Top Record Storage MISTAKES - Avoid These at all Costs

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.

[@mileswarrington5518]

My favourite inner sleeves are polyethylene lined paper sleeves - the square ones. The rigidity of the paper makes removing the record and sliding it back into the jacket easier and you get the protection from the plastic. Best of both!

[@soundmatters]

Good point well added 🎶🎧

[@billstill1794]

Yep, I tend to overpack my bins because of a space problem! ...I learned my lesson a long time ago when I stored my LPs on metal "erector set" type of shelving! Now I use either heavy wooden units like you do or stackable heavy plastic crates. All of my LPs are in poly outer sleeves but do have most in paper inner sleeves.

[@RetroGamingNook]

While I completely agree with this list, and always stand my records vertically, me and my brothers had a stack of 30+ rock albums from the 80s in my parents garage without climate control for 25 years before I got back into vinyl. We didn’t know they moved them out there where they sat in that garage stacked horizontally throughout Maine’s humid summers and icy cold winters. Temps ranged from +100F to -10F throughout the years. Not one of them warped and they still sound amazing. I’m taking care of them now and I’m extremely happy they lived through the neglect. Phew!

[@steveowens398]

Good list! I personally don't use the outer sleeve protectors - many of my outer sleeves show the wear of decades and I think they've earned the right to age gracefully - many of my LPs were purchased in the 1960's and still play fine. I build my own record storage cabinets accommodating roughly 200 LPs, canted at 45 degrees front to back so I can read the spines sitting or standing, and separated by doubled particle board so no more than 50 LPs are in one pocket of the cabinet. I've replaced many of the original sleeves but retain these in the outer jacket, as quite a few were used for advertising other records, and I don't want to discard any of the provenance associated with an original pressing. I think the biggest things to consider for keeping your collection in good condition are not allowing anyone who is unfamiliar with record care to handle them (that is, until you've trained them), and to always handle and clean them as if you are handling archival quality materials, because you are.

[@ctrl8337]

I cringe at the thought of sticking a record in my shelves without an outer sleeve! The anxiety would destroy me. I applaud you for being able to do so hahaha.

[@gearhead-442]

Hopefully you don't sell records

[@steveowens398]

@@gearhead-442 Most definitely not! I buy them as I did in the 1960's - to listen to them.

[@chrislj2890]

This past summer I bought a storage unit from Walmart here in the U.S. that is identical to the Ikea Kalax. I went to my local Lowes and had a 4'x8' sheet of smooth hardboard cut to fit the back of the unit. I pre-drilled and used pan head machine screws to attach it. Although it didn't add an inordinate amount of weight the increase in rigidity and strength was substantial, plus it works as a back stop and helps to keep out dust and cobwebs.

[@stevemurrell6167]

I did the same thing with my 'Kallax' style shelving. It's definitely a good move!

[@chrislj2890]

@@stevemurrell6167 For sure. It's a shame they couldn't have that included in the unit, but packaging would be a real problem.

[@soundmatters]

Wise move id say. Great tip 👍🎶🎧

[@MaxLindsay-k4i]

Thanks

[@soundmatters]

No, thank you! 🙏🎶🎧

[@ianlaker9161]

All excellent advice that I'm thankfully familiar with although I don't bother with outer sleeves. As far as storage goes Glorious boxes are by far the best in my opinion. Really strong and modular.

[@FrankieC-b1r]

Thanks! I just changed my setup. They were leaning too much, they're almost vertical now. Looks better too!

[@soundmatters]

Happy listening 🎶🎧

[@ab3000x]

I’ve come across a number of old records stored in PVC outer sleeves (usually from schools or libraries) and the jackets look great. The one thing that keeps the chlorine from the PVC leeching through the paper and etching into the vinyl is an inner poly sleeve. If the inner sleeve is paper there’s nothing to stop the “cancer”. Would I keep the PVC outer sleeve on? NO, No, no!!!!! But I have an old Blue Note reissue from the early 1980s that looks, and plays, great partly because of that stiff outer sleeve combined with a ploy-lined inner. Very good advice. Well done.

[@DuncanWEDD2019]

I had to store my collection, unplayed, for... thirty years (don't ask). Almost the entire lot were in PVC sleeves, stored vertically in open crates, then in proprietary lidded cardboard boxes designed for LPs, before moving into my own place. A few months after a rare Scottish summer heatwave (29°C) I finally sorted them. Then I saw an article about this issue, and another KZbin video. As well as minor damage to a few jackets (I ended up cutting the PVC jackets off) I have found two records (so far) damaged with misting. Both in poly inners! The outer sleeves are unusually thin card, not laminated, not glossy, quite 'poor' quality card (early 1970s). One was in a gatefold jacket, and the 'inside' gatefold of the PVC was not full covering. The side of the record facing inside, was unaffected where there was no PVC. So there was a clear 'edge' to the misted part. Obvious to see. Sadly this particular record is a sought after and valuable, mega-rare collectible (four figure price). Over the next six months or so as I could afford it, I spent nearly £1,000 recovering every single record in crystal polypropylene. The sleeves look better, and the records slide in and out the racks smoother. Everyone, Get rid of all your PVC sleeves, ASAP. Do it!

[@The-Scots-man]

My records had been in the loft for 30 years, exposed to extreme heat and cold. I took them out at Christmas as my wife bought me a top notch turntable and every one I’ve played so far has played perfect and no warping whatsoever. The only problem I had was a couple of covers had stuck together but most were in plastic sleeves. All have original original sleeves but I did buy the ones you recommended, or very similar and I hated them. They seem to ruffle up and don’t slide into the cover properly. I’ll stick with what’s been fine for me so far.

[@robertbosson5223]

When I flew the nest into my first flat I stored my records in my parents' loft for years, where the temperature fluctuation was extreme, hot in summer, freezing in winter. They were covered with thick blankets and huddled together in rows on the floor, stored vertically of course. I was always worried about them and eventually had the space in my own home to bring them down from their ordeal. Thankfully, every record did not suffer any adverse effect. I believe being packed into a large whole and covered as they were protected them from the extreme temperature changes. Saying that I would never put them through that again!!!!

[@gearhead-442]

By the end of a day, everything in tht atiic has reached the same temperature, covered by a blanket ir not. You lucked out, which is great. Enjoy your collection!

[@janinoherdeklar7779]

Seeing Frusciante in the back was such a great surprise!:) Legendary

[@soundmatters]

My fav guitarist :)

[@HauntedPallas]

Fantastic advice! I agree with everything you said. This is the kind of video novice (and, like me, not so novice-old dog new tricks and all that) need to see. Cheers!

[@soundmatters]

Glad it helped! Thanks and enjoy the music!

[@stevemurrell6167]

Great video.....happy to say I now follow all of these tips.....and unhappily, I did lose some records to misting while they were in storage during my 'digital' years due to those thick PVC outers.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for joining the discussion. Sorry to hear about the misting 😔🎶

[@marshlanderdumarais264]

Oh dear. I’ve probably ruined my collection then. I live on a boat with no space for record deck, speakers or records. For the past fourteen years my records have been in my lockup in the hope that one day I may have a means to display them and listen to them again. 😢

[@MetalTrabant]

It's not very advisable to listen to records on boats anyway, as all the swinging will affect playback and record/stylus wear, even on calm waters.

[@fastcakes]

PVC sleeves are definitely a problem, should have been first on the list lol - I have seen hundreds of records ruined with the "misting" effect (I term it "hazing")

[@soundmatters]

It's awful, ins't it!? and nothing you can do about it. 🙁

[@joshwebster2442]

Hi Mark, I just subscribed. You're easily one of the best record related channels on this platform as far as I'm concerned. A pleasant, polite, respectful and passionate production here and in all of your videos, I love it. You're not a snob, you don't speak a million miles a minute, you're articulate and concise. All of these reasons are why I've decided to subscribe to your channel. You know what the funny part is? I'm not even into Vinyl 😂 I have several CDs though and am super intrigued about the vinyl hobby. The one thing that is preventing me from beginning an LP collection is simply the ridiculous price of not only the records themselves but the equipment as well. I'm waiting for the prices to drop at some point on everything before I seriously consider starting out in the hobby. In the meantime I'll be following your channel and learning all about this fascinating hobby moving forward. Thank you! 🙏

[@soundmatters]

Thank you, Josh. That is one of the nicest comments I've ever had on this channel. I really appreciate it. Record collecting can get expensive, that much is for sure! I've been thinking about some content on how to find deals on records and gear, but there's no getting around it, the prices hurt! If you're considering getting started, I would choose a turntable that is stripped down but gets the basic fundamentals of playback spot on. There are some great options out there from Fluance and Pro-Ject to name but two that tick those boxes. After that: be choosy about what albums you choose to buy on vinyl and continue to enjoy the CD collection in parallel. Hope that helps a little. Any further questions, just let me know. Thanks so much for the sub. 🎶🎧

[@joshwebster2442]

@@soundmatters sounds good boss, will keep those things in mind for sure! 👍

[@bassheadlife492]

Thank you for using freedom units of measurement!

[@andyshacks7812]

I must admit I’d been thinking about that radiator at the back but glad now that you’ve cleared that one up lol. Some really good pointers in the video! Cheers Mark ! 🙏

[@soundmatters]

Ha! Honestly it’s not as close to the records as it looks (the cabinet is quite deep) and we mostly use a log burner to heat the house. I’ve not had that radiator on all winter. It sort of looks like the radiator runs the entire length of the wall in that shot but it’s actually only in the corner 😂

[@BillRussellVoiceActor]

Nice gooseneck lamp. I've got a black one. Brilliant choice.

[@soundmatters]

They're great, aren't they!?

[@gregtapevideo1464]

I checked off every item on your list. Cool. One comment though. Vinyl records melt at one hundred forty degrees. If you live in a hot climate I would say they are safe up to ninety degrees or so. We keep our ac at seventy two degrees for our own comfort so we are good temp wise. I once lived in a warehouse space where it got quite cold in the winter. Somehow my records survived. I got lucky. Great list bro!👍✌

[@karmicselling4252]

Presumably you are talking about Farenheit? Here is Australia, if we tried setting out AC to seventy two degrees Celsius, the last thing we would be worrying about is our vinyl record collection ;)

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for joining the discussion. Luck on the warehouse; I’m assuming it was quite dry in there! Phew!

[@roberts.4261]

My experience with horizontal storage is the opposite. In my adolescence I accumulated more than 700 LPs, many of them have been warped. Then for about 10-15 years I didn't listen to records at all because I was in the CD story. Years ago I went back to LPs. Because I had no space at that time all the records were stored in the basement and horizontally. And what happened ? The ones that were warped are now straight, the ones that were ok are now still ok. The height of the piles was about 70-80 cm (2.3 - 2.6 foot). Of course, I now have all my LPs vertically again. But I don't think it's such a big deal, even if they're horizontal. Records are a very durable things. For a good listening experience, the most important thing is that they are clean.

[@davidcrighton3431]

My experience is similar, and it is easily explained. If the records are stored in a neat pile then all the loading goes through the label section and the playing section just hovers mid air receiving no load what so ever. Stack them unevenly though and...

[@tugrulerbaydar4368]

Thanks, Another recommendation: Clean lps before putting in sleeve. Otherwise the dust picked by lp during playback will stick stronger on it by time.

[@soundmatters]

Good point well added. Happy spinning 🎶🎧

[@1530max]

Sensible advice overall. I understand the logic about paper sleeves, but I have purchased many albums decades old stored in orginal paper sleeves that sound great so they are not a death sentence. I also get the humidity point but achieving your recommended relative humidity in the UK is nigh on impossible.

[@soundmatters]

Yes indeed. Our maritime climate. 🎶🎧

[@frogandspanner]

I inherited dad's record collection, brought over from the Netherlands after the war. They are stored vertically in folders called _albums_ . They are shellac '78s, and have survived (mostly intact) for 80 years. I have all my 33.33333s in paper inner sleeves with tongues that fold over to enclose the disc, rather than the slip-sleeves where static is generated amd any grit or crud will be scratched against the disc. I don't know how I could have improved storage of my original _Thick as a Brick_ - the newsprint has gone yellowy brown - just like a 1970s newspaper would.

[@bobair2]

I used to own some vinyl and I kept them in the packaging they came with and in a vertical orientation in the temperature the room had at the time . I had zero problems and when CDS became available I switched to them and I have not looked back.

[@johnbogle6475]

I guess the one thing that I would have recommended would have been, If you're going to listen to a record, Make a HQ digital copy of it the first time. I understand the value of analog content however the act of playing it even once (even with a feather weight, balanced tone arm) introduces high frequency distortion & noise. For portable, day to day listening the digital copy should be your source. Only go to the original when you're "listening" intently and not doing anything else. Just my .03 (inflation) worth.

[@erics9511]

@soundmatters Could you elaborate which orientation of the IKEA KALLAX is the "right" and which is the "wrong" orientation? I've put them together several times, and all of the inner shelves are supported by wooden dowels, so I'm not sure what you're referring to.

[@rogerturner1881]

1/ Storing your vinyl in PVC Outers is a complete NO NO NO. It causes a clouding and will damage beyond repair. i can tell because i was a victim, but I STARTED REPLACING THE DAMAGED 45'S AND ALBUMS.

[@soundmatters]

😢 🎶 sorry to hear that Roger. Rebuild 💪🎧

[@rogerturner1881]

@@soundmatters That i'm doing my best but nothing rare of my Connie Francis collection was affected.

[@slidetek]

I sadly learned about PVC in the 90's. While most all of my import records (I live in USA) were vinyl, a few from France came in very nice PVC outer sleeves. Not until someone mentioned it did I look, and darned if I didn't have a few. Sadly, my White Album cover got discolored, as did one of the LP's. Thankfully that was my only casualty. Lesson learned. Since then all have been ultrasound cleaned, placed in archival mofi style anti-static sleeves and crystal clear outers, a ritual with every new LP. They'll be around long after I'm gone!

[@rogerturner1881]

@@slidetek Fortunately no album covers were damaged in my CF collection. only the vinyl.and mostly my US 45's although they were in exc condition.i'm replacing them slowly.and the PVC outers go straight to the recycle bin.

[@Alkahest1982]

Hello there, I’m sorry about the polymerisation your vinyl got! Well I d like to ask also some other info, like what was approximately the temperature, humidity conditions? Were they too tight stored?I’m asking that because for almost 30 years I used to have pvc sleeves and never had an issue. I live in Greece, and from second hand vinyl I found over the years they were a couple records with “fogging” but they were mostly Greek presses ( not the best material to start with) Sorry for the lengthy question, but for years I’m trying to find out if pvc by itself causes that, or pvc under specific conditions makes that reaction! Thanks

[@MickSupper]

Clickbait to say avoid at all costs, some of these. No temperatures over 70 degrees? That's mighty low. It's not like you are keeping vegetables down in your cellar. Sticking those desiccant packs in each record is absolutely ridiculous, unless for some crazy extreme circumstance that I can't even think of.

[@aggielonghorn]

Lol. 100% agree. Personally, I'm not paying an $800 electric bill in the summer trying to keep my records in a 65° to 70° environment.

[@MickSupper]

@@aggielonghorn lol Saw 'em off!

[@soundmatters]

Can't please every one. Enjoy the music and thanks for watching 🎶🎧

[@JakeyDill]

Where I live in the world. The average daily temperature in winter is hotter then that.

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

​@@JakeyDillL.A???

[@SeamySmyth]

thanks for another great video, my one issue is that some of the recommendations on products is not based in the UK. would love to get the anti static sleeves that you recommend but it not based in the uk. Not a big issue and can do my own research to get stuff over here, but its sometimes a pet peeve when you click on a link. Once again, another great video.

[@soundmatters]

Try Mint Sleeves as the distributor, you may be able to get them from them. Thanks for watching

[@davidhowe2951]

Hi. Great information, thanks. Have you any details on your record deck light I can see over your left shoulder. TIA

[@soundmatters]

Yes! It's a gooseneck that is superb from Reliable Corp. Here is an Amazon affiliate link to it: geni.us/uberlight-flex Hope that helps - I love mine.

[@sammartinez1137]

I've used the old school poly sleeves for over 30 years... I've never had an issue

[@gearhead-442]

Polyethylene, Polyproyplene, Polyvinyl chloride? They're very different.

[@rogercoates2492]

I store my records outside of the record cover and inside the plastic sleeve to avoid splitting the record cover spine.

[@betaneptune]

What about cleaning your records every time you play them? Like with Discwasher?

[@soundmatters]

100% - cleaning records is important. Lots on my channel about this. Thanks for watching! 🎶

[@javascriptsv]

How do you ship those record sleeves to the UK? I clicked the link in the description to have a look but it seems like there’s no way to ship them to uk

[@soundmatters]

There’s a company called Mint Sleeves that will supply them to the UK 👍🎶

[@Robhop888]

My basement stays at a constant 60F, maybe 58 if it's well below freezing. Will my records be ok there? Thanks in advance! New vinyl collector here

[@soundmatters]

Is it a dry, insulated basement? Ideally the temp would be higher, but the main thing is are you getting any condensation or issues that might cause moisture over time. I'd worry about heat more than cold.

[@monsterconsvmer]

Watch out for pvc inner sleeves and cheap inner sleeves also! Channel 33 RPM made a good video recently on that. Some of them leave a oil based acid on vinyl and ruins them.

[@Rheasound]

Great tips, thank you for sharing.

[@soundmatters]

Thank you for watching 🎶🎧

[@slidetek]

I somewhat recently moved, and went from built in shelving to Kallax system(s). One thing that bothered me was how exposed my LP's were in the Kallax, plus there not being anything to stop the LP's from scooting off the back side. I saw there's pricey little record stops specifically for Kallax. However, I settled on what I think is a superior system. Amazon has 13"x13" smooth fabric cubes for storage. Unlike (expensive) Ikea cubes, they fit like pistons in a cylinder. Turned with open side out and stiff bottom at the back. This keeps my album covers dust free, and nothing rough comes in contact with them. Most cubes like this are 12" x 12" or 12.5" x 12.5", so specify. I have black cubes on black shelves and you'd never know they're there!

[@tomvincent7167]

Lowe's or HD sell a roll of ~ 1" x 1" black adhesive backed foam door and window seal that you cut to length and stick on each shelf, even with the rear of each shelf.

[@Alkatross]

The ikea box just needs a backplate nailed on

[@soundmatters]

Good advice

[@IAMPLEDGE]

If you mean the Kallax type storage I agree 100%. Mine all wobble like mad. The problem is if you nail some sort of strut or plate on the back you remove the option of having the units free standing or as separators (if your room is big enough). As it is I wouldn't dare have any of mine freestanding. I much prefer my previous Ikea storage (can't remember the name). Much sturdier, but I am having to replace them as they are over 25 years old and have survived 2 or 3 house moves- with the exception of the ones I broke when trying to clumsily move them.

[@henrys3629]

Don't play your records, that will save issues. I added some $2 piece of laminate flooring to the back of my shelves and solid as a rock.

[@KidLoveWax]

0:18 … don't play them! ☝

[@Alkatross]

What is the point of owning records you don't play? What a waste

[@karmicselling4252]

@@Alkatross You play them once to record them onto tape. You then store the vinyl records away and play the tapes.

[@shaunsmith3660]

Great video as usual, but these nods to vinyl storage solutions are pointless to the UK listeners because they do not ship to the UK 🙃 and you live and create your content in the uk 😉

[@soundmatters]

You can buy in the UK from Mint Sleeves if that helps? Glad you like the video 🎶🎧

[@mikelashinsky7305]

My Records are stored Vertical in my Mancave at 55 Degrees, all year round. It's dark in there unless I turn the LED Lights on for playing sessions. My records are stored in pure (Rice Paper) Inner sleeves. There is none better because Rice keeps things anti-static & fresh & a low humidity factor. The outer jackets are a Vinyl plastic, that is made by: Vinyl Lab. So! The records have the original Cellophane wrapping alongside my extra Outer Vinyl jackets'. NOTE: It's a pain in the ass when having to take everything apart just to play a record. But! this is what I do. I also wear White parade gloves to endure No marks & Fingerprint oils, etc. My records have not been ever touches by human flesh. There are (3) Record shelves are made of 1" Thick Blue Pearl Granite, that are 18" Wide X 6 Feet Long. The Book ends are made of sealed Epoxy Solid Glass Blocks that the shelf's are spaced evenly for three tiers of record storage. The Granite is Polished making the records slide very easy in & out of their Alphabetical alignments. There are 27 Lime Green colored Acrylic 1/4" thick dividers from one letter to the next, that separate each Bands record, from the next. There is also White L.E.D. Lighting on the undersides of each Granite shelf, to make it easy to read your selections of music. They are on a glued strip & hidden. My records are all MINT. When I purchased them. I bought Two of the same Vinyl L.P. (One is played). The other is still sealed & new as the day it was made. All my Vinyl Music is either1960's /70's / 80's & beyond. It's either Rock / POP/ (or) Jazz Fussion. I have everything from AC/ DC to ZZ-Top. etc. These records are played on An ORACLE DELPHI MARK V Turntable, trimmed in Gold Plate & a BENZ MICRO GLIDER Cart.

[@soundmatters]

Sounds like a fancy setup! Love the idea of granite 🎶

[@mikelashinsky7305]

@@soundmatters Yes! a tad of over~kill. But! just trying to protect my investments. Being that I'm a Stone Mason & have many skills. It was just a matter of finding the right materials & using them.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

OCD much ? 😂

[@gearhead-442]

Keeping those beautiful old records in the original shrink wrap? Not me. There's nothing like removing that shrink wrap and enyoying the beauty of that pefectly preserved album cover. Carefully store it in a Polyethylene or Polypopylene sleeve and it will remain perfect. I guess you're going to leave that pleasure for some other lucky soul in the future.

[@IAMPLEDGE]

"store your records in a record cabinet preferably like the one behind me". Do you mean the one with the radiator adjacent to it?

[@soundmatters]

I did mention the radiator in the video. Happy spinning

[@KGV-b1x]

Very good points, Marc, especially regarding PVC. One tip that I think should be added is that you should always remove the shrink-wrap plastic from the album cover. Many people will simply slit open the end to slide out the vinyl, while leaving the remainder of the tight plastic shrink wrap intact. They feel that this will protect the cover. Unfortunately, this practice can put strain and pull upon the album cover and vinyl, especially as the temperature and/or humidity shifts, which can ultimately cause bending of the cover and warping of the vinyl. So, remove the shrink wrap entirely when you open the album for the first time!

[@soundmatters]

Excellent addition. I never did get the whole cut the shrink wrap thing. But you’re completely right! Best to just sleeve that baby up! 🎶

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I've left shrink on for years, never had a problem. I think the older type might continue to shrink but the newer stuff seems fine.

[@MickSupper]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 All of the records I have with shrink wrap for 40 years or so are perfectly fine. It's such a huge myth.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Picture discs have come in the clear PVC sleeves over the years. The picture discs don't have the best sound to begin with. One shaped picture disc by Pau McCartney and The Frog Chorus is not a record you would want to listen too anyway, but it came in a custom PVC sleeve. I am embarrassed for Paul. The record adhered to the inside of the sleeve! I have I have had this happen with other picture discs. But, they are to be seen and not played, anyway. They are what I call 'wall-hangers'. lol I live in the Republic of California, in a semi-arid climate, which can get down to freezing and as high as mabe 115 degrees F. It does get very humid here, occasionally, so much so that it makes it hard to breath. My home is climate controlled, but due to the cost of electricity and natural gas, it isn't economically feasible to keep a year round temperature of 68 degrees F. Back in the 1960's and early-70's we could. Now, it's the low 60's in the winter and 75-78 degrees F in the summer. Humidity is very low in the house. I have great record storage. I have Ikea Kallax shelving for my 10 and 12 inch records. I use 4-4x4 shelving units and they are in stacks of 2. Knowing that I was going to stack them I re-inforced them. 90 degree metal brackets in each corner an a cross of 1/2" steel flat bar on the backsides. The shelving units are securely attached to the wall. The wall would have to come loose for the shelves to fall. Now for the individual records. Whilst collecting records for over 60 years, I tried to leave them in their original shrink wrap. I have left them in their original inner sleeves for the most part. The only problem I had was the vinyl dam rims would leave impressions in the album cover(ringwear). I used to store the records inside the album covers. Years ago, I put all my record albums in 3mil polypropylene outer sleeves. Then I realized that this didn't protect the album covers from ringwear. Next, I removed the record from inside the album covers and into the polypropylene outer sleeves on the backside of the album cover. Of late, because the spine of gatefold album covers can get smashed, for single record albums, I put the record(inside it's inner sleeve) and inside the gatefold. For multi-disc gatefolds, I put one record in the middle of the gatefold and the other on the backside. Vinyl Solutions has special outer sleeves for gatefold albums and some have additional pockets to put records in. These are way too bulky. You do realize that polypropylene, as well as plastic, is a byproduct of crude oil, correct? Let's talk about the inner sleeves. I loved the line inner sleeves that came with my old U.K. Decca and RCA LP albums, they are the best. As they were made in the U.K. by Decca also, we got the London Phase 4 albums in the lined inner sleeves also. Now, the current lined inner sleeves for 'audiophile' records ain't so great. These are especially bad in semi-arid and dry climates. With brand new albums, it is very hard to extract the record from these inner sleeves.. I can hold the inner sleeves at the bottom corners, with the open side pointing down, and the record will not slide out(even when I shake it a bit). I asked Mobile Fidelity about this and they agreed it could happen. Why doesn't the record slide out? Because of static electricity. Guess what static electricity also does? it draws dust and dirt out of the air. This then adheres to the linings of the inner sleeve. Sliding the record in and out of the lined inner sleeve generates static electricity. If dust particles have attached themselves to the inside of the inner sleeve, they might scratch the record or transfer to the record itself. Now you have to neutralize the static electricity and blow the dust off. That is why I prefer new generic white paper inner sleeves. Recently, I have started putting the records in those round bottom anti-static inner sleeves and then putting them in the paper inner sleeves. I haven't had a problem with static electricity so far.

[@fastcakes]

Dehumidifyers are cheap! I have two running 24/7 in my sheds, have done for years, they do the job in keeping things dry, they cost £70

[@soundmatters]

Space and electricity costs are more the issue for me. However, thanks for adding that - good to know for those who want to go that route!

[@stehlik]

Labels should stop using the crap sleeves themselves in the first place.

[@mr.george7687]

What about cats? My cat loves chewing the plastic outer sleeves & using my lower stored records as a scratching post! I have to barricade my records!

[@insurrectionindustries1706]

Does anyone know if they make polypropylene outer sleeves without edge seams? I really use my somewhat large collection and the sleeve seams make it more difficult to identify records at a glance. I would pay extra for something like that for sure!

[@LuisPerez-bj4jr]

Wai so is there a differecnce between polipropylene and polyethylene?

[@karmicselling4252]

Yes there are several differences between PP and PE. Google will tell you what they are.

[@gearhead-442]

Polyproyplene is very clear and feels 'crunchy' and tears easily. Polyetylene is soft, can be somewhat cloudy (depending on manufacturer) and is more tear resistant. A good quality Polyethylene can't be beat, like Vinyl Storage Solutions, Canada.

[@unicornpower]

lol at the Kops call-out at 2:23. Those guys are the worst.

[@soundmatters]

😬

[@CarlosBrewer-Incera]

According to this video, I am f*ckd ... Live in the tropics, high temperatures, high humidity, don't have the funds to have the home climatized ... Avg yearly temp 28°C, avg humidity 75%

[@danielaltmann1308]

hmv is sadly just a scam anyways, absolutely cant believe it was £70 for new jersey by bon jovi and abbey road together, when i could get 7 records for the same price in the indie shop i went too beforehand to get teddy pendergrass. As a very new record collector, ive just bought outer and inner sleeves and its just so much nicer

[@soundmatters]

So much better to support an indie store too 🎶🎧❤️

[@danielaltmann1308]

@@soundmatters agreed, its a nice one the one i went too as well

[@vivaeuro3667]

Agree. HMV is a complete and utter rip off. Sale! My arse. Htf is £26.00 a sale.

[@VintageGearMan]

Thanks.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! 🎶

[@zolarwaka8576]

Paper sleeves have worked for decades and decades. If you take care, records will last a lifetime. Outer sleeves - waste of money in most cases. Again, just handle your albums with care. Temperature and humidity, as well as horizontal storage (Who Does That?!?) are the key things to watch. Oh, and you need sturdy storage cabinets, for sure. Remember, records are for listening. This is not a science. This many storage costs have been adding up only since people started "collecting" them.

[@gearhead-442]

Paper sleeves are awful. They were the cheap technology of the times. If you like scuffed, static filled records, go ahead. Life is a science.

[@saustindavis]

I think you meant hygrometer with a G.

[@chrisbodinsydney]

PVC outer sleeves are pure evil. AVOID AVOID AVOID

[@soundmatters]

Defo 🎶

[@ldaniel022]

Are you the twin that aphex twin is reffering to?

[@hunkydorian]

He thinks that the label is pasted on to the record. It is not. The labels go into the mold with the plastic, and the flat surface that results includes the molded-in label.

[@soundmatters]

I never said it was pasted on top. I'm aware of how records are pressed.

[@EddieJazzFan]

A dehumidifier is essential here in the Eastern US, where the humidity is over 60% most of the time. A room-size unit is only about $175, which is a small price to pay if you have a big collection.

[@frogandspanner]

Your energy prices to run it are cheaper than in UK !

[@soundmatters]

Indeed - I hear this a lot. As also mentioned by @frogandspanner - our energy prices are currently pretty cost prohibitive to such things. Thanks for watching!

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

Your Opinion but sorry your Wrong🤷‍♂️

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

The biggest mistake you missed is not having CDs on the shelf instead!!

[@djstuc]

Yawn, bore off.

[@gearhead-442]

Nice grammar

[@joshmaier18]

Outer sleeves suck. Tried it, bought probably 50 of them for my collection and every time I put them away half the sleeve pushes off.

[@ctrl8337]

Hudson Hi-fi makes really nice outer and inner sleeves. That's the only company I buy from now! Haven't had any problems at all with them splitting.

[@stevemurrell6167]

No, they save your LP covers. What do you mean 'half the sleeve pushes off'?

[@thehypnagogicstate4607]

@@stevemurrell6167I’m guessing they insert the album so that the opening of the cardboard sleeve matches the opening of the poly sleeve? That’s the only way I can see that happening routinely.

[@stevemurrell6167]

@@thehypnagogicstate4607 Yeah, I put the opening of the album in first so it dust proofs the record better.

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

Some great tips. Thank you for your video!

[@soundmatters]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🎶- thanks for watching

[@RogerMelodicMusic]

Avoid collecting and buying vinyl 👎 but DO collect and buy CDs instead for the pure sound quality that the artist intended you to hear their music, NOT with crackles and pops so enjoy the durability of CDs that don’t deteriorate because it’s only a laser beam going to the CD disc, NOT actual physical contact like vinyl and cassette…People who are obsessed with collecting vinyl forget my previous comments on how CDs are really the right way to listen, collect and enjoy music for many many years to come 👍😃👍

[@johnbaker3234]

Click bait !👎

[@jockmattock9239]

naw. stick to paper

[@gearhead-442]

Yeah, there's nothing like adding scuffs and static to your record collection.

[@AdelaideRetroGamer1987]

Classic scaremongering 🤡

[@slidetek]

Not sure how it's scaremongering. A LOT of people don't know about PVC, and those buying used LP's might not be aware to check. Everything else is common sense for those who've collected for years/decades, but those new to the hobby might have no clue. I was recently at the home of somebody new(ish) to LP collecting, and darned if they weren't stacking their LP's.