For The Record

What goes around comes around, especially in the case of vinyl records. Through the years the technology evolved in sequential order from 8 track tapes, to cassette tapes, and now compact discs and MP3 players. Ironically, music has now come full circle. The evolution of technology will now enable the transfer of music from 45s and long-playing (LPs) records to compact discs (CDs), on what resembles a vintage 1950s record player. This device has created a renewed interest in vinyl records in antique shops, and the hunt is on for out of print records.

If you’re collecting for investments purposes, then carry the latest edition of Jerry Osborne’s “Official Price Guide to Records.” This guide not only lists the artists, but all the recording labels, the year of release, the price based on condition, and a whole lot more. Be aware that there were counterfeit copies made, and learn to identify them. From an investment standpoint, they won’t be worth what you’ll probably pay for them.

But if you’re collecting to copy the music to compact discs, audiophiles know to keep the following
things in mind when collecting vintage vinyls:

-Buy only in the best condition. Scratches will create ‘pops’ and ‘ticks’ on high density CDs.

-Continue to look for favorites in better condition than the one you previously purchased. This will enhance the value of your collection.

-Avoid buying sight unseen. Buying on-line is risky. This is a touchy-feely business and it’s best to inspect the product before purchasing.

-Clean the vinyl with a soft cloth and a commercial record-cleaning product before recording.

-Don’t overlook the album cover either. The graphics on the cover can add considerable value,especially if designed by pop artist icons like Peter Max or Andy Warhol. Again, buy in the best condition possible.

-Stack the record collection ‘standing up,’ not laying flat on top of each other. And definitely don’t store in a warm environment. These preventative measures will keep the vinyls from warping.

For a large selection of ‘oldies but goodies’, visit the Spring Antique located on the southwest corner of I-45 and FM 2910 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6 & Sun 1-6. For more information call 281-355-1110, also view their website at www.springantiquemall.com and visit their Facebook page.

What Goes Around, Comes Around...Records & Retro Record Cabinets

Nothing exemplifies the saying...”What goes around, comes around” better than phonograph records. The evolution of technology has created a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl, long-playing record albums. There are now dedicated turntable systems that are specifically designed to play albums and capture the music on your computer, and allows you to easily edit the pops and ticks. The two major products available for the conversion process: Audio-Technica, and the other ... Ion/Numark if you use a Mac computer.

Record albums are generally described by their size ("12-inch", "10-inch", "7-inch", etc.), the rotational speed at which they are played ("33 r.p.m.", "45", "78", etc.), their time capacity ("Long Playing"), their reproductive accuracy, or "fidelity", or the number of channels of audio provided ("Mono", "Stereo", "Quadraphonic", etc.). Originally four minutes in length, the discs needed to play at least 11 minutes to accompany a thousand-foot reel of 35mm film at 24 frames per second for movie soundtracks. The diameter of the disc was eventually increased from 10 inches (25 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm), and the speed was slowed to 33⅓ revolutions per minute.

Nostalgia typically dictates what sells, which is as varied as the individuals who collect records. The primary condition in which a record will be purchased is just that....condition. The better the condition, the more likely the record will sell. When storing or displaying record albums, do NOT stack flat. Stand them on edge to prevent damage and warping, and of course, for easier viewing. If not in pristine condition, a record may still have some redeeming value if the album cover is in very good condition and the graphics collectible. To determine the price on albums and covers, it’s best to do an Internet search to get the current values.

The popularity of record albums has spawned a renewed interest in vintage record player cabinets; retro 1950s being the most highly sought after, but through to the late 1970s also being collectible. The record player doesn’t have to be in working order as the conversion turntables can be mounted in them. Condition need not be a determining factor as Howard’s Restor-A-Finish can breathe new life into these old wood cabinets. Prices can be as low as $75 to over a thousand, with the older vintage commanding the higher prices. Occasionally one of these old stereo cabinets shows up at the Spring Antique Mall, but currently there’s a large selection of record albums available. The Spring Antique Mall is located at is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. For more information call 281-355-1110, the website is www.springantiquemall.com , and please become one of our friends on Facebook.