De-Vinyls!

The Vinyl Say

Although CDs and mp3s have revolutionized the music production industry, vinyl records and classic turntables still have their classic appeal.

By Mike McMillan.

33-rpm records allowed more music to be put on a single disc with better fidelity.

WINTER 2001

Most baby boomers remember the days when vinyl was as plentiful as water. Everyone had shelves of these huge black discs that contained everything from Neil Diamond to the Magical Mystery Tour. When CDs came out in the 1980s, records took a back seat to technology. Still, some North Country collectors hold on to these treasures that are now gaining value as their scarcity increases.

Records were a 19th century invention by the great Thomas Edison. His first records were cut into a tin foil cylinder. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the disc that we are familiar with today was invented. The disc was a flat circle that could be played horizontally. Before the 1950s, these discs were primarily 78-rpm records (the disc turned at a speed of 78 rpm). These 78-rpm discs, in good shape, fetch hundreds of dollars a piece in good condition, regardless of the artist.

In 1948, a new format of records brought change to the way people listen to records. The invention of 33-rpm records allowed for more music to be put on one record. Nearly 50 minutes of music can put on a single disc. The 1950s and 1960s brought rock 'n' roll to America, and vinyl was there to contain it. Many records released by the Beatles, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra can fetch thousands of dollars, depending on their rarity.

45-rpm records are also as much a part of record collecting as any other type of record. These records usually contained only one or two feature songs designed to promote the larger album. Singles like Elvis' Sun Records singles have fetched thousands of dollars.

Some Great Vinyl Finds...

Picture discs and colored vinyl are among the most sought-after records. Labels reserved colored vinyl only for special releases. The artwork on picture discs attracts collectors from almost any collecting genre.

By the late 1980s, most major record labels cut production of all records in favor of the popular cassette and compact disc format. Most vinyl is still put out by independent labels or in small quantities by major record labels. It is not until recently that record enthusiasts have taken to collecting them.

Marc Brannigan is a record collector in Plattsburgh who has been into them since his first Gary Newman record. Brannigan has accumulated a stash of nearly 500 records, many of which he would never part with.

"I know who I dated by the albums I used to have," he said. For many, records represent a time in history.

Any questions? Email us.

Record Care

Though records can be fun to listen to, the proper care is needed to insure that they'll be around in the future and maintain their value.

1. Records should be stored upright in a clean, dry area at around normal room temperature (70 degrees F). Heat and moisture can damage sleeves and records.

2. Plastic covers can be purchased to keep dust off sleves and records. These will also protect the condition of the sleeves.

3. Records should be cleaned before they are played. Alcohol can be used while cleaning vinyl, but small amounts of soap and water or a special vacuum-cleaning machine can be used to clean shellac records.

4. The stylus of the record player can become warn out over time. It should be replaced as often as the manufacturer recommends.

5. Handle the record with the edges and the label only. Much like a compact disc, finger smudges can dampen the fidelity of the record or cause it to skip.

6. Drop the needle only with the stylus raise/lower arm.

7. Placing the record between two pieces of glass and adding heat (from an iron or direct sunlight) to return it to its original shape can repair warped records. Metal can be substituted for glass.

8. The equipment must also be clean when playing records. The mat should be cleaned periodically. Always leave the dust cover down while the turn table isn't in use.