I use spincare vinyl covers and hate that they slide off when putting them back in my racking, so have the vinyl cover opening at the top. Remembering my youth when the world was young, I don’t remember having to do this, with such flimsy covers.
Does anyone have a recommendation of good quality covers that show the spine of the record clearly and can be left on the sleeve as you remove the record?
Cheers
I don’t know a brand but I really like the crystal clear ones with a sealing flap at the open end so the cover just stays wrapped, and no sliding off. Think they may be Japanese, or styled after. I only have a few. Downside, they seem more fragile than the heavy duty usual ones - hence why I only have a few.
I use Covers 33. they seem fine and I certainly don’t worry about them sliding off as I put or pull albums off the shelf. They have different weight covers if that helps.
After experiencing the same frustration, I decided to go back to when I was young and ditch all (most) of my vinyl covers. It was liberating in that I no longer experience the same issues, my record collection is no worse for wear, and I have more space for records.
EDIT: It also looks like I how I remember a record collection looking. Nostalgia.
I think these are called “Blake” sleeves. I like these too and have been gradually adding them to my LP collection, replacing the old PVC covers that can cause leeching issues when they get hot.
This is one of my pet peeves at the moment especially when the shelves are starting to get filled up. I am looking at changing my storage rack to a draw based system so that I can just dig thru my collection.
This is what I’m looking at the moment.
Yeah, I ditched all my record covers when I reinstated my record system and it’s much better. Most are in a credenza and record cabinet, but not packed tight, with the reference stuff in a flip rack. The draw cabinets are also really nice looking and is great for flipping to. In fact I have all my CDs in flip trays too.
I’m very tempted to do this myself.
I like this solution.
Thanks everyone
Could it be your records are too tightly packed? Just a though
Martin
I don’t think so. I do try to have enough per cube to keep them vertical.
I’ve collected records for around 60 years and always stored albums with the opening at the top, doesn’t pull off then , I thought that was the idea. Spincare Density or Crystal are fine, I suffered a degree of “foxing” to some light coloured LP covers and inner sleeves that were stored without a vinyl cover, although they were on shelves against a north facing wall without much air circulation.
I would investigate Mint Sleeves, as they use a much denser grade of polypropylene but are still crystal clear, and far more durable than the ‘Blake Sleeves” (I have both in the racks). A whole host of variants to choose from, but I’ve settled on the ‘12" twin pocket & flaps’ for old valuable records where I want to minimise wear and tear to the LP jacket - all of my early Beatles Mono LPs are stored this way. For all other albums on the racks, the single flap 12" are great. I tend to have the flap opening at the top, so that I can just slip the LP and inner sleeve in behind the LP jacket.
A couple of things..
Firstly, they do a sample pack which is minimal cost and gives you ‘one of everything’ to understand the variants. Secondly, they do have very good offers during the usual promotional events such as Black Friday and New Year sales etc, usually with up to 25% off. But, they sell out of popular items quickly when the sales are on as the discounts are worth a bulk buy (which I did last Black Friday).
Inner sleeves: They are by far the best I’ve used! I like Mobile Fidelity, although I’ve found they can split, so the Spincare are a good alternative and feel better made. But… the Mint Sleeves 3mil inners feel much nicer to use, do not crumple when inserting the record back in either the LP jacket or polypropylene outer sleeve and feel ‘premium’ in every way.
Highly recommended.
Revolver stored in a twin pocket / twin flap outer…
Good work, have found some similar items here. Plan to slowly but gradually put all records 2x through the RCM and then slide them in these new covers.
Although this thread has made me think again, the thought of simply foregoing the external sleeves and have “nude” covers again feels quite liberating!!
Mint sleeves look very good. I will order a sample pack I think. Thanks
