How to Preserve a Record Collection

Your priceless records might be irreplaceable in any format. With a light-tracking stylus and proper care, you can continue to get enjoyment from them for many years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carbon-fiber Record Brush
• Record-cleaning Machines
• Stylus Cleaning Brush
• Record-cleaning Kits
• Acid-free Tissue Paper

1. Wash hands before playing records.

2. Clean new or dirty records. (See "How to Clean a Vinyl Record.")

3. Handle records by rim and label areas only.

4. Clean stylus regularly. (See "How to Clean a Turntable Stylus.")

5. Replace stylus after 400-600 hours of play.

6. Make sure turntable tonearm is balanced properly.

7. Use lightest tracking force recommended for your cartridge.

8. Replace inner sleeves of your LPs with acid-free rice paper or high-density polyethylene sleeves.

9. Put away records immediately after playing them.

10. Store records in an upright position.

11. Use shelving made specifically for records, with sturdy dividers about 6 inches apart. Make sure cabinet can support 45 pounds per foot without shelves bowing.

12. Keep record cabinet in a cool, dry place. If that's not practical, store records in a room with a relatively constant temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid clear, hard plastic or plastic-lined sleeves. Plastic outer sleeves protect covers, but cause records to warp.

on 11/22/2005 Just use your common sense... be careful! This things are destroyable if not taken care of, but they're easy to take care of.

on 11/22/2005 Use the at least the minimum amount of tracking force required by the manufacturer. If the stylus is too light, it will skip easily and will not ride the bottom of the groove, destroying your vinyl quicker. Remember: Change that needle!