How To Store Vinyl Records

Post-Covid Singapore has attracted an influx of concerts (and ahem, scalpers) these couple of months. We had Blackpink in our area, and Cantopop’s heavenly kings, Aaron Kwok and Jacky Chueng, also belted nostalgic numbers. Our attempts to purchase concert tickets by Coldplay had us experience the famous lyrics of their song ‘Scientist’ – Nobody said it was easy; Taylor Swift has proven to Singapore that she can ‘still make the whole place shimmer.’

Anyone who has attended live concerts would know that one of their greatest appeals is the raw, authentic vocals. It is a knee-jerk reaction to satisfy the itch from a post-concert earworm, and the best format to represent live sound is from a vinyl record. With vinyl, the analog sound emanates in a lossless format that isn’t overly compressed – so the music and vocals sound closer to how artists sound live.

Vinyl records have made a remarkable comeback in recent years. One can spot tweens and the silver generation crate-digging at audiophile hotspots like The Adelphi. Vinyl bars such as Vertigo26 and Appetite have also sprung up to satiate our desire for good food and good music – the perfect combo for life. While vinyls have been celebrated for their warm, authentic sound, a humid climate like Singapore would mean these ‘discs with grooves’ require special care to maintain their quality and longevity. Here’s why we recommend vinyl collectors try self-storage with 24/7 air-con.

Preservation of Sound Quality

Vinyl records are susceptible to environmental conditions. Heat and humidity can warp the records, causing irreversible damage and compromising sound quality. The stable and cool temperature conditions in storage facilities like Storefriendly prevent discs from warping, thus, preserving the records’ flatness, leading to consistent playback. Maintaining optimal humidity levels also mitigates the risk of mold or mildew growth, which can lead to scratches or deterioration of the vinyl’s surface. By prioritizing climate-controlled storage, you safeguard your vinyl collection’s audio quality.

Protection Against Physical Damage

The sleeve jackets of vinyl records are crucial in preventing cracks or splits in vinyls. A cracked record would mean disrupting the grooves on the disc because that’s where the music lies – this compromises the audio experience. Storing your vinyl collection in a sheltered and cool place also offers a layer of protection against physical damage, ensuring that your records and their covers remain pristine.

Safekeeping from External Hazards

Do you know that vinyl records with dust and dirt create a cracking sound during playback? Collectors can store their precious records in a self-storage facility. The facility acts as a barrier against these potential threats, preventing dust particles from settling on the vinyl’s surfaces. If you’d like to retrieve a certain record anytime, self-storage units like Storefriendly are always open – yes, all 7 storage facilities nationwide.

Here are some additional care tips for your records:

• Wrap your vinyls in acid-free paper to protect them from dust and scratches.
•  Store your records in an upright position to prevent warping.
•  Regularly check your discs to spot and correct early signs of damage immediately.
•  Upkeep the condition of your records by investing in a vinyl-cleaning equipment, or a vinyl cleaning kit.

If you’d like to make space at home while preserving and growing your vinyl collection, contact Storefriendly; our space experts will gladly assist you.