Spine surgery for split seams of vinyl record covers

My standard process of cleaning and protecting used vinyl records includes inspecting and repairing split upper and lower seams internally with hinging tape. Yes it is a bit OCD…

[@berondi]

Another interesting vid. I apply a similar technique for repairing split seams, but I cut up old, crappy record sleeves (or good sleeves that have wrecked records) instead of the hinging tape - i cut pieces to a suitable size and glue it in (using the ruler method). Works a treat. I don’t have to do it often (in my record store) as I’m in Australia (our pressings tend to use thinner card stock and don’t split as often as the heavier US sleeve cardstock). Anyway, thanks for the vid. 🙏🏼

[@Doctore_Robert]

That's a great idea! Makes total sense and I would say very similar.

[@astolatpere11]

Amen to your take on price tags on record labels. Just cleaned a beautiful copy of Blind Faith's lp with the girl and the airplane cover I bought years ago and there was a price tag on the label, $6.50 from Logos Books. I remember buying records from them and complaining, nicely I thought, that it was a travesty to do such a thing. They were not moved to change.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Well that made me laugh

[@derwynpowell7689]

Hey Robt. Thanks for the info regarding the repairing of hinge less cover. One thing l found was in repairing hinged covers is the utilizing two sided framer's tape. It is half inch so it is usually just perfect when applied to LP hinge lip. Handy for fixing LP's you've had for years but the glue has dried out. Cheers!

[@Doctore_Robert]

Thanks for the info!

[@larshultberg6972]

Thanks for the tip Dr Robert’s. I love your story about curing tb. 👍😊 That kind of story’s ads to the video.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Glad you enjoyed it! Tb was/is rampant and impactful. Tiny Tim in Dickens Christmas Story is supposed to have ton of the hip, possibly. Which was common and often a death sentence…

[@TheVinylverse]

This is a great tip. Thanks for the demonstration video. l like your method because the tape is thin like paper. I looked up the paper hinging tape on Amazon and it even lists fixing record album seams as one of its uses.

[@bru64time]

Very helpful and enjoyable video. Just ordered. thanks, Doc!

[@bobt3374]

Thank you for that video it is good to learn various ways to look after the vinyl coves. Another excellent video.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robison5396]

I've repaired a few tip on style record jackets in a similar fashion, but i used card and paper glue. Your method appears to be much neater and easier to apply..great video, many thanks!.

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

Enjoyed your video doc. Teaching us is fantastic

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

Over the last 5 yrs I have mostly been buying new records. My mobility has deteriorated so going to record stores and standing for hours just doesn't happen any longer. I have bought some used and buy more from The Waxed or Patrick, AGK, Naz only because in a sense I know them. Too many nightmare stories buying used online be it Discogs or privately. I would prefer to shop for near mint used, but again hard to trust... I do have records I have inherited with seam splits...sooner or later I will need to get to those..just have to find the time. I have lots of records sealed still in shrink.... Double LPs stuffed into single cover records is annoying and I cut the shrink to alleviate stress on the cover. I have previously used a paper seam glue 'very sparingly' so as not to over glue it and have a mess on your hands. This is very interesting method. Thanks man.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Good luck! Sounds like an interesting collection! Agree with the assessment of on line purchases.

[@TheArquivopop]

Fascinating stuff! Thanks for sharing, subscribed! And the humor is classy!

[@Doctore_Robert]

Welcome aboard!

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Awesome stuff Doc. Will have to try that for sure.

[@popsandclicks]

Very good idea to reprare the covers. Thanks for this! Cheers

[@sgguitar77]

A wonderful tutorial here, thanks indeed for posting this tip. I brought home a bunch of my late father's old records in the summer, and was looking for a tidy way to restore some of the split covers. This will do it nicely.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Glad to hear!

[@SgtMjr]

Doctor Robert He's a man you must believe Helping anyone in need No one can succeed like Doctor Robert

[@Doctore_Robert]

Yes that is the reference! It also works on a personal level as my name is Robert. Hope you like the content, more to follow…

[@progrocktommyscorner]

Enjoyed your video and tip repair for album covers. I will need to try it.

[@Doctore_Robert]

It’s easy, getting the hinging tape is the biggest challenge!

[@twofromthetrunk9932]

What a great tutorial. I have a way I do my repair. Yours is so much easier and makes a better repair. Thanks.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Glad it helped

[@user-pl4xz4ql7x]

Great to have the doctor in the house now. One additional tip on the spine repair. Not human but LP. Put a strip of wax paper from your kitchen in between the ruler and tape and leave it in place as the tape dries under your spine surgery book. Thanks!! 0:14

[@Doctore_Robert]

Wow I love that idea! Will try it!

[@parman3942]

Good job and process Dr. Robert. I wouldn't do it myself but your method is sooo much better than using tape on the outside. I will reglue the folded in seem if it's seperated but that's it.

[@johng.4711]

Great video! Please share more of your knowledge in future videos.

[@russdawson7256]

We seem to share a similar path as to our record collection habits Doc...I'll be 69 in December so I'm a bit older than you, but I look forward to learning more from you in future videos.

[@BobbyColorado]

Thank you for this walkthrough. “Like a team, congratulations guys” 🤣

[@arzabael]

Hey doc. Ive been seeing you on Mazzy’s channel gotta say I love your input. I just wanted to say this video put a story intro into my head that is pretty interesting, a doctor performs spinal surgery on a patient who’s contracted TB and it goes badly, (😢) and afterwards we follow the surgeon home where he begins to perform surgery on the spine of a record sleeve

[@Doctore_Robert]

Funny you mention Tb of the spine. I had only a few cases of that over the years, always patients from out of the country. Several from the Philippines. But those cases I had seemed always to go well, fortunately!

[@sdh3237]

Great video. Thanks!

[@Doctore_Robert]

Glad you liked it!

[@vinylveteran]

So far never took care about those, but I know there are many covers (even new ones) in my collection that need repair. Thanks for the instructions ;)

[@Doctore_Robert]

Ha ha ha. Not instructions…descriptions! Utility and observance is in the eyes and hands of the observer…

[@catherine6653]

I repaired a Talking Heads 77 record with a seam split. I think your method is better. Thanks for this video 😊.

[@Doctore_Robert]

❤

[@analogueanorak1904]

Hi Robert great video, I had to take off an original shrink wrap off an album after it split and was shocked to see it had removed a layer of sheen off the whole album cover too. I’m pretty sure it was from the 1990’s but it was enough for me to take off about 30 original shrink wraps off much older more valuable records. Fortunately none of these had stuck but glad I did it. As far as price stickers on covers there is one I haven’t removed despite the negative impact on the price of a rare late vinyl Dutoit Holst the Planets from the late 1980’s. The shop sticker is from a double glazing shop and the whole concept of the business model of customers combining replacing their double glazing while topping up their classical music vinyl never fails to put a smile on my face😊.

[@Doctore_Robert]

I’ve had them stick before also. A real mess! I’ve come to feel it’s nice to find covers in shrink as they are generally in nicer shape than without one, but it’s also best to remove them. I cut out interesting stickers and save those. I think the current outer sleeves are a better protection than OG shrink

[@Bootradr]

Thank you for showing how you do it and what you use. I've been meaning to look up this topic and see how people repair seam splits. I wasn't sure if there was a way to do it where you could still see what was under the tape or if the record cover split had to be covered to fix the record sleeve? But your video was very helpful and I like seeing topics like these where people explain, and show, how they do their process. Thanks again! Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@Doctore_Robert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ptownmusicroom580]

Thank you for the great video. I will try your method. I too have mostly used old vinyl. I use a small Elmers with a very fine tip. I use a special hanger (for skirts?) to apply pressure for a few hours. I also use poly lined inners and outers. I only keep original inners if they aren’t yellow and don’t smell… 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Doctore_Robert]

Sounds like we have similar approaches!

[@machiel5888]

Thank you for briefly talking about TB and how devastating it still is in 2023! This disease is preventable but politics and greed keep so many priced out from testing and care. The KZbin channel Vlogbrothers recently campagined to get the pharma company Danahur to lower their prices for TB medication and they lowered it over 20% and the campaign is still growing! talking about it and raising awareness is so important because we can stop this disease if we all choose to.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Web address? Sounds like a worthwhile commitment…

[@petarpan8176]

If i knew this earlier:) i had few records like that damaged and i gave it away i just hate it to see it so damaged. I know now :) thank you dr. :)

[@Doctore_Robert]

It is actually very satisfying!

[@jimmilroy693]

You are SPOT on in regards those super glue sticker price tags from the 70's. Great idea on spines. I collect and restore K-Tel records. I found book repair tools are very helpful. I have a tackle box of tools including water colors and colored markers for minor touch-ups. My go to tools are different types of erasers to clean cardboard covers. Ya gotta be careful, esp on K-Tels. My best solution is to just find a better cover for another $1. Look forward to more ideas.

[@Doctore_Robert]

I’ve definitely done the new cover route for covers with water damage, big tears, or crazy writing or stickers. I’m not as familiar with K-Tel pressings though I do see them in the bins. I have tried color markers at times but now mainly use only black when there is a black background as I found it hard to match some colors well…

[@sarahashcroft6116]

I live in Australia and I would love to but more old and used records but I feel that nowadays they are getting so much harder to find, and then when you do the prices are insane. So I mostly buy reissues as I figure if it’s going to sound good, be in brand new condition and be less expensive it’s a no brainer. We don’t have the access to second hand albums that I’m sure is out there in the states.

[@Doctore_Robert]

I was to Melbourne pre-Covid, just barely. I found some great stores. A lot of Japanese pressings. You are closer than the stars I think…

[@cratediggatatz]

Very cool! 👍🏻

[@Doctore_Robert]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@diamond_marimba]

I have a similar procedure but using a thin 3/8" 3M double sided tape. still working on a way to guide the tape into place as you do with the ruler--I just use my hands to place the tape which can be hard if the split is tight. the advantage is the tape is very thin and the adhesive doesn't need time to set.

[@Doctore_Robert]

What is the brand of tape?

[@diamond_marimba]

@Doctore_Robert Scotch/3M double sided heavy duty mounting tape

[@greghawkins229]

You are OCD. Lol. I’m too lazy overall to keep up with my records the way you done but I have a massive collection and am buying Constantly so I just check ‘em off in my Goldmine book. Great repair video.

[@harrysmusicroom]

nice, I may have to try that.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Let me know how it goes!

[@charlesjefferis8812]

i do picture framing and matting … this hinging tape is great stuff … it’s acid free tape so it can be used for archival work … the tape can be bought in art stores. … manufactured by Lineco, its called Linen Hinging Tape… comes in different widths … i prefer using their self adhesive tape (peel off the paper backing) rather than the gummed tape that has to be wetted (what the doctor is using).

[@Doctore_Robert]

Interesting. I am using paper tape, not linen. May give that a try!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I do similar, with strips I make from legal sized file folders and 3m double sided tape. The bottom seam of the folder is already folded, they’re cheap and strong. For a finishing touch, I also use a glue stick on the outside edge to mend the ragged edges. I’ve done hundred this way at my record store. I should really make a video. Someone on eBay makes and sells similar strips, but I’m not paying $2 each for them.

[@Doctore_Robert]

I am sure those turn out well.

[@Doctore_Robert]

It sounds stronger than what I do but maybe more labor intensive. And a little pricier! 🤷🏻‍♂️😱😍

[@saltzine]

:: checking out a surgeon for inguinal hernia surgery today. the thought of vinyl sleeve spine surgery make me shudder 😳

[@Doctore_Robert]

Hernia surgery is not overwhelming I don’t think! Never have done it myself though!

[@Venus_Isle]

Plentiful seam problems encountered here on on brand new Japanese gatefold sleeves (believe it or not). Off the bat they are OK, until such time as you open them > 90 degrees. In almost every instance, parallel white fold lines appear on the entire spine. Expensive stuff like the Studio Ghibli's are certainly no exception either. Kinda ironic, given thesJapanese are well known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail & quality materials etc...

[@Doctore_Robert]

Sorry to hear. Don’t have many or maybe any of those!

[@hasseelmerson]

Thanks for this information, you sure like Bob Dylan I suppose (and his TB blues) Your swedish follower....

[@Doctore_Robert]

Ok you got me, who is this? And do you mean Swedish as from Sweden? Or Swedish my prior hospital? You can email me at [e-mail]. And thanks!

[@Twin_Hook]

I've used the hinge tape and it works well, but can get kinda messy. I've moved on to the Seamz Eazy product.

[@Doctore_Robert]

I’ll look for it. Agree longer repairs are tricky

[@jimmccloskey4254]

Where did you get the binding tape? Nice fix.

[@Doctore_Robert]

You can buy it on line. Bags Unlimited has it…or I think most framing shops sell a version

[@Birdlives247]

Jimmie Rodgers and Captain Beef heart. Wow. I thought it was just me. Also OCD here - 40 years piano tuner/ tech. (You don't have to respond to these drive-by comments unless you have to respond to every last one of them,)

[@Doctore_Robert]

I enjoy them! Glad you liked it, good to know we’re not alone!

[@goplad1]

Some of the biggest and most well known record stores still put price labels on the cover and some still put a sticker on the label. It is unforgiveable. What were they thinking?? If you find an older record with a sticker on the label removing them is time consuming and often leave residue.

[@Doctore_Robert]

You are preaching to the choir brother!

[@iaredatsun]

Hint, skip to around 10 minutes in to hear what he has to say about the actual advertised subject of this video.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Ha ha ha. Sorry, I am chatty…

[@haroldm4600]

Any thoughts on repairing inner fold paper splits on gatefold record jackets inconspicuously?

[@Doctore_Robert]

I’m trying to picture what you mean?

[@bangoash]

@@Doctore_Robert I believe he is referring to inner spine of a gatefold jacket. Sometimes if the record is forcibly placed in the jacket it can cause this type of split.

[@Doctore_Robert]

@@bangoash I guess I’ve seen it but never repaired it. Never felt it needed it. Same for left edge seem splits. I don’t know if an effective way to repair those. I’m limited to top and bottom seams, mainly. I do realize I iPad sleeves when they separate, that is easy with a glue stick…

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

I use a similar tape but it has a paper backing you have to peel off. It’s a real pain to work with. It seems the tape you use has no backing. Can you share the name ? Thanks.

[@Doctore_Robert]

I’m blanking on the brand name but if you google “Hinging Tape” it pops up…

[@sarahashcroft6116]

From one spine surgery to another! 😂

[@Doctore_Robert]

All good! And less stressful. And less resource intensive!

[@tardisrider613]

I'm concerned that a couple of my record sleeves have become addicted to pain killers after I worked on their spines. What's the best way to get my jazz records off smack?

[@Doctore_Robert]

Ha ha ha

[@jessem470]

Put them on a Time Out

[@Doctore_Robert]

Tell them to go to Rehab…

[@franksmusic2880]

Great informative video, I used to use glue, I had a certain method but it didn’t always work right. This looks much better and not as messy as mine. Thanks Dr. Roberts, by the way do you prescribe pain killers? Just kidding. 😆

[@Doctore_Robert]

Fully retired!

[@brendam886]

Are you still in Seattle or Oregon?

[@AndyX]

i finally gave up after 10 minutes ,,not sure if he ever gets to showing how to repair

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

you’re having a laugh aren’t you.. you’re name i s andy x. ffs

[@Doctore_Robert]

He got time to heat! And I don’t make time for haters.

[@fcukjones6709]

Skip to 9:53 for the part you clicked for. And you'll be able to turn it off early too.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Thanks for creating a guide!

[@jessem470]

Great video , I have a few album covers i tend to shy away from because of condition . I will try you method Can help but comment on video being called Spine Surgery Whats up next ? Video on Spinal Tap.

[@Doctore_Robert]

Too soon to tell!

[@Wyoming_Dave]

i agree with that don't put the price sticker right on the album cover,, that pisses me off too no end! dont put em on the label either

[@Doctore_Robert]

Need to get the word out!

[@darrenbaker3220]

Opposable thumbs up 👍

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

🔭🦘🐨🤠

[@William2005Ball]

I hate the price tAGS ON THE COVERs AS WELLL😡

[@Doctore_Robert]

We need to start a movement! Or at least a club…

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I own a store. Yes, I put stickers on the covers, the LPs below $20 anyway, but they are removable stickers. Yes, a thief can still peel a sticker off and put it on another record, but it takes more effort than simply swapping an outer sleeve with the sticker on it. I use small Post-it notes on higher priced records. It’s not an easy problem with easy answers. Ask any shop owner, especially single employee/owner shops like mine.

[@kentgoodall2516]

That's why I stopped buying vinyl from Amazon they used to come damaged split seems as record is moving inside the jacket cause they haven't taken it out But that's never going to happen They send another copy and same thing happens they don't care Sometimes u know its damaged by the way it's in a usless sender why bother to open it at all Amazon sux and shouldn't be selling vinyl

[@Doctore_Robert]

Go brother! Preach it!

[@kentgoodall2516]

@@Doctore_Robert I will doc Amazon sux real bad get out the record business