We'll keep this simple - when you handle your records, be sure to only touch the outer edges and label. Unless you're a DJ, there's no reason to ever touch the grooves of your records. You might think your hands are clean, but touching your grooves will inevitably leave oil behind.
The oils on your hands will get on the record which will help dirt and such stick to it thus not good in the long run. The oils can also get transferred over to your stylus. If you accidentally happen to touch it then it wont be ruined per se but it generally should be avoided.
Things like being stored in direct sunlight, dust and dirt, moisture, being kept in PVC sleeves, as well as improper storage and handling can all render your records unplayable - so it is important to take care and pay attention to how you are storing your own collection.
Always hold a record gently by the sides without touching its surface. Any contact with the surface could leave smudges from your fingers. This holds for when you have to remove the record from the cover too. The inner sleeve should be loose enough to allow you to insert your middle finger in the center.
We'll keep this simple - when you handle your records, be sure to only touch the outer edges and label. Unless you're a DJ, there's no reason to ever touch the grooves of your records.
Yet, if you are a true vinyl record collector, you know the importance of preserving your records. They are fragile and can easily be damaged. Even in this digital age, many fans and collectors still appreciate the nostalgia of vinyl records.
Similarly in the United Kingdom, the compact disc surpassed the gramophone record in popularity in the late 1980s. This started a gradual decline in vinyl record sales throughout the 1990s.
The Depth of Scratches and Their Impact on Sound Quality
Minor scratches might cause a slight pop or crackle, but deep scratches can cause a skipping record. And that's a real party pooper!
Vinyl is made by combining ethylene or crude oil with chlorine to create polyvinyl chloride, a strong synthetic material. Water does not destroy this plastic, as it does most plastics. If a tiny spill is cleaned up quickly, it is unlikely to cause irreparable damage.
Is flexible vinyl ( PVC ) film approved for direct and indirect skin contact? Although flexible PVC is perfectly safe for direct and indirect skin contact, it is not certified as such.
It can dry up water, skin, hair, and oh yeah… your vinyl furniture. Over time, the sun will begin to dry out the vinyl, resulting in a loss of flexibility and durability.
Just like any other forms of physical media, vinyl records need to be kept clean so that they work properly. Fingerprints, dust and scratches can damage the surface of the record itself, which can diminish the sound and add unwanted noise. Even natural oils from your hands can erode the surface of your vinyl records.
Handling & Cleaning
This dust can lead to damage during playback or even mold growth when stored. To be extra cautious, consider using nitrile gloves or finger cots to protect the surface from accidental touches. It's recommended to clean a record both before and after playback.
Under ideal circumstances, vinyl records can last more than 100 years. PVC, the material used to make custom vinyl records, takes thousands of years to break down. Maintenance, humidity conditions, UV exposure, storage, and the equipment used to play the record are factors that affect a vinyl record's longevity.
The golden rule of vinyl record handling is to always hold them by the edges. This is because the oils on your fingers can damage the grooves on the record, affecting the sound quality.
It's important to remember that vinyl records are made from a PVC compound, which is a relatively soft material. This softness makes them vulnerable to scratches from dust particles, mishandling, or using inappropriate cleaning tools..
Vinyl records are delicate, and various factors can contribute to their damage or destruction. Some common ways include mishandling, exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and improper storage. Scratches, warping, and even breakage can occur if records are not handled and stored with care.
Music from a CD should sound the same as music played from a vinyl record. However, vinyl delivers audio in a smooth analogue way with no jaggedness whatsoever. And yes, a properly recorded and manufactured vinyl record can seem to sound warmer and more pleasant.
It's 2024, and there's a sound revolution taking place you might not have seen coming: Vinyl records are back in a big way. Against all odds, this old-school format has soared in popularity, with global sales jumping over 20% just last year, online audio distribution platform Bandcamp notes.
The largest privately owned vinyl record collection in the world belongs to São Paulo businessman Zero Freitas.
Your vinyl records can last anywhere from a year or two and up to well over 100 years. If you're aiming for the latter, it really comes down to how well you care for your record collection.
High temperatures over time can lead to distortion of the record. UV radiation, present in sunlight, will fade and speed up the deterioration of the card outer sleeve. Windows and radiators can be sources of water leaks which could easily ruin a collection.
Proper storage solutions are essential for protecting your vinyl records from dust, scratches, and environmental damage. Inner Sleeves: Invest in high-quality inner sleeves made from anti-static materials. These sleeves protect the grooves from dust and static electricity, which can attract dirt.