant, but also quick and easy to open. Up to 70 LPs can be packed in a 35 x 35 x 35 cmcorrugated cardboard box. So they can be neatly packed and shipped. When shipping, it is also advisable to have a Labellingto draw attention to the correct handling of the sensitive goods.
As a general rule, records should be stored vertically. If they are stored horizontally, there is a risk of deformation of the vinyl and pressure marks on the cover. This in turn has a negative effect on the sound quality and reduces the value.
Care tips for records
If you want to listen to the nostalgic sound of a record in good quality for a long time, the following checklist is recommended:
Cool, dry and upright storage
Heat and humidity as well as horizontal storage damage the record. It can warp and become mouldy, with corresponding consequences for the sound quality.
As little as possible
When removing the record, only touch the label and the edges. This is because fingerprints on the vinyl are audible during playback. Careful handling also saves time-consuming cleaning
Schallplatten richtig aufbewahren
An electrostatic soft cover, the original carton and a plastic bag – if these are used in the order mentioned, the record will be protected from dust and humidity.
Regular cleaning increases the life of the record. For example, an antistatic brush can be used to prevent dust particles from causing a crackling sound when playing a record. If you really own a lot of records, a record washing machine is also worthwhile. Records that are listened to frequently should be washed once every two to three years. Record shops sometimes offer this service.
Die richtige Reinigung
A clean needle
Not only the record, but also the record needle needs care. Therefore, after each playback, clean the needle with an appropriate brush. Ideally, store the needle in a container or under a cover. Regular replacement of the needle is necessary in order to avoid cracks and possible damage to the record
Records for enthusiasts only?
Whether the natural, warm sound of records is actually better than the digital purity of streaming services remains to be seen. What speaks for records, however, is the environment in which the record is heard: It is a conscious decision to listen to music, both hands are needed to take the vinyl out of the packaging and put it on. Music is consumed consciously and not, as usual, listened to on the side – in the car, while doing sports or shopping.
And the correct handling of the LP is rewarded: although the record is very sensitive, it has a virtually unlimited shelf life under optimal conditions. So it pays to choose the packaging carefully so that you can still enjoy the unchanged sound experience years from now. So if you consciously decide to buy records, you should also enjoy handling and listening to them. It takes comparatively more time than streaming music.
