ConvertVinylRecordsToCDs.com

Even though you want to convert your vinyl records to CDs to create a permanent archive of the music, you still have a lot of time, money, and love invested in your vinyl collection and want to do everything you can to preserve it.  Because vinyl is a resilient light plastic made of PVC, it is considered the most stable of analog recording media.  Earlier records were made from acetate and other more fragile materials. This doesn’t mean that vinyl records can’t break, deteriorate, or be compromised in other fashions.  The way they are handled and stored has a large effect on their lifespan.

Handling

Handle your records from the edge and label center.  When removing the record from its jacket and its protective sleeve, tilt the jacket slowly until your hand can support the weight of the record by its edge.  When the record is ½ way out and the label center is exposed, support the edge of the record with your thumb and move your middle finger underneath to the center hole to support the weight while your thumb keeps it stable.  When your other hand is free, use both hands to handle the record from the edges only to place it on the turntable.

Turntable

Keep your needle clean using a soft brush designed for this purpose, and only clean from back to front.  Don’t play your records using a worn needle because it will damage your records.  Keep your turntable calibrated for the proper tracking and anti-skate for optimum playback and minimum record wear.

Cleaning
Keeping your vinyl records clean is important.  Playing a dirty record is one of the most damaging things you can do to it.  You should clean your records before and after each use.  Use distilled water and a lint-free cloth or a Discwasher kit.  Do not use and chemicals, not even alcohol as it can strip the protective surface of the record.  Vinyl records also have a tendency to become charged with static electricity and attract dust, lint and other particles in the air.  You can use anti-static products (that are not chemical based) to discharge the records to help keep them clean.

Storage

How you store your records when you are not using the is critical.  Store your records vertically and on a surface that allows the weight to be evenly distributed to prevent warping.  Do not keep records inside of the original cellophane wrapping from the store.  It could chemically react to it over a long period of time.  Replace the paper protective inner sleeves with polyethylene inner sleeves because the paper can deteriorate over time leaving residue on your records.  Do not use PVC inner sleeves because the chemical composition is to close to that of the record and they could fuse together.  Avoid exposure to sunlight and excessive temperature and humidity swings.  Also consider a protective covering for your album jacket to prevent color fade and yellowing over time.

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