2. analog
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storing vinyl, reducing damage over many years

Hi -

I bought 3 of these that I have stacked successfully one on top of each other and filled with albums:

http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RR-OAK-UN

(I didn't buy it directly there, I bought it on ETSY, but the etsy link no longer appears valid, so I am referencing this web link).

I was basically happy with everything, I did the assembly, everything is solid.

My question: will the lack of any support in the middle area of the albums, over many years, cause damage to the albums? I went through and find a certain percent of my albums were drooping down through damaged covers, so for now I have removed these. I don't know, some might say this is paranoid, but if they sit there for 10-20-30 years and ultimately some of them over time are damaged, it would bother me, so I figured I'd ask the question now.
joshl
wntrmute2's avatar
wntrmute2
188 posts
 
The same company has these for what seems a reasonable cost. You could also source a similar thing at Home Depot or lumber yard. Maybe buy one and you have a template

Inlay
joshl OP
26 posts
 
Thanks for the various timely responses.

Wntrmute2, that's just what the Doctor ordered, I have put in my order already, thanks much.

Czarivey, I'm not much of a collector (just got my record player back up and running after about 10 years of mostly not using it) but will keep your points in mind.
saki70
907 posts
 
$16 for a 1 ft. X 2 ft. piece of 1/4" plywood !
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
+1 to what Czarivey (and Saki70) said...

Besides preventing the LP from wearing through an unsupported record sleeve, another major risk of long term LP storage is warping. To minimize this, pack the LPs firmly together and store with the records standing straight vertical (never lying horizontal!). Loosely spaced records tend to settle at an angle, which inevitably leads to sagging and a warped LP.

Additional risks include mold, mildew and other microbial growths. The scum at the bottom of most used LPs provides fertile grounds for the growth of various micro-beasties. Some of these can be difficult (occasionally impossible) to remove if left too long.

Best practices include a thorough record cleaning plus a new inner sleeve, then a new outer sleeve over the record jacket to prevent dust infiltration and shelf wear.
minorl
1,015 posts
 
Dougdeacon; How often do you recommend going through the record collection and cleaning the albums and replacing the out sleeve with new to prevent this issue?

Thanks
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