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.