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Inner sleeves versus none?

Hi. I recently bought about 70 albums from a personal collection. Interestingly, the guy used no inner sleeves - just had albums stuck inside the cover. I have been buying the nicer inner sleeves to replace the harsh paper ones in my own collection and was curious to see these records of his in pretty minty condition!! How can that be? Do you think he just used good equipment and that is the difference or is no inner sleeve a real option??? Please chime in before I invest more in inner sleeves. Oh - albums were from 1971 to mid 80s if that matters. Thanks!
Chapin99
chapin99
qdrone
1,041 posts
 
I have found that over time the cardboard from the jacket will get imbedded into the vinyl all though a good cleaning will get it out. Stick with the inner sleeves the rice ones.
markphd
667 posts
 
Sleeves are not expensive and they provide an extra layer of protection from small particles and other grit. This is not a particularly insightful comment on my part but I don't what else to say. The sleeves serve a protective purpose.

I suspect his records are pristine because either he didn't play them much and/or he was very careful with them.
chapin99 OP
26 posts
 
Thanks! Buying inner sleeves right now! I appreciate the input and now believe he just didn't play them much.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Are you sure they are "minty" . On more than occasion I have bought records I couldn't see a single scratch scuff what have you on lt what so ever. I missed it some how. I am not blind, but the lighting etc. can fool you.
Yes of course get the best inner sleaves. The rice ones suggested already are superb, The MSFL are good but a little hard to use. any modern after market sleave is generally fine.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Even records that look mint may not play mint. Odds are high that there's stuff in those grooves too small to see, but quite large enough to hear.

So make sure you properly wet clean and vacuum before playing them, otherwise you risk grinding any microscopic grunge into the grooves forever.

And yes, buy some inner sleeves - and outer ones too if you're serious about maintaining your collection.
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