Care And Feeding: Proper Record Care

Geoff Walker of the Pop-Up Record Sales in Marquette Michigan demonstrates how to hold a vinyl record properly to protect the delicate grooves. (photo by Erica McMillan)

Marquette Michigan – Generations have passed now since vinyl albums were the mainstream system for enjoying our favorite music. So as vinyl record collecting makes a comeback to new generations of listeners it’s only natural that many people out there may have no idea how to best care for their grooved vinyl discs.

Geoff Walker, of Marquette Pop-Up Store Record fame, shared with us some basic handling techniques to ensure your precious collections will give you quality listening enjoyment for years to come! First of all I’m going to recommend that you watch the 4 minute video as it will do more justice than my explanation. But in case you’re too impatient to watch, let me attempt to explain…

1. When taking records in and out of album jacket and sleeve (protective paper layer between vinyl and cardboard jacket) remove GENTLY. Sliding in and out roughly will cause seam tears (see video) due to the hard edge of the vinyl, which can cause the cardboard jacket to deteriorate quickly due to repeated pressure. A substantial seam tear can happen in just a few record slams into the inside of the jacket.
2. Never touch the grooves! When handling records always hold like a “pizza pie” with hole in the record center balanced on one finger and your thumb securing on the edge. You can also hold it by the edges between both hands which makes a fun way to spin/flip the record from side to side between your palms.

Why is it bad to touch the grooves? Your hands are full with oils (even if you’ve just washed them) which when transferred between the grooves of your vinyl record have a negative affect on sound quality. Surprisingly, even record cleaners have an affect on sound quality so it’s best to prevent the need for cleaning altogether by keeping them in good shape to begin with!

However, in the event that your vinyl does need a good cleaning, Geoff recommends using a carbon fiber brush that gets into the grooves and doesn’t hurt the vinyl.

Stay tuned for more album care advice from Geoff in the future or you can ask Geoff questions in person this weekend at the Pop-Up Record Store #8 at the Ore Dock Brewing Company in downtown Marquette. Don’t miss this awesome event featuring over 4000 records, beer, and food by Steinhaus (on select nights only)!

Thursday, March 26:  5pm – midnight
Friday, March 27:       noon – midnight
Saturday, March 28:  noon – midnight

Learn More About Vinyl With Geoff:

Tips For Record Care and Storage

Who Killed The Vinyl LP?

by Erica McMillan

Out of curiosity and necessity I have become accustomed to wearing many hats in life. The latest hat in my collection is as owner/publisher/author/photographer/videographer for Marquette Magazine. Among other things I am a doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, NMU student, and mother of 5... whew, I'm getting tired just writing that...

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