Memories Kevin
Memories Kevin
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Bringing Back Vinyl And Musical Memories
Are you one of those folks who has a basement corner or closet cluttered with dusty boxes of 45’s or long-playing vinyl LP’s? Do you hold onto those memories hoping that one day in the future you’ll once again be listening to the gentle crackling of your favourite tunes, that you now have at the press of your fingertips? Here are some tips and ideas to make those albums useful again.
If you still have a functional record player or are considering acquiring one, check the needle for damage or wear and if necessary replace it. This will help preserve your vinyl and minimize skipping, popping and hissing. There are numerous avenues to buy a new or used player: auction sites, private online sellers and electronics businesses; or stop in to your local second-hand store or electronics dealer for a great deal and an easy way to rejuvenate your love of wax. Records are making a comeback, so it should be fairly easy to find the accessories needed to get your music back on track.
Check your records for playability. If they are merely dusty or soiled, lightly dampen a chamois type cloth and clean the vinyl from the edge of the label outwards. One can also use a warm, gentle soapy solution on the vinyl, however it must be rinsed and dried. For those of you more serious audiophiles, there are other cleaning fluids available on the market that produce a similar result. It must be noted that thoroughly cleaning your records will indeed remove loose debris and some hissing and crackling but may not exponentially improve the sound of an album already badly scratched. When handling your albums, hold them by the edges with both hands so as not to potentially leave smudges on the playing surfaces. It is not a crime to touch the vinyl, however when free of marks it does provide clearer sound.
Since this form of media has stood the test of time and is becoming more popular again, one can also buy, sell and trade records online, at record stores and trade shows. If you are selling or trading make your product desirable: your vinyl should be clean, scratch-free and protected by a paper sleeve; if the album sleeve is not in brand new, sealed condition, insert it into a clear, plastic album protector for a professional look. Records are graded according to the condition of the vinyl and the album cover sleeve. There is no official regulation governing grade, however a record is most desirable in “very good, near mint, mint or sealed” condition. Serious sellers and buyers alike follow similar guidelines.
If you deem your records to be in dismal shape or are unable to improve their sound quality, there are other options to prevent them from finding their way to the landfill. Contact your local waste management group for vinyl recycling programs or offer them free for pick up through the online and paper classifieds. Recyclers and collectors can find numerous uses for these vintage treasures. If they are playable, donate them to a charity. You would be surprised as to who is hunting for that special record.
So, now that you have an arsenal of ideas as to how to bring your vinyl back, dust off your LP’s and 45’s, find an accessible shelf for your turntable or pass your albums on to an ever-growing group of folks finding comfort in this retro musical media.
About the Author
Kevin Osmond is a music-lover, recycler, internet marketer and outdoorsman trying to make a difference. Another unique idea for keeping vinyl from the landfill is to up-cycle to another usable form. Check out these affordable items at http://www.recycledlprecords.com/Products1.html
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