Record Handling and Scuffing: are collectors doing this wrong?

I've posted many comments about record handling as a solution to the issue of surface scuffing. So I have decided to start a discussion about this topic. We are all too familiar with the sleeve scuffs on the surface of a record. This results from the sleeve scuffing on the record during removal and insertion back in the sleeve. Certainly the surface scuffs are not audible, but are they really welcome? Are record collectors and audiophiles (most of us) mishandling our records? What is the right way or wrong way to do this? or is this a matter of personal preference?

This discussion isn't specifically about storage, vertical vs flat, the inner sleeve orientation, outer poly sleeves, shelving options etc., although mention of these perfectly fine. I've entertained the thought about doing a video presentation (but for lack of an attractive set and lighting, and decent video gear not doable) Here are three videos that demonstrate different methods of handling a record, on how to remove and replace the record to its sleeve.

Which of these videos illustrate the correct method, or incorrect? or maybe not entirely correct?
One of the presenters makes concessions about being "too fussy". We as collectors and audiophiles should never feel the need to make excuses. A coin collector would never touch a proof copy. Likewise record collectors and audiophiles are not normal consumers, we are specialists on our areas of interest. Therefore handling and care of records are outside the "norm" of the average consumer... never feel the need to excuse the correct ways to care for your collectible items.

video 1:

video 2: Handle Records like a Pro

video 3: Clean Your LP Records

 

I related to the way the first guy handles the record. I've never held a record with my thumb over the hole like the second guy, it looks too awkward and unstable. Also never cleaned a record like the guys in the third video, but I'm sure that there are some people who would have liked to give some of my more exotic records that type of care.

And I also don't think cats should be handled in the way the first guy demonstrated.

 

First guy's method is what Cecil E. Watts recommended. Learned this habit when I was 8. The Cecil E. Watts "Guide To Record Care" is recommended reading to all on the subject. And still valid today. I dislike those who leave fingerprints behind, especially greasy ones.

 

I always clean every LP before playing, even new vinyl, and put them in new MoFi sleeves. I never use the original paper sleeves that were included with the LP but do save them to keep things original. I think this should solve the paper scuff issue.

 

+1

 

If you're inner sleeves are causing scuffs, removal method is not the problem the sleeves are.

I think either video 1 or 2 methods work to reduce the risk of getting fingerprints, etc on the records.

 

I use aftermarket plastic sleeves (not Mofi - I don't like those at all) for those albums that didn't come with a lined sleeve - and keep a pair of microfiber gloves next to the turntable for record handling. Any markings on my records weren't made by me, unless an accident occurred.

 

I was once very diligent about cleaning new records but I've grown lazy or just practical. If it looks good, I just play the new record. If I ever heard a difference, I'd start cleaning them again but it's just not there for me. Saving a generic white paper sleeve isn't my thing. I hate them and want them out of my life ASAP. It drives me nuts that a $20 to $30 new record can't give you a plastic or poly lined sleeve. Putting an expensive album in something that is going to damage it is upsetting. Just raise the price of an LP by ten cents and give me something that doesn't scuff.

I assume that all LPs are stuffed by hand at the pressing plant, in many cases the LP gets scuffed at that point. There is a lot of effort to make a good product that gets trampled on at the last moment.

 

Wow! A blast from the past!
I studied that Watts "Guide To Record Care". Still have it on my bookshelf. The info contained in those pages was a revelation to me back in the early '70s around the time I had just started my record collection.

 

I wasn't impressed by how he handled the cat either (though kittie's ego more than anything was injured) They want to be part of everything we do! I agree the finger over the spindle hole is awkward. The third video happens to be my favorite!

 

I have found most new records benefit from an initial cleaning as they can be very noisy but once cleaned they are very quiet in most cases. I have cleaned batches of brand new new albums with a Spin Clean before a final cleaning with a Record Doctor RCM and was amazed of all the debris, bits of vinyl and paper dust etc., left in the water of the Spin Clean.

I also have a vintage Stanton 881S, I bought new in 1980 on my SL-1210GR with an original low hour stylus, which are basically unobtainium now so want to make it last a long as possible as I love the sound of that cartridge.

Once I clean a record and put it in a new MoFi sleeve I will not clean it again unless I notice increasing surface noise so not a big hassle for me with upkeep.

I hear you on the plain paper sleeves but guess it part of my obsessive/ compulsiveness that I keep them and no big deal to stick back in the record jacket for safe keeping.

I agree it would be nice to get pristine shiny records with no paper scuffs but since they are not audible they don't bother me much. But also agree for what they charge for new LP's these days you would think they could spring for a poly lined paper sleeve like those that came on the Beatles remaster LP's I got for Christmas last year.

 

As careful as we all are (I know I am) it is amazing what an errant fingernail can do to the surface of an LP. I handle many LP's and once in a few hundred I slip (I'm not perfect) and am always aghast at how much damage a fingernail can do!! Those that bite theirs, well, probably can't relate....

I religiously swap all paper for poly of many different types - Mofi, Sleeve City, Square Deal - that's the first step. And always on the lookout for that certain type of paper outer / poly inner sleeve (all the manufacturers used them at some point, especially in the late 60's, early 70's) that leave that waviness / residue off-gas on them that doesn't wash off. There was a long thread on this recently.

 

The cart in question does seem to make a difference. When I was running a 2m black I would clean new records first. With a Lyra I don't hear any SN on a new clean record.

 

Sure but my point was new records are usually not clean when opened so why not clean them before playing? If you need to clean them to reduce the surface noise when using specific cartridge, like the 2M Black, wouldn't you want to clean the LP in any case so as not to expose your expensive stylus to the debris leftover from the manufacturing process and not risk damaging the new vinyl by grinding that debris into the grooves?

 

“Need to clean” means I can hear SN that can be removed. Micro particles that are assumed to be there and aussumed to be doing damage to my stylus but can’t be heard isn’t my thing.

There is proper care and then there is obsessive behavior. If I don’t have a problem I’m not looking for a solution. In all reality there wans’t that much SN with a 2m black on a new record but there was more.

 

There is no assumption being made here Dennis. I have verified through my own experience, of before and after cleaning , that brand new vinyl can have contaminates and debris left over from the Mfg process and from the packaging that can and will cause unwanted surface noise on playback. If my cleaning new records to guarantee a noise free experience and protecting my stylus makes me obsessive so be it. I am not passing any judgement here so if you prefer not to clean before playing that certainly is your choice. Too each his own.

 

I’m not anti cleaning records. I have a 16.5, buy the appropriate cleaning solution and rinse. I did just that for ever new record I purchased for years.

Time being what it is and never having enough of it, I just started opening and playing new records. It hasn’t seemed to slow me down. I buy new records almost every week. If I hear SN I’ll take it off, clean it or take it back. I in no way accept or enjoy a noisy record. That rarely if ever happens and I found it surprising considering how much time an effort I committed to cleaning over the years.

The cleaning thing is ripe for OCD tendencies. It’s ok to challenge your own beliefs. Go crazy. Buy a new record take it right out of the shrink and throw it on the table like a madman. But you probably should laminate that generic paper sleeve to preserve for future generations. You don’t want to lose that history.

 

The way to do it is to always insert your hand into the sleeve while separating the inner flaps. This way the record touches nothing until you close the flaps and nothing slides.
Preferably Plastic sleeves since they cause less friction and dont flake off, but I find Plastic lined Paper sleeves to be best since they are easier to spread.