THE SHOULD NOTS TO VINYL COLLECTION
Collectors cherish vinyl for so many reasons and it is important for them to know the should nots to vinyl collection. Even in this age of digital technology, many people admire it for its inherent vintage value and a unique feel that is hard to find elsewhere. The ever-increasing cost of vinyl records is also one of the main reasons for the popularity of vinyl collection. Even when there are many reasons to build your vinyl collection, there are should nots to vinyl collection and other things you should avoid, especially if you are new to it.
Here are ten should nots to vinyl collection you should avoid as a beginner.
1. Stacking Vinyl Records
Don’t stack vinyl because this increases their risk of getting warped.
- Avoid records being stacked on top of each other, not even in their jackets
- It can also cause cracking due to the weight
- It is going to create ring wear and scuff marks on the album cover
You should always store these discs uplight similar to books on a shelf. You should create a specialized record storage shelf for storing your collection. So even before you start collecting, you should invest in its storage systems.
2. Don't Touch Vinyl with Your Fingers
You should also learn how to handle a vinyl record.
- Avoid touching the playing surface with fingers or bare hands
- The oil on your hands can sometimes transfer to the surface and draw more dust
- Touching the surface can thus affect the disc’s sound quality
- The proper way is to hold the vinyl by the outer edges
Even when you accidentally touch the playing surface, make sure to clean it instantly using a specialized record cleaner.
3. Don't 'Drop' Records Into the Sleeve
It is easy to drop the record into its sleeve or jacket every time you have used it. You should not be doing so. It can cause damage to the sleeves or covers.
- Bow open the lid and hold it horizontally
- Slide the record gently in, ensuring that it doesn’t bind
Use essential replacement record jackets in place of jackets that may be torn or water affected.
4. Don't Clean with Just Any Cloth
Don’t just use any cloth, such as a towel to clean vinyl. It is usual for most people to use their shirt to wipe the record just because the fabric is soft. It is going to scuff and scratch the surface. While you may think that it can remove the dirt, this method is only going to move the dust around.
Invest in a specialized record cleaning brush. It is ideal for light touch up and dry cleaning. Also, it is specially designed to discharge static. It also helps remove dirt by lifting it, without causing any damage to the surface.
5. Avoid Solvents & Lubricants for Cleaning
Avoid all non-approved cleaners. It is easy to think that you can use baby oil, solvents, and lubricants on your rare vinyl collection. These liquids have a damaging chemical impact that can result in permanent damage to the vinyl. You should use only those cleaners that have the label as specialized vinyl cleaners.
6. Avoid Wet Playing
Some users wet play records to quiet the pops and crackle. It will force the sludge deeper into the disc’s grooves. This sludge has an abrasive effect and causes permanent damage. Once the slurry dries, the vinyl is going to sound worse. The dirt can get embedded across the record.
7. Avoid Leaving Vinyl Out of Sleeves
Don’t leave your vinyl out of the sleeves once you have listened to them. Your collection is meant to be preserved and protected. So make sure to put it back into the protective cover once it is not in use. Don’t just leave the record on the turntable platter after you have finished listening to it. Else, it is going to attract dirt and dust, which can cause damage without proper cleaning.
8. Don't Remove the Record Before the Platter Stops
Another thing you should avoid as a new vinyl collector is not to pick up the record before the platter stops spinning. If you do, it is going to scratch the vinyl’s underside. Have the patience to allow the plate to stop before you remove the disc.
If there is a mat on the platter, make sure it is always clean. It should not be worn or torn. Replace it if you notice any signs of damage.
9. Avoid Tape on the Album Cover Art
You shouldn’t apply any tape on to fix the vinyl’s cover. It is instead going to destroy the cover art. When the tape ages, it is going to become yellowish, brittle, and the adhesive is going to come off. All this can worsen the look of the cover.
- A good strategy is to place the jacket in a poly outer sleeve
- The vinyl should be placed inside the inner sleeve
- You can also set the vinyl in its inner sleeve within a primary cardboard record jacket
In this way, you can preserve and protect the original jacket for its beauty for the long-term.
10. Avoid Talking Like a Pro (an important SHOULD NOTS TO VINYL COLLECTION)
Another exciting thing seen in new vinyl collectors is how they start talking about their new hobby like a professional. If you do so, you are going to look like a novice most of the time. Even when there is nothing wrong with it, it is best to gain some experience before demonstrating your knowledge.
One common mistake made by new vinyl collectors is calling multiple records only as ‘vinyl’. It is an easy giveaway that you don’t know much about the hobby.
Final Thoughts on SHOULD NOTS TO VINYL COLLECTION!
So, make sure to follow these tips and avoid the should nots to vinyl collection and other common mistakes as a vinyl records collector. It may take some additional time to gain the knowledge and experience required to act and speak like a pro. Until then, you should look and observe and follow the tips mentioned above. If you are into this for the long-term, you should also build the art of being patient.
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