I have perfected the vinyl record cleaning method. First you smear a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the record. Next you place the record in front of your dog's face and let him lick the record clean. The bigger the dog, the better the results.
Kudos on another great, informative video! I hate to admit it, but when I was a young novice, I thought that cleaning a record with a damp Kleenex tissue and following up with a dry one was a great method! 😮
My organization is super simple. I alphabetize within each Kallax cube. Last record purchased lives in the currently no full yet "next" cube. Each cube gets an ID/locator number and I track in Discogs and Collectorz software. Play the record and put it right back in the cube it came from. It would drive an outsider without a file or password to the software database nuts (because 30 KGLW records possibly could be in up to 30 different cubes).. But I NEVER have to shuttle the records around.
Mr. Dillon - great video, 100% agreed on cleaning, handling, & sleeving. Two other things I do 1) European pressings - I’ll do a MoFi inner sleeve, but slip that into a generic cardboard outer sleeve, THEN slip all that behind the original Euro cardboard outer sleeve. Whole batch goes into a 3mil outer sleeve, protecting the record better & supporting that thinner Euro cardboard outer sleeve. 2) anything that’s hard to find goes into a generic cardboard sleeve. Takes up more room, but the extra security is worth it to me.
I absolutely LOATHE the concept of keeping the record stored outside of the jacket, personally. I know that it’s become a very popular method for many, but it’s for reasons that I will never agree with. But most of all, I hate the idea of covering up / blocking the back of the jacket, with an externally stored record. That being said, I completely agree with and respect that we all have our own particular preferences, and should do whatever works best for each of us, as individual collectors 🤘🏼🤘🏼
I don’t like ringwear and seamsplits to be honest. A little extra work, while flipping through records at dealers, etc., to see the back sleeve is worth it…
@@paulspanbauer4125 I don’t like ring wear or seam splits either… not one little bit. Sounds like you are suggesting that ring wear and seam splits are an inevitable, foregone conclusion if or when the record is stored within the jacket, as opposed to outside of it, which of course is not the case (I have 27 years of active use and storage results to prove it). That being said, I would agree that folks who are prone to being a bit careless or impetuous with their record handling would most definitely benefit from keeping them stored outside of the jacket. Fortunately for me, I don’t have that problem to contend with. I am, in every way, careful and considerate when it comes to my record handling and storage, and so haven’t had to contend with seam splits or ring wear… at all 🤷🏻♂️
I've been wanting to use those plastic mofi style sleeves for a while but a story I read put a crazy idea in my head that'll most likely never happen to me anyways. So the story goes like this: a guy had a huge valuable vinyl collection with most of the records in mofi sleeves and some in regular paper sleeves. A part of his house caught on fire and was close to the record room. The records didn't burn but the heat from the fire melted all the mofi sleeves into the grooves and the records in the paper sleeves were all fine. Obviously if my house is on fire I have way bigger issues than vinyl though 😂😂. I think I'm gonna buy some mofi sleeves now that I realize how insane this sounds. Collection vinyl sure is stressful 😅.
Good video man! I’ve just bought vinyl that I’ve run across that I liked. Never really cleaned them or put into new sleeves. Learned a lot from this. I love a worn out jacket just the smell and history of it. I need to learn more!
Thanks Dylan! Great video... I would love to come across a decently priced ultrasonic cleaner for some of my first pressings... a little too expensive for my budget now though. I pretty much follow the same routine for new records with the inner and outer sleeves and storing in KALLAX units...
Dillon, I know we have probably seen them all throughout your videos but make one video showing all the grail records in the one cube. Would be cool to hear about them all again.
Hello Dylan! I place my records also by style of music: new wave, special records( of the moon landing, religious records etc ), house records, disco records, electronic music records, rock records, classic music records. Don't you have no cube of new wave records? Sisters Of Mercy, The Cure etc?? greetz from Tienen,Belgium
Hey Dillon--you have some of the best videos on this topic, but I was wondering if you'd ever experimented with Mylar outer sleeves? When I read it's what the Library of Congress uses, I had to try some for more valuable titles--I love their clarity and toughness, but there are definitely pros and cons. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I don't think anyone's ever done a video reviewing them.
What size sleeve did you use for the Boris Pink set? I have an O.G. Alice Cooper "Muscle of Love" with the carboard box I'd love to put in a sleeve. Thanks! Great helpful & informative video
I'll take a few extra steps to listen to an album, than to suffer reverse ring wear indentations. But that's me. Nice content for the newbies though. Cheers.
I feel the spin clean doesn’t get in the grooves. I use makeup pads and Nitty Gritty and wipe firm, spinning the record on poly plastic, from the dead spot to the outside in the direction they cut the records.
Great tips. I love those MOFI sleeves. I found them at a local record store, so now I don’t need to pay $10 for shipping. Looks like the one company is out of packs of 100 3mil outer sleeves. I’m going to order a pack of 200. Do you do anything differently with box sets? Or just keep the albums in the sleeves. Sometimes it’s difficult.
One thing I don't really understand about storing the record with the sleeve on the outside like that, is both ends are open at the top. So wouldn't that mean they would be more susceptible to dust etc dropping in on the record from above? (even when they're shelved, after time, dust settles on everything) Also, NO hip hop in your collection at all? (I only go for 80's -90's stuff personally!)
@@1RungAtATime yeah, but then the sleeve slips off when you put it on the shelf. Best option that I use is opening of outer sleeve on top and opening of inner sleeve on side (rotate it 90 degrees)
@mick schnabel just place the mofi sleeve with the arrow facing either side, not straight up. Reason to have the outer sleeve at the top, is more convenient when dragging the records in and out of the shelves. It won't slide off. This is the way I do it. The outer sleeve Dylan use here is great, those soft outer sleeves. The more stiff PVC outer sleeves actually damages your records if you are unlucky of heat, and just smell those, you can smell the chemicals. This is why you see vinyl records (vinyl itself) having white spots on its surface, or it looks faded on its surface (getting grey). You can google up videos about this topic. Also your covers gets all sticky. Whenever you buy used records, watch out for this.
MoFi inner sleeves for life! I've been sleeving my records with the disc behind the jacket for over a year from seeing your videos. So much more convenient and easier to gawk at colored vinyl lol
I was placing my records outside of the sleeve in the same manner as you until I noticed that with the record not being inside the sleeve will create a void that can crush the spline with the weight of all the records stacked against each other over time especially with the gatefolds as the splines are easily 1/8 of an inch wide . I've reverted to placing my records back in the inner sleeves due to this and I'd advise anyone else to do so . Over a few years the splines may end up crushed , flat or split due to the sleeves having this void !! Especially the double Lp's that are stuffed into a single sleeve . The splines are almost a 1/4 in wide . Over time gravity and weight will smush the splines , but it's ultimately your call to do so.
@@manchesterexplorer8519 Im very new to records but a possible solution could be a thin carboard or other material maybe in a sleeve of its own to protect the spline? At least for double/tripple LPs to keep it from being crushed
@@BrainDent Yes that would work but it's a bit of work to be honest as there's absolutely nothing wrong with leaving the record in the sleeve as this is how they've been stored since the 78 . I just see no point in my opinion to have the record outside of a protective sleeve to be honest as when you have them stored you're not going to see the record anyways . The only reason would be for display purposes to sell them such as this guy who owns a store .
"I'll probably die in this room." LMAO I completely understand that. I have only recently found your channel on RU-vid and am loving what you're putting out there.... Keep up the fantastic work.
I was placing my records outside of the sleeve in the same manner as you until I noticed that with the record not being inside the sleeve will create a void that can crush the spline with the weight of all the records stacked against each other over time especially with the gatefolds and double LP non gatefolds as the splines are easily 1/8 of an inch wide . I've reverted to placing my records back in the inner sleeves due to this and I'd advise anyone else to do so . Over a few years the splines may end up disfigured or split due to the sleeves having this void !! I understand why I used to place my records outside the sleeve due to convenience or to display but when you have over 300 records how often are you going to play the same record multiple times over a short period of time ? Odds are not to often , so this deletes the convenience aspect . We all have records that are 50+ years old that have been inside the sleeve since day #1 with no issues " don't try fixing things that aren't broken is my motto "
You may be packing them too tightly together which could also cause warping. If you keep the records inside the jackets that can cause ringwear over time and if you're sliding them in and out of the jacket a lot that can wear out the jacket seams.
@@wordtoyou4395 My records are not packed tightly as I'm well aware to not do so . But the simple fact is that the sleeves are made out of thin cardboard and the splines will flatten out over time especially the double LP's and Gatefolds. Again just my opinion but I reverted to placing my records back into the sleeves .
agreed, I have a large collection and don't like this method of storage either. For expensive jazz records that I want to protect the cover from splitting, I put the record in a new blank "dj style" sleeve and store that behind the cover, keeps it rigid and most of those are not gatefold. If you did want to store a gatefold with record outside the cover just place a 12" square of bubble wrap inside gatefold. but honestly I kinda just prefer the ritual of taking the record out of the cover!
@@JeffN-A Especially the double Lps that they stuff into a single sleeve , the Spline is almost a 1/4 inch wide on these as this is what brought my attention to this problem . They won't get smushed over night but over a period of time gravity and weight will do it's thing . I just insert my records in the half round poly sleeves as these sleeves do not bunch up like the square poly sleeves . Put them back where they belong and have no issues .
Dillion, as the old guy in the room back in the day we had to clean our lp's with isopropyl alcohol and a white cloth. We did have the plastic outer sleeves for that albums but those inner sleeves you had to get them from a company that cut vinyl and they came in a box of 100 so you would get a friend to go in half with you. I still don't understand the concept of putting the album behind the cover. I need to see the track listing and who's on the album, ah the ole days.
For storage all genres together, alphabetized by band/artist or composer in the case of classical, band member side projects will go in with the main band unless their output is big, then it gets alphabatized under their moniker. Chronological ordered within the artist/composer. Box sets stored seperately in their own 'cubes'. Good old Ikea cubes in black.
I think that vinyl storage solutions (from Canada) have outer sleeves with double pockets to store double LPs. Also, other solutions for gatefolds etc. I highly recommend their products. For now I just used their single pocket outers and 4mil inner rice-paper sleeves. Just perfect!
Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) is the BEST. They offer sealable sleeves with an outer pocket. Album jacket is protected and the vinyl sleeve slips into the outside pocket. Never touches or rubs the jacket. Use two for double album gatefolds!
A good alternative to the Ikea shelves is the 13-inch Cube Storage System from Target. They have assorted sizes, and come in 5 different colors. You can have them shipped to your local Target store. A few months ago, they were on sale at 50 percent off. Perhaps they'll run that sale again some day. I have minimal woodwoorking skills, and and was able to do a couple modifications to improve them. I added additional dividers in the middle of each cube (making each section 6.5 inches wide instead of 13). That really helps to keep the records from leaning too much. Also, I attached 1/4-inch plywood to the rear. Besides providing a stopping place for the record, it also makes the unit much more stable.
They discontinued the original line I think. They offer a new line that is upsized. They aren't mean to hold this kinda weight so you need to be careful with em.
Thanks for the great info. I’m starting to collect with my 15 year old son. He’s a classic rock guy just like me. We are having a great time with the hunt. We have about 100 records now so this video is exactly what we need. Now we can get our records cleaned up and stored properly. Thanks.
Super good tips!! “Record collecting is deeply personal.” Sooo true! Great tips on organizing your records. I tend to lose records in my own collection lol.
My go to sleeves are the SleevecityUSA resealable 3 mil outers, Mo-Fi original master anti-scratch inners, and I clean everything before playing it with a Spin Clean. I would love to get a machine like yours one day
I store mine very similar to you, except I turn the inner sleeve 90 degrees so the record won't fly out unprotected if someone turns the upside down. I run all my records (new and used) through my HumminGuru. Amazing for the price
hey bud have u ever noticed any sticky residue on your vinyl covers been stored in the plastic dust cover? ive seen some topic on discogs of what they say is lamination decomposing of the actual cover,,ive about 20 records with this sticky residue from just been stored,just wondering have ever had this problem,,my vinyls are all original like 30 40 yrs old u no like gnr nirvana pearl jam,,ive another 40 records with it not happening,,do u think they be sweating in plastic,,just wondering have u experienced this problem
awesome tips and tricks I think especially for beginners! One thing I'd like to add to the Kallax Part: Put the cartons in which your records come in the back of the shelf behind the records - that way the leaning of the whole shelf will reduce!
Hey Dillon, what’s up with the Grail Drop giveaway on your last video? A bunch of comments trying to get the individual’s address via a number to text. Appreciate a quick response. Comment hit about 30 minutes ago. Hope you are doing good
For storage - do not use PVC outer sleeves. It's the same material as the records are made of, and off gassing causes decay and damage to the records. You want sleeves with no chlorine - this is critical; PVC stands for poly vinyl chloride, and it contains chlorine. Polyethylene is safe, for example.
Nice informative video! Do you find that having the mofi sleeve AND the outer sleeve openings on the top allows more dust to get inside? Wouldn’t it be better to have the mofi inner sleeve opening facing the right or the left? If that makes sense
I do this, facing the mofi inner sleeve to either side, so no opening. Also if you keep your environment in condition regularly, this is hardly an issue. But I slide it in sideways, not the arrows facing up. Agree.
This is how I store my collection, generally with the inner sleeve opening facing left because if I pull the inner sleeve out and it's facing right then it's facing down when I take it out and the record can easily fall.
I got a question for ya'... So I have some LPs that come in jackets that are slightly bigger than the standard 12" jackets. Probably an eighth to a quarter inch longer. Having a tough time trying to find the outer sleeve protector for them. Do you know what size they happen to be, or what they're specifically called? Would appreciate the help. Cheers...
When buying old records it should be borne in mind that we used to take half a dozen albums to a party and they would just lie about outside the sleeves all night often on top of others. We didn’t know they would be collectible. I’m old skool and keep them inside the sleeves.
Let’s not forget stacking our records on the Player so we didn’t have to get up to change them as often. Those poor records fell on top of each other and then they would SPIN on top of each other!! Ahhhhh… the good ole days 😂❤️🔥
With a collection that large, I think I would use a computer database and numerical printed labels to go on the outside sleeves (not on the album cover). If you want to find something, call up the title on the database, find the reference number, and go to that number. You can organize your database by "mood" if you want to. Or label, or release date, or artist....whatever you want to put in the database.
I personally like to see the back of the album as well...some times the art is dope,and also that's where the songs are...I'd be willing to say a lot of us prop the record case up to display some how while listening,some times having the track list is nice...also sucks when your at a record store and they have the records like you do...yea,you can see the record,but if you don't know what the songs are you can only see one side of one record...then you gotta pull the record out anyway to read it...just my opinion and some food for thought.
Hey Dylan I finally adopted your record sleeve technique. The way you describe the regular way reminds me of that Mitch Hedberg joke about Pepperidge Farm bread: "I don't wanna have to open something and then open it again..."
Hey Dylan. What about used records that have more than just dust but grit? How do you initially clean those so that you are not spreading the grit around the record and marking it up even more. Can you lightly spray compressed air blow with s vacuum reversed?
Late to this video, but do you not find having the record outside the jacket causes the cardboard to squish? I’m new to collecting so looking for the best solution
what about eliminate smell odor from covers and when replace the inner sleeves do you throw away the old paper sleeve or keep inside the cardboard, dont find this kind of questions resolve.
I was hoping to ask a question, I have all my records put away in the way you recommended with the mofi inner sleeve outside the jacket in the back all housed in a good poly sleeve. I came to realize today that my wife didn't realize the mofi sleeve was in the back and slid one of our record between the outer poly sleeve and the outside of the mofi sleeve. I notcied when pulling it out to play like three days later. can the outer poly sleeve damage / scratch the vinyl? Im now paranoid and dont know if the little sibilance I hear now was there or not already.
Self-proclaimed credentials lie only within how an...(audiophile, record expert, etc)...handles their records. As a lifelong crate-digger myself, I think many longtimers could use a few views of the perfect demonstrations in this video. (Dillon: professor level, dude! 🙂)
If it’s a double album I’ll put both lp’s in the back. If it’s a triple album I put the lp’s in a separate outer sleeve from the cover. If it’s four lp’s or more I consider it a box set & keep them in the original box without an outer sleeve.
I put the record in the jacket. To me having the record stored outside the jacket only invites possible damage if something happened…heaven forbid! I’m old school😎
I agree it makes me nervous having the record "exposed" outside of the jacket. For records that I'm playing a lot I'll use the "behind the jacket" trick but otherwise back in the jacket it goes.
I started collecting vinyl again because I wanted the soundtracks to the Penny Dreadful series, and I could only find Season 1 on vinyl. I told myself it would be the only vinyl that I was going to buy. I told myself that almost 80 vinyl records ago. This video helps me a lot as I want to take care of my vinyl, so thank you.
😂 now there’s a 1st world problem.....the drama and complexity of removing your record from the cover. Don’t you wish you had a remote for that kind of drudgery 🤷♂️🤣😭
As a shop owner did you ever struggle with setting up your stock with stuff that you enjoy and you want to sell/would want to buy as opposed to popular stuff that people want to buy that you might not necessarily enjoy? eg, maybe you wanted your shop to be entirely psych and zamrock because that's your favourite stuff but that might not sell well compared to newer stuff.
Do you ever use gatefold plastic sleeves? When I discovered them it was a real game changer for my 2 xLPs, as they allow you to remove the records without taking the whole album out of the plastic sleeve.
I do store the record behind the album cover, but I feel safer flipping it so the rice paper side faces any potential dangers. Maybe no difference, it’s just me.
You have to make sure to replace the brush and pads on the vacuum arm regularly and wipe dust/dirt off otherwise you'll actually damage the records in a way that might nit be ovious at first glance because the marks follow the grooves but usually very visible in the deadwax and also at times in the dullness (loss of gloss) of the surface.
Those cleaners are nice... however, I never got a better clean than by doing it by hand using my rubber discwasher mat... I simply use distilled water and pure isopropyl at 20%... with a drop of dawn dish detergent... saturate the grooves and then DRY IT WITH A LINT FREE CLOTH INFUSED WITH PLASTIC SAFE PURE LOW VISCOSITY SILOCONE... OR CULINARY GRADE IF YOU CAN FIND IT. This last step is important... because the silicone will harmlessly bond to the vinyl surface and nearly 100% prevent any redepositing of dirt or haze on the disc. Silicone is the most important ingredient in this process.
How do you go about getting you collection insurance I have a massive collection of Queen memorabilia and am trying to insurance cover any advice would be appreciated its a private personal collection thank you
Hey Dillon, what about an intro to Krautrock video? I don’t know much about it but would love to learn. Maybe a collab with Michael from 45 RPM Audiophile?
Go to Wal-mart and get a can of Sprayway glass cleaner and a pack of lint free micro cloths. This will set you back approx 5.00. Go home and clean the the most foul dirty record you can fine. You may come back to this posting and thank me later. I have been cleaning my records with this for years and years.
check out Sleeve City Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Record Sleeves, best quality IMO, they dont bunch up and wrinkle as much as mofi inners, also for that style (rice paper with one side clear), I've had better luck with hudson hifi brand over mofi, because they lay flatter IMO. For outers check out BCW 4 mil polypropylene, they are crystal CLEAR and not cloudy like regular old poly outers. They make the colors of your lp covers POP! Try em 🍺
