TRC Quick Guides: Records | The Revolver Club
Records are the most authentic way of consuming music. But as great as an experience it is, you must also be able to take proper care of your record collection!
This guide will provide you with everything there is to know about records and their maintenance.
Vinyl Record Anatomy
Vinyl record sales from 1995 to 2020
Vinyl records differs in their sizes based on the amount of music stored on their surfaces and their available speeds.
Records mainly come in 2 sizes:
Fun Fact:
In 1890s, only 10” records existed because 78 RPM motors were used in gramophones. The first 45 RPM record was released on 31 March 1949 by RCA Victor.
Why are records considered to be analog?
The process of analog recording involves using a microphone to turn the original sound into electrical analog signals, and imprinting them directly on vinyl records with spiral “grooves.”
Take a look at the differences between Analog and Digital audio:
Analog Audio | Digital Audio |
---|---|
Highest Sound Quality | Reduced Sound Quality |
Unlimited Bandwidth | Limited Bandwidth |
Denoted by Sine Waves | Denoted by Square Waves |
Less Versatile | More Versatile |
Has More Texture and Warm Sound | Lacks Texture and has Colder Sound |
How to store your record collection?
Records need to be stored in an upright position to ensure they stay in good condition and avoid warping. This is why records are often kept in crates that position them upright.
NEVER stack your records on top of one another.
Additionally, you should use inner and outer sleeves to prevent the records from getting scratches and scuff marks or even tears on that beautiful artwork.
How to clean you record collection?
There are 2 ways to go while cleaning your records:
1. Light Clean:
Light clean refers to cleaning the record with a record brush. It is a good practice to clean your records with a brush often. Light clean helps to get rid of dust over the surface and the grooves of the record.
2. Deep Clean:
Deep clean refers to using SpinClean to clean your records. It's a manual system composed of brushes, rollers and accompanying solution to clean your records. It helps to get rid of the dust inside the grooves as well.
Black vs Colored vinyl
All vinyl records are made of PVC, which is naturally colorless. To make the standard black vinyl color, black carbon is often added, which strengthens the PVC mix.
To make any other color, dyes are used instead of black carbon. These dyes do not strengthen the vinyl in the same way as black carbon, but the difference is negligible unless mistakes are made in the production process.
Record or Vinyl? What's more appropriate?
Records are made from several types of materials in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Vinyl is a specific material that records are made of. The terms are often used interchangeably since all modern records are normally made of vinyl.
At first, records were commonly made from shellac material. This changed when polyvinyl chloride was created. When records became increasingly popular, polyvinyl chloride was the most accessible material to make them with. Over the years, there has been no differentiation between records and vinyl. However, vinyl is a type of record.
Call it whatever you feel like!
Use these accessories to ensure long life of your records:
Browse our accessories collection here
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